It was at all times a dream of mine to expertise being a digital nomad in New Zealand, and I lately made that dream a actuality. As somebody from the UK, New Zealand is about so far as you’ll be able to journey earlier than you start coming residence once more.
It’s an expansive and delightful nation and the best retreat for distant staff searching for a slower tempo tinged with loads of journey, tradition, and enjoyable. I’ve by no means visited anyplace fairly like New Zealand and I can’t wait to inform you all about it.
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About New Zealand
New Zealand is an island within the Pacific, full of jaw-dropping landscapes and plenty of alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and large cities, it’s fashionable with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
With simply over 5 million calling it residence, you’ll really feel welcome wherever you go. Regardless of it being so distant, the WiFi is stable and the espresso is superb – a visit to New Zealand is completely price it.
Whether or not you’re mountain climbing in Queenstown, ingesting in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s hot springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s a lot to maintain you impressed and entertained.
Residing in New Zealand As a Digital Nomad (Private Expertise)
I spent precisely a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time was cut up between a 2-week house sit in Auckland, per week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and per week exploring the South Island.
Transferring so incessantly inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working abilities and repeatedly discovered new locations to arrange my laptop. Fortunately, I discovered that even a number of the most distant New Zealand cities had been well-suited for digital nomads.
Afterward, I’ll focus on a few the perfect coworking areas in New Zealand and a number of the finest cafes I discovered that made nice spots for distant working. Though I used to be over ten thousand miles from residence, I at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and pals.
Is New Zealand Protected?
New Zealand is one of the safest countries you can visit. Crime rates are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I at all times felt utterly protected exploring; whether or not within the rural countryside, distant cities, and even the larger cities.
Not like its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few pure predators. You received’t discover harmful snakes or lethal spiders right here, simply loads of sheep and birds. I traveled to NZ straight from Australia so it was good to loosen up after 3 months of being on guard!
Whereas New Zealand is mostly protected, it’s price noting the nation is prone to earthquakes because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquake preparedness is a part of day by day life and plenty of buildings are designed to face up to tremors.
Finest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand
I used to be lucky to journey round lots of the nation’s greatest cities and cities. Listed below are the perfect locations to think about dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:
1. Auckland
Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is home to the bulk of the country’s population. Subsequently, it has essentially the most acquainted huge metropolis vibe of anyplace I visited in New Zealand.
The town skyline, particularly the enduring Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of the town and offers it a real metropolitan really feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the best location.
Finest Areas to Reside in Auckland
All of my time in Auckland was spent house sitting within the lovely and fashionable suburb of Devonport. It’s only a brief hop throughout the water by the ferry or accessible by the Harbour Bridge. Vacationers flock right here and it was a surprising place to remain.
In case you’re in search of a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a incredible selection. It’s full of nice eating places, wonderful purchasing, and iconic landmarks. Its walkable streets and easy-to-use public transport make it a handy base for exploring.
For a extra laid-back vibe, Ponsonby is an space price contemplating. You’ll discover cool cafes, distinctive shops, and a busy nightlife and social scene right here. This beautiful little residential neighborhood gives a mix of recent facilities and unbiased appeal.
Coworking Areas in Auckland
Issues to Do in Auckland
Listed below are 5 enjoyable issues in Auckland to fill your free time with:
- Climb Mount Eden: A superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
- Whale Watching: Top-of-the-line issues I did in New Zealand was a marine eco-safari. Make a journey aboard a luxurious catamaran and observe orcas and dolphins of their pure habitat. Book your unforgettable adventure today.
- Discover the Auckland Warfare Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a surprising heritage constructing. Get your tickets right here.
- Lord of the Rings Expertise: Discover two of New Zealand’s iconic sights in in the future – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click here for more information.
- Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or in case you desire, merely absorb panoramic views from the statement deck. One of the best views within the metropolis! Find it here.
2. Christchurch
Christchurch is a good possibility for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It gives a pleasant combine of recent amenities and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s perfect for digital nomads. There’s a giant cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.
There’s a lot to do once you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your approach across the Riverside Farmers Market. The town has a relaxed really feel to it and life in New Zealand feels considerably slower right here than in Auckland.
Finest Areas to Reside in Christchurch
Riccarton is a incredible neighborhood for digital nomads and is the place I stayed for 2 brief spells within the metropolis. The spotlight for me was the peaceable stroll by way of Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into the town heart.
For a extra energetic expertise, Christchurch’s CBD is difficult to beat. This revitalized space is alive with bars, eating places, and the town’s finest coworking areas. Being near hotspots like Riverside Market and the Avon River is good for digital nomads.
In case you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a good decide. It’s residence to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s excellent for centered workdays and has quick access to the CBD and close by parks.
Coworking Areas in Christchurch
Issues to Do in Christchurch
Whenever you’re not working, listed here are 5 Christchurch sights to attempt in your spare time:
- Riverside Market: Discover this fashionable spot full of native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and unbiased bars.
- Botanic Gardens: Stroll by way of superbly curated gardens, loosen up by the river, or take pleasure in a picnic in a tranquil setting.
- Tram, Punt, and Gondola: Tick off 3 superior actions on land and water with a sightseeing tour on the well-known classic Christchurch Tram, plus punting and a gondola journey on the Avon. Take a look at this great tour I discovered that features all three.
- Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at one among New Zealand’s prime sights. It’s the following neatest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click here to pre-book your tickets.
- Go Wine Tasting: New Zealand is legendary for its wine, so why not spend a pleasant day within the scenic countryside surrounded by vineyards? Go to three wineries and luxuriate in a mouthwatering lunch. Click here for details.
3. Queenstown
Queenstown is a serious NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from price range hostels to cozy residences and high-end motels, catering to each digital nomad.
Outdoors work, journey can be proper in your doorstep. Go mountain climbing, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic ambiance and artistic neighborhood make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.
Finest Areas to Reside in Queenstown
Frankton is a sensible selection for any digital nomad working in New Zealand. It’s the place I stayed throughout my go to to Queenstown. Its proximity to the airport is tremendous handy, and the cafe scene supplied all of the WiFi and caffeine I wanted.
For these eager to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s town center is good. This busy space is full of comfy laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the perfect place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.
In case you desire a quieter vibe, Fernhill gives a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city heart. Right here, the primary profit is the breathtaking lake and mountain views – it’s a very inspiring place to arrange your laptop computer.
Coworking Areas in Queenstown
Issues to Do in Queenstown
You received’t be bored in Queenstown; listed here are my prime 5 actions to get you began:
- White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s gorgeous rivers. It is a fashionable exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click here to ebook your spot in the present day.
- Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime sights! Trip the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill in contrast to another in one of the crucial lovely locations on earth. Find it here.
- Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher option to see Queenstown’s breathtaking landscapes than to soar over all of it on a helicopter tour? This expertise is solely unforgettable, click here to order your once-in-a-lifetime flight now.
- Jet Boating on Shotover River: One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Velocity by way of slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat journey, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click here for details.
- Vineyard and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and luxuriate in gourmand delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious time out, you received’t remorse it. Click here to study extra about this nice day tour.
4. Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is a metropolis constructed for digital nomads. The cafe tradition and relaxed fashionable bar scene make it straightforward to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an important spot for exploring too.
For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has a lot to supply nonetheless. The town’s energetic vitality and creative ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name residence for some time.
Finest Areas to Reside in Wellington
Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and energetic ambiance. Cuba Street is true across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool outlets and bars. It’s the proper place to unwind after a productive day on the laptop computer.
For a quieter however nonetheless related spot, head to Mount Victoria. Situated only a brief stroll from the town heart, this neighborhood gives gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an important place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.
Wellington CBD is at all times a wonderful possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to every part the town has to supply. There’s a pleasant selection of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the proper base to observe an important work-life balance.
Coworking Areas in Wellington
Issues to Do in Wellington
Make time to slot in these 5 prime Wellington actions:
- Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automotive Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s major highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a journey on the enduring cable automotive. Click here to book your tickets.
- Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings motion pictures, or reap the benefits of a tour full of much more motion. Click here for details on the half-day tour to get you started.
- Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a soothing ferry journey to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is residence to a ravishing seaside and plenty of nature to take pleasure in. Book your ferry tickets here.
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Dive into New Zealand’s wealthy tradition and historical past at Te Papa, the nation’s nationwide museum. Click here for skip-the-line tickets and fast-track entry.
- Martinborough Vineyard Tour: Sip on positive wines and luxuriate in a scrumptious lunch as you tour Martinborough’s well-known wineries. Don’t miss out and click here to book your tour, including transfers today.
5. Dunedin
Let’s end with a wild card. Dunedin is a stunning metropolis on the South Island that mixes loads of pure magnificence with a major quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and an important ingesting tradition.
The close by Otago Peninsula is residence to distinctive wildlife and out of doors adventures together with mountain climbing and kayaking. Dunedin additionally has a thriving arts and music scene, so there’s at all times one thing to discover throughout your downtime.
Finest Areas to Reside in Dunedin
Central Dunedin is the guts of the town and an important selection for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and plenty of historic appeal, you’ll have every part you want throughout a keep right here, together with purchasing, eating, and native sights.
North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s near the University of Otago, which provides it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. General the world is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, perfect for work-life stability.
St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seaside vibe however loads of trendy facilities. Keep right here for the views and luxuriate in entry to unbelievable close by nature, excellent for outdoor-loving digital nomads.
Coworking Areas in Dunedin
Issues to Do in Dunedin
Listed below are my prime issues to do in Dunedin:
- Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, lovely area to loosen up and unwind surrounded by nature. Click here for details.
- Speights Brewery Tour: Uncover the historical past behind New Zealand’s iconic Speights beer with a brewery tour. The well-known drink originates from Dunedin and this tour is a should for beer lovers! Click here for more details.
- Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover the perfect of Dunedin, from the town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This fashionable tour typically sells out. Click here to book your tour.
- 3-Hour Artisan Meals Tour: Savor the flavors of Dunedin’s finest native produce with this scrumptious artisan strolling meals tour. It’s an actual deal with in your style buds and also you’ll study lots in regards to the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click here for more information.
Methods to Discover Lodging in New Zealand
In case you plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, hold your lodging choices open. Listed below are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:
1. Booking.com: A useful software for reserving every part from hostels to luxurious residences. Booking.com typically permits for no pre-payment, free cancelation, and value matching, making it a traveler’s budgeting dream.
2. Airbnb: Whether or not you’re planning a metropolis heart keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has plenty of selections on each islands. All the time play together with your dates to see in case you can hit sure low cost markers.
3. Trusted Housesitters: Save on all of your lodging prices by securing a home sit. The most important home sitting web site in the marketplace repeatedly has listings throughout New Zealand. I secured a 2-week keep in Auckland and Goats On The Road readers get a particular 25% low cost by clicking this link.
4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo gives a spread of properties at aggressive costs. You’ll want to test each to safe the perfect costs and mess around together with your size of keep to see if it can save you cash by reserving for longer.
Price of Residing in New Zealand
I used to be pleasantly stunned by the price of dwelling in New Zealand. Even within the greater cities, most issues felt pretty affordable, right here’s the breakdown:
Eating places and Groceries
Eating out is similar to most US and UK locations. You possibly can count on to pay round $15 for a casual meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually talking, the test for an honest dinner out will simply set you again $80-$100.
Like most locations, you’ll by no means be removed from a pleasant espresso store. Your normal brew will normally value $3 wherever you might be in NZ. Meat may be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, rooster, and particularly lamb are routinely under $5/lb.
Lodging Prices
Costs will range drastically throughout the nation relying on whether or not you intend to remain within the greater cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the largest metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis residences value upwards of $1200/month, with $200 utilities on prime.
If planning a brief keep, refine your searches utilizing the choices mentioned within the earlier lodging part. You’ll discover a full vary of choices throughout New Zealand, from shared hostel dorms and Airbnb rooms to luxurious residences.
Transportation Prices in New Zealand
The entire main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and protected public transport methods. Throughout my time in Auckland, I incessantly used the ferry to take me instantly throughout the water into the guts of the town heart.
Utilizing Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public transport begin at round $2.50 per trip and could be bought on-line, through an app, or in individual at a kiosk.
Uber is broadly used all through New Zealand and is an reasonably priced and handy option to journey, brief journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot greater than within the US or Australia – a gallon of gas was above $6 throughout my keep!
SIM Playing cards, Information, and WiFi
Getting related in New Zealand is a easy and easy course of. Strolling by way of airport arrivals at 10 pm, a One NZ store was open for enterprise and had me up and operating with limitless calls, messages, and 10GB of knowledge in minutes.
My plan value me $30/month and was excellent for my wants. There are official shops for the primary distributors equivalent to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.
Information-only SIMS are cheaper however count on to pay no less than $15/month to get absolutely arrange and related with a fundamental bundle.
Cash Saving Ideas for New Zealand
- Home Sit: Save on all of your lodging prices by securing home sits in New Zealand. I did it for half of my keep and you may learn all about it on this Auckland house sitting guide.
- Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automotive seems like an important thought however is extremely uneconomical. Price range airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
- Store Round: There are a number of fashionable supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought-about the most affordable however by purchasing round you’ll discover totally different bargains in several shops.
- Op Store: Thrift shops and op outlets are prevalent all through NZ and are at all times useful for choosing up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
- Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is without doubt one of the most lovely nations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good outside and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountain climbing, pure magnificence, and seaside life throughout your keep.
Climate in New Zealand
New Zealand experiences four distinct seasons, providing various climate all year long. October is the guts of spring within the southern hemisphere, and temperatures had been dry and nice. That is after I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.
One of the best time to journey to New Zealand relies on your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer season (December to February) is nice for seashores and mountain climbing, whereas winter (June to August) attracts skiers. Spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and milder climate.
There’s no hurricane season, however the scorching climate round holidays like Christmas and New Yr can carry excessive journey demand. For perfect situations, spring or early autumn each stability nice climate and fewer vacationers.
Execs and Cons of Residing in New Zealand
Like every place on the earth, dwelling in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I discovered throughout my keep:
Execs of Residing in New Zealand
- Gorgeous Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand really is without doubt one of the most lovely nations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
- Laid-Again Way of life: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life stability and low stress ranges.
- Excessive High quality of Life: A clear setting, wonderful healthcare, and a robust schooling system contribute to total well-being.
- Journey Alternatives: Actions equivalent to mountain climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly out there.
- Protected and Peaceable: Low crime rates and political stability make it a safe place to stay.
Cons of Residing in New Zealand
- Excessive Price of Residing: Housing, groceries, and utilities can be expensive, particularly in cities like Auckland.
- Distant Location: Its distance from different nations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield expensive and time-consuming.
- Earthquake Threat: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, that means that earthquakes are a typical pure hazard.
- Bugs and Sandflies: Sure areas, particularly close to water, are recognized for irritating sandflies and mosquitoes.
Digital Nomad Visa for New Zealand
New Zealand doesn’t presently provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff typically make the most of the Visitor Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Remember the fact that solely certain countries are eligible and sure standards have to be met.
For American and Canadian residents a visa-free journey settlement permits stays of as much as 90 days, whereas Brits can keep for as much as 6 months. Distant staff want to make sure they adjust to laws (working whereas on a vacationer visa is normally not permitted).
All the time comprehensively analysis the visa scenario based mostly by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your personal authorities’s web site will provide all the mandatory data. Click on right here to study extra about working holiday visas in NZ.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad information to New Zealand has impressed you to make it your subsequent distant working base. I liked my time there and might’t wait to return and discover some extra.
Whether or not you take pleasure in breathtaking pure landscapes, quaint cities, or the draw of the massive metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely fitted to digital nomads. Get pleasure from your travels!
