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 may journey earlier than you start coming residence once more.

It’s an expansive and delightful nation and the perfect retreat for distant employees searching 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 plenty of alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and massive cities, it’s well-liked 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 superb – a visit to New Zealand is completely price it.

Whether or not you’re climbing in Queenstown, consuming in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s scorching springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s a lot 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 cut 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.

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

Afterward, I’ll talk about a few the very best coworking areas in New Zealand and a few 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 Secure?

New Zealand is one of many most secure international locations you may 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.

In contrast to its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few pure predators. You gained’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 vulnerable to earthquakes as a consequence of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fireplace. Earthquake preparedness is a part of every day life and plenty of buildings are designed to resist tremors.

Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

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

1. Auckland

Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is residence to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has essentially 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 town and offers it a real metropolitan really feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the perfect location.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the lovely and well-liked suburb of Devonport. It’s only a quick hop throughout the water by the ferry or accessible by the Harbour Bridge. Vacationers flock right here and it was a shocking place to remain.

For those who’re searching for a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a improbable alternative. It’s filled with nice eating places, glorious buying, 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 pretty little residential neighborhood provides 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:

1. Climb Mount Eden: A superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of 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. Guide your unforgettable journey at this time.
3. Discover the Auckland Warfare Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a shocking 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 data.
5. Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or in case you favor, merely absorb panoramic views from the statement deck. The most effective views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a good choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It provides a pleasant combine of recent amenities and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s very best for digital nomads. There’s an enormous cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.

There’s a lot to do whenever you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your method 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.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Christchurch

Riccarton is a improbable neighborhood for digital nomads and is the place I stayed for 2 quick spells within the metropolis. The spotlight for me was the peaceable stroll via Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into town middle.

For a extra full of life expertise, Christchurch’s CBD is difficult to beat. This revitalized space is alive with bars, eating places, and town’s finest coworking areas. Being near hotspots like Riverside Market and the Avon River is right for digital nomads.

For those who’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 good for targeted workdays and has easy accessibility 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:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this well-liked spot crammed with native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and unbiased bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll via fantastically curated gardens, loosen up by the river, or get pleasure from 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 trip 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 certainly one of New Zealand’s high sights. It’s the subsequent smartest 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 luxuriate in a mouthwatering lunch. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Queenstown

Queenstown is a serious NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Lodging choices vary from finances hostels to cozy residences and high-end resorts, catering to each digital nomad.

Outdoors work, journey shall be proper in your doorstep. Go climbing, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic ambiance and artistic neighborhood make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.

Greatest Areas to Dwell 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 middle is right. This busy space is filled with comfy laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the very best place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.

For those who favor a quieter vibe, Fernhill provides a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city middle. Right here, the principle 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 gained’t be bored in Queenstown; listed here are my high 5 actions to get you began:

1. White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s beautiful rivers. It is a well-liked exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to guide your spot at this time.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s high sights! Trip the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill in contrast to another in one of the vital lovely locations on earth. Discover it right here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher method 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: One of the vital enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Pace via slender canyons on an exhilarating jet boat trip, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click on right here for particulars.
5. 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 day trip, you gained’t remorse it. Click on right 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 ideal spot for exploring too.

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

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and full of life ambiance. Cuba Avenue 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. Positioned only a quick stroll from town middle, this neighborhood provides beautiful views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an ideal place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is at all times a wonderful choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to every part town has to supply. There’s a pleasant alternative of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the proper base to follow an ideal work-life steadiness.

Coworking Areas in Wellington

Issues to Do in Wellington

Make time to slot in these 5 high Wellington actions:

1. Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automotive Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s important highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a trip on the enduring cable automotive. Click on right here to guide your tickets.
2. Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings motion pictures, 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 trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is residence to a fantastic seashore and plenty of nature to get pleasure from. Guide 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 superb wines and luxuriate in a scrumptious lunch as you tour Martinborough’s well-known wineries. Don’t miss out and click on right here to guide your tour, together with transfers at this time.

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 major quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has beautiful structure and an ideal consuming 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.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the guts of town and an ideal alternative 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 buying, 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. General the world is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, very best for work-life steadiness.

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

Coworking Areas in Dunedin

Issues to Do in Dunedin

Listed below are my high issues to do in Dunedin:

1. Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, lovely house 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 very best of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the beautiful Otago Peninsula. This well-liked tour usually sells out. Click on right here to guide 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 to your style buds and also you’ll study loads in regards to the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra data.

The best way to Discover Lodging in New Zealand

For those who 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. Reserving.com: A helpful instrument for reserving every part from hostels to luxurious residences. Reserving.com usually permits for no pre-payment, free cancelation, and worth matching, making it a traveler’s budgeting dream.

2. Airbnb: Whether or not you’re planning a metropolis middle keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has plenty of decisions on each islands. At all times play along 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 largest home sitting web site in the marketplace recurrently 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 provides a variety of properties at aggressive costs. Make sure you examine each to safe the very best costs and mess around along with your size of keep to see if it can save you cash by reserving for longer.

Value of Dwelling in New Zealand

I used to be pleasantly stunned by the price of dwelling in New Zealand. Even within the larger 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 possibly can count on to pay round $15 for an off-the-cuff meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually talking, the examine for a good 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 might be in NZ. Meat could be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, hen, and particularly lamb are routinely underneath $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will range vastly throughout the nation relying on whether or not you intend to remain within the larger 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 high.

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 programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I steadily used the ferry to take me straight throughout the water into the guts of town middle.

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

Uber is extensively used all through New Zealand and is an reasonably priced and handy method to journey, quick journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot larger than within the US or Australia – a gallon of fuel 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 via 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 information in minutes.

My plan price me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official shops for the principle distributors similar to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.

Information-only SIMS are cheaper however count on to pay a minimum of $15/month to get absolutely arrange and related with a primary bundle.

Cash Saving Ideas 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’ll learn all about it on this Auckland home sitting information.
2. Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automotive appears like an ideal thought however is extremely uneconomical. Price range 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 well-liked supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought-about the most cost effective however by buying round you’ll discover totally different bargains in numerous shops.
4. Op Store: Thrift shops and op outlets are prevalent all through NZ and are at all times helpful for selecting up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is likely one of the most lovely international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good outdoor and benefit from the alternative for loads of climbing, pure magnificence, and seashore life throughout your keep.

Climate in New Zealand

New Zealand experiences 4 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 once I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.

The most effective 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 scorching climate round holidays like Christmas and New Yr can convey excessive journey demand. For very best circumstances, spring or early autumn each steadiness nice climate and fewer vacationers.

Execs and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

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

Execs of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Gorgeous Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is likely one of the most lovely international locations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
• Laid-Again Way of life: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life steadiness and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear surroundings, glorious healthcare, and a robust training system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions similar to climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively out there.
• Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to dwell.

Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Excessive Value of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities will 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 Fireplace, which means that earthquakes are a standard 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 usually make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Understand 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).

At all times comprehensively analysis the visa scenario based mostly by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your individual authorities’s web site will provide all the required data. Click on right here to study 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 liked my time there and may’t wait to return and discover some extra.

Whether or not you get pleasure from breathtaking pure landscapes, quaint cities, or the draw of the large metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely fitted to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!