Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in New Zealand

It was at all times a dream of mine to expertise being a digital nomad in New Zealand, and I not too long ago made that dream a actuality. As somebody from the UK, New Zealand is about so far as you possibly can journey earlier than you start coming residence once more.

It’s an expansive and delightful nation and the best retreat for distant employees looking for a slower tempo tinged with loads of journey, tradition, and enjoyable. I’ve by no means visited wherever 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, filled with jaw-dropping landscapes and many alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and massive cities, it’s in style 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 strong and the espresso is wonderful – a visit to New Zealand is completely value it.

Whether or not you’re climbing in Queenstown, ingesting in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s sizzling springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s lots to maintain you impressed and entertained.

Dwelling in New Zealand As a Digital Nomad (Private Expertise)

I spent precisely a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time was break up between a 2-week home sit in Auckland, per week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and per week exploring the South Island.

Shifting so steadily inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working expertise and often discovered new locations to arrange my laptop computer. Fortunately, I discovered that even a number of the most distant New Zealand cities have been well-suited for digital nomads.

In a while, I’ll talk about 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 associates.

Is New Zealand Secure?

New Zealand is one of many most secure international locations you possibly can go to. Crime charges 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 usually protected, it’s value noting the nation is vulnerable to earthquakes as a consequence of its location on the Pacific Ring of Hearth. Earthquake preparedness is a part of every day life and lots of buildings are designed to resist tremors.

Finest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

I used to be lucky to journey round most of the nation’s largest cities and cities. Listed here are the perfect locations to think about dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 giant harbors is residence to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has probably the most acquainted large metropolis vibe of wherever I visited in New Zealand.

Town skyline, particularly the enduring Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of the town and provides it a real metropolitan really feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the best location.

Finest Areas to Stay in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the stunning and in style 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.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a unbelievable alternative. It’s filled with nice eating places, glorious procuring, 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 value contemplating. You’ll discover cool cafes, distinctive shops, and a busy nightlife and social scene right here. This pretty little residential neighborhood gives a mix of contemporary facilities and unbiased allure.

Coworking Areas in Auckland

Issues to Do in Auckland

Listed here are 5 enjoyable issues in Auckland to fill your free time with:

1. Climb Mount Eden: A superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
2. 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. E book your unforgettable journey at present.
3. Discover the Auckland Warfare Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a surprising heritage constructing. Get your tickets proper right here.
4. Lord of the Rings Expertise: Discover two of New Zealand’s iconic sights in at some point – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Film Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click on right here for extra info.
5. Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or should you desire, merely absorb panoramic views from the statement deck. The very best views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a superb possibility for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It gives a pleasant combine of contemporary services and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s very best for digital nomads. There’s a giant cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.

There’s lots to do if you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your manner across the Riverside Farmers Market. Town has a relaxed really feel to it and life in New Zealand feels considerably slower right here than in Auckland.

Finest Areas to Stay in Christchurch

Riccarton is a unbelievable 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 Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into the town heart.

For a extra full of life 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 right for digital nomads.

If you happen to’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a superb choose. It’s residence to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s good for targeted workdays and has easy accessibility to the CBD and close by parks.

Coworking Areas in Christchurch

Issues to Do in Christchurch

If you’re not working, listed below are 5 Christchurch sights to attempt in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this in style spot crammed with native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and unbiased bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by superbly curated gardens, loosen up by the river, or take pleasure in a picnic in a tranquil setting.
3. 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 nice tour I discovered that features all three.
4. Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at one in all New Zealand’s prime sights. It’s the following neatest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click on right here to pre-book your tickets.
5. 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 revel in a mouthwatering lunch. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Queenstown

Queenstown is a significant NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from price range hostels to cozy residences and high-end lodges, catering to each digital nomad.

Exterior work, journey might be proper in your doorstep. Go climbing, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic ambiance and inventive group make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.

Finest Areas to Stay in Queenstown

Frankton is a sensible alternative 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 offered all of the WiFi and caffeine I wanted.

For these desirous to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s city heart is right. This busy space is filled with snug laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the perfect place to satisfy different digital nomads and ex-pats.

If you happen to 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 really inspiring place to arrange your laptop computer.

Coworking Areas in Queenstown

Issues to Do in Queenstown

You received’t be bored in Queenstown; listed below are my prime 5 actions to get you began:

1. White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s gorgeous rivers. This can be a in style exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to ebook your spot at present.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime sights! Journey the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like some other in some of the stunning locations on earth. Discover it right here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher solution to see Queenstown’s breathtaking landscapes than to soar over all of it on a helicopter tour? This expertise is just unforgettable, click on right here to order your once-in-a-lifetime flight now.
4. Jet Boating on Shotover River: Some of the enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Velocity by slender canyons on an exhilarating jet boat journey, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click on right here for particulars.
5. Vineyard and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and revel in connoisseur delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious day trip, you received’t remorse it. Click on right here to be taught 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 simple to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it a fantastic spot for exploring too.

For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has lots to supply nonetheless. Town’s full of life power and creative ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name residence for some time.

Finest Areas to Stay in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and full of life ambiance. Cuba Avenue is correct across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool outlets and bars. It’s the right place to unwind after a productive day on the laptop computer.

For a quieter however nonetheless related spot, head to Mount Victoria. Positioned only a brief stroll from the town heart, this neighborhood gives gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s a fantastic place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is at all times a superb possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to all the things the town has to supply. There’s a pleasant alternative of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the right base to observe a fantastic work-life steadiness.

Coworking Areas in Wellington

Issues to Do in Wellington

Make time to slot in these 5 prime Wellington actions:

1. Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automotive Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s fundamental highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a journey on the enduring cable automobile. Click on right here to ebook your tickets.
2. Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings films, or make the most of a tour filled with much more motion. Click on right here for particulars on the half-day tour to get you began.
3. 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 an exquisite seaside and many nature to take pleasure in. E book your ferry tickets right here.
4. 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 on right here for skip-the-line tickets and fast-track entry.
5. Martinborough Vineyard Tour: Sip on high quality wines and revel in a scrumptious lunch as you tour Martinborough’s well-known wineries. Don’t miss out and click on right here to ebook your tour, together with transfers at present.

5. Dunedin

Let’s end with a wild card. Dunedin is a beautiful metropolis on the South Island that mixes loads of pure magnificence with a big quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and a fantastic ingesting tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is residence to distinctive wildlife and outside adventures together with 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 Stay in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the center of the town and a fantastic alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and many historic allure, you’ll have all the things you want throughout a keep right here, together with procuring, eating, and native sights.

North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s near the College of Otago, which provides it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. Total the realm is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, very best for work-life steadiness.

St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seaside vibe however loads of fashionable facilities. Keep right here for the views and revel in entry to unbelievable close by nature, good for outdoor-loving digital nomads.

Coworking Areas in Dunedin

Issues to Do in Dunedin

Listed here are my prime issues to do in Dunedin:

1. Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, stunning area to loosen up and unwind surrounded by nature. Click on right here for particulars.
2. 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 on right here for extra particulars.
3. Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover the perfect of Dunedin, from the town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This in style tour typically sells out. Click on right here to ebook your tour.
4. 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 on your style buds and also you’ll be taught so much concerning the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra info.

Methods to Discover Lodging in New Zealand

If you happen to plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, preserve your lodging choices open. Listed here are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:

1. Reserving.com: A useful software for reserving all the things from hostels to luxurious residences. Reserving.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 along with your dates to see should 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 often has listings throughout New Zealand. I secured a 2-week keep in Auckland and Goats On The Highway readers get a particular 25% low cost by clicking this hyperlink.

4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo gives a spread of properties at aggressive costs. Be sure you test each to safe the perfect costs and mess around along with your size of keep to see if it can save you cash by reserving for longer.

Price of Dwelling 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 cheap, right here’s the breakdown:

Eating places and Groceries

Eating out is corresponding to most US and UK locations. You may anticipate to pay round $15 for an off-the-cuff meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Typically 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 price $3 wherever you’re in NZ. Meat may be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, rooster, and particularly lamb are routinely underneath $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will fluctuate drastically throughout the nation relying on whether or not you propose to remain within the greater cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the largest metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis residences price 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

All the main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and protected public transport methods. Throughout my time in Auckland, I steadily used the ferry to take me straight throughout the water into the center of the town heart.

Utilizing Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public transport begin at round $2.50 per journey and could be bought on-line, through an app, or in particular person at a kiosk.

Uber is extensively used all through New Zealand and is an reasonably priced and handy solution to journey, brief journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot greater than within the US or Australia – a gallon of gasoline was above $6 throughout my keep!

SIM Playing cards, Knowledge, and WiFi

Getting related in New Zealand is a easy and easy course of. Strolling by 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 price me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official shops for the primary distributors comparable to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.

Knowledge-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay at the very least $15/month to get absolutely arrange and related with a fundamental package deal.

Cash Saving Suggestions for New Zealand

1. 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 home sitting information.
2. Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automobile feels like a fantastic concept however is extremely uneconomical. Finances airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
3. Store Round: There are a number of in style supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought of the most affordable however by procuring round you’ll discover completely different bargains in numerous shops.
4. 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.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is among the most stunning international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good open air and benefit from the alternative for loads of climbing, pure magnificence, and seaside life throughout your keep.

Climate in New Zealand

New Zealand experiences 4 distinct seasons, providing various climate all year long. October is the center of spring within the southern hemisphere, and temperatures have been dry and nice. That is after I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.

The very best time to journey to New Zealand is dependent upon your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer season (December to February) is nice for seashores and climbing, whereas winter (June to August) attracts skiers. Spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and milder climate.

There’s no hurricane season, however the sizzling climate round holidays like Christmas and New 12 months can deliver excessive journey demand. For very best circumstances, spring or early autumn each steadiness nice climate and fewer vacationers.

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

Like every place on the planet, dwelling in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:

Professionals of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Gorgeous Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand really is among the most stunning international locations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
• Laid-Again Life-style: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life steadiness and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear setting, glorious healthcare, and a powerful training system contribute to general well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions comparable to climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively obtainable.
• Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to stay.

Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Excessive Price of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities could be costly, particularly in cities like Auckland.
• Distant Location: Its distance from different international locations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield expensive and time-consuming.
• Earthquake Danger: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Hearth, which means that earthquakes are a typical pure hazard.
• Bugs and Sandflies: Sure areas, particularly close to water, are identified for irritating sandflies and mosquitoes.

Digital Nomad Visa for New Zealand

New Zealand doesn’t at the moment provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant employees typically make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Remember the fact that solely sure international locations 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 employees want to make sure they adjust to rules (working whereas on a vacationer visa is normally not permitted).

All the time comprehensively analysis the visa state of affairs based mostly by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your individual authorities’s web site will provide all the required info. Click on right here to be taught extra about working vacation 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 beloved my time there and may’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 large metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely suited to digital nomads. Get pleasure from your travels!