Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in New Zealand

It was all the time a dream of mine to expertise being a digital nomad in New Zealand, and I just lately 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 best retreat for distant staff 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 let you know 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 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 strong 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 scorching 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 cut up between a 2-week home sit in Auckland, every week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and every week exploring the South Island.

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

Afterward, I’ll focus on a few one of the best coworking areas in New Zealand and among the greatest cafes I discovered that made nice spots for distant working. Though I used to be over ten thousand miles from residence, I all the time felt well-connected to my work, household, and mates.

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 all the time 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 price noting the nation is vulnerable to earthquakes on account of its location on the Pacific Ring of Hearth. Earthquake preparedness is a part of each day life and lots of buildings are designed to face up to tremors.

Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

I used to be lucky to journey round lots of the nation’s largest cities and cities. Listed here are one of the best locations to contemplate 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 probably the most acquainted large metropolis vibe of wherever I visited in New Zealand.

The town skyline, particularly the long-lasting Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of town and offers it a real metropolitan really feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the best location.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the lovely and fashionable 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 on the lookout for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a unbelievable selection. It’s filled with nice eating places, wonderful 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 beautiful little residential neighborhood gives a mix of recent facilities and unbiased attraction.

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 wonderful hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of town and surrounding countryside.
2. Whale Watching: Probably the greatest 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 as we speak.
3. Discover the Auckland Battle 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 sooner or later – 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 when you desire, merely absorb panoramic views from the remark deck. One of the best views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

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

There’s lots to do once you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your means 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.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Christchurch

Riccarton is a unbelievable 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 by way of 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 greatest coworking areas. Being near hotspots like Riverside Market and the Avon River is good for digital nomads.

For those who’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a good choose. It’s residence to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back environment. It’s good for centered workdays and has easy accessibility to the CBD and close by parks.

Coworking Areas in Christchurch

Issues to Do in Christchurch

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

1. Riverside Market: Discover this fashionable spot stuffed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and unbiased bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by way of fantastically 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 experience 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 prime sights. It’s the subsequent 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 serious NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Lodging choices vary from funds hostels to cozy flats and high-end inns, 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 environment and artistic group make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.

Greatest Areas to Dwell 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 offered all of the WiFi and caffeine I wanted.

For these eager to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s city middle is good. This busy space is filled with comfy laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally one of the best place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.

For those who desire a quieter vibe, Fernhill gives 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 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 here 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 beautiful rivers. This can be a fashionable exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to e-book your spot as we speak.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime sights! Experience the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like every other in probably the most lovely locations on earth. Discover it right here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher strategy 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. Velocity by way of slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat experience, 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 straightforward to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an excellent spot for exploring too.

For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has lots to supply nonetheless. The town’s full of life power and inventive environment 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 environment. Cuba Road is true across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool retailers and bars. It’s the right place to unwind after a productive day on the laptop computer.

For a quieter however nonetheless linked spot, head to Mount Victoria. Situated only a quick stroll from town middle, this neighborhood gives beautiful views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an excellent place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is all the time a wonderful possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to the whole lot town has to supply. There’s a pleasant selection of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and inexpensive lodging choices; making it the right base to apply an excellent work-life stability.

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 major highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a experience on the long-lasting cable automobile. Click on right here to e-book 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 reap the benefits 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 calming ferry experience to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is residence to a stupendous seashore 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 effective 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 e-book your tour, together with transfers as we speak.

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 big quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has beautiful structure and an excellent ingesting tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is residence to distinctive wildlife and outside adventures together with mountain climbing and kayaking. Dunedin additionally has a thriving arts and music scene, so there’s all the time one thing to discover throughout your downtime.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the center of town and an excellent selection for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few first rate coworking areas, and many historic attraction, you’ll have the whole lot 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 supplies it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. General the world is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, preferrred for work-life stability.

St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seashore vibe however loads of trendy 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, lovely 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 one of the best of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the beautiful Otago Peninsula. This fashionable tour typically sells out. Click on right here to e-book your tour.
4. 3-Hour Artisan Meals Tour: Savor the flavors of Dunedin’s greatest native produce with this scrumptious artisan strolling meals tour. It’s an actual deal with to your style buds and also you’ll be taught quite a bit concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra info.

How you can Discover Lodging in New Zealand

For those who plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, hold your lodging choices open. Listed here are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:

1. Reserving.com: A helpful software for reserving the whole lot from hostels to luxurious flats. 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 middle keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has numerous decisions on each islands. At all times play together with your dates to see when 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 available on the market 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 gives a variety of properties at aggressive costs. You should definitely test each to safe one of the best costs and mess around together 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 similar 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. Typically talking, the test 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 commonplace brew will often price $3 wherever you might be in NZ. Meat could be very inexpensive in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, hen, and particularly lamb are routinely underneath $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will range enormously 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 flats 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 flats.

Transportation Prices in New Zealand

All the main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, inexpensive, and protected public transport techniques. Throughout my time in Auckland, I incessantly used the ferry to take me straight throughout the water into the center 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 may 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 inexpensive and handy strategy to journey, quick journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are often a lot increased than within the US or Australia – a gallon of gasoline was above $6 throughout my keep!

SIM Playing cards, Information, and WiFi

Getting linked 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 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 not less than $15/month to get absolutely arrange and linked with a primary package deal.

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 automobile seems like an excellent 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 selection of fashionable supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought-about the most cost effective however by buying round you’ll discover totally different bargains in several shops.
4. Op Store: Thrift shops and op retailers are prevalent all through NZ and are all the time helpful for choosing up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is without doubt 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 mountain 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 center 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.

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 12 months can deliver excessive journey demand. For preferrred circumstances, spring or early autumn each stability nice climate and fewer vacationers.

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

Like every place on the earth, 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 actually is without doubt one of the most lovely international locations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
• Laid-Again Life-style: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life stability and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear surroundings, wonderful healthcare, and a powerful schooling system contribute to general well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions similar to mountain 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 dwell.

Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Excessive Value of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities may 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, that 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 present provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff typically make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Remember that solely sure international locations are eligible and sure standards should 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 rules (working whereas on a vacationer visa is often not permitted).

At all times comprehensively analysis the visa state of affairs primarily based by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your personal 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 cherished 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 large metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely fitted to digital nomads. Get pleasure from your travels!