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 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 dwelling once more.

It’s an expansive and exquisite nation and the perfect retreat for distant employees in search of 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 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 plenty of alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and large cities, it’s common with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

With simply over 5 million calling it dwelling, 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 value it.

Whether or not you’re mountain climbing in Queenstown, consuming in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s sizzling 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, every week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and every week exploring the South Island.

Transferring so steadily inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working abilities and frequently 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 focus on a few the perfect 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 dwelling, I all the time felt well-connected to my work, household, and pals.

Is New Zealand Secure?

New Zealand is one of many most secure nations you possibly can 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 calm down after 3 months of being on guard!

Whereas New Zealand is usually protected, it’s value noting the nation is susceptible to earthquakes as a consequence 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.

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 below are the perfect locations to contemplate dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is dwelling to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has essentially the most acquainted massive metropolis vibe of anyplace I visited in New Zealand.

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

Finest Areas to Dwell in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the stunning and common 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 shocking place to remain.

In the event you’re in search of a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a unbelievable 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 value contemplating. You’ll discover cool cafes, distinctive shops, and a busy nightlife and social scene right here. This pretty little residential neighborhood presents a mix of recent facilities and impartial allure.

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 wonderful hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
2. Whale Watching: The most effective 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 this time.
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 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 in the event you favor, merely take in panoramic views from the remark deck. The most effective views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a superb choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It presents a pleasant combine of recent amenities and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s splendid for digital nomads. There’s a giant 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 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 Dwell 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 way of Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into the town heart.

For a extra vigorous 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 the event you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a superb decide. It’s dwelling to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s excellent 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 below are 5 Christchurch sights to attempt in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this common spot crammed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and impartial bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by way of superbly curated gardens, calm down 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 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 one in every of New Zealand’s prime 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 known 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 gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from price range hostels to cozy residences and high-end lodges, catering to each digital nomad.

Outdoors work, journey will probably be proper in your doorstep. Go mountain 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 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 supplied all of the WiFi and caffeine I wanted.

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

In the event you favor a quieter vibe, Fernhill presents a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city heart. 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 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 common exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to e book your spot at this time.
2. 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 every other in one of the vital stunning 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 solely unforgettable, click on right here to order your once-in-a-lifetime flight now.
4. Jet Boating on Shotover River: Probably the most enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Velocity by way of slender 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 gourmand delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious time out, 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 awesome spot for exploring too.

For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has a lot to supply nonetheless. The town’s vigorous vitality and creative ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name dwelling for some time.

Finest Areas to Dwell in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and vigorous ambiance. Cuba Avenue is correct across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool retailers 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 presents gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an awesome place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is all the time a wonderful choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to every little thing the 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 awesome 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 Automobile Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s foremost highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a experience on the long-lasting cable automotive. Click on right here to e book your tickets.
2. Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming areas 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 experience to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is dwelling to a stupendous seashore and plenty of nature to get pleasure from. 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 superb 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 at this time.

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. Identified for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and an awesome consuming tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is dwelling 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.

Finest Areas to Dwell in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the center of the town and an awesome alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and plenty of historic allure, you’ll have every little thing 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 realm is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, splendid 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, 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:

1. Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, stunning house to calm down 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 common 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 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 quite a bit in regards to the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra info.

How one can Discover Lodging in New Zealand

In the event 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. Reserving.com: A helpful device for reserving every little thing 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 numerous selections on each islands. All the time play along with your dates to see in the event 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 frequently has listings throughout New Zealand. I secured a 2-week keep in Auckland and Goats On The Street readers get a particular 25% low cost by clicking this hyperlink.

4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo presents a spread of properties at aggressive costs. You should definitely verify 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’ll be able to anticipate to pay round $15 for an informal meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Typically talking, the verify 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 often value $3 wherever you’re in NZ. Meat could be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, hen, and particularly lamb are routinely below $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will differ 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 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

All the main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and protected public transport techniques. 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 might 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 strategy to journey, brief journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are often a lot greater than within the US or Australia – a gallon of fuel was above $6 throughout my keep!

SIM Playing cards, Knowledge, and WiFi

Getting related in New Zealand is a clean 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 working with limitless calls, messages, and 10GB of information in minutes.

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

Knowledge-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay a minimum of $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’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 seems like an awesome 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 common supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought of the most affordable however by buying round you’ll discover totally different bargains in numerous shops.
4. Op Store: Thrift shops and op retailers are prevalent all through NZ and are all the time helpful for selecting up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is without doubt one of the most stunning nations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the nice open air 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.

The most effective time to journey to New Zealand is determined by your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer time (December to February) is nice for seashores and mountain climbing, whereas winter (June to August) attracts skiers. Spring and autumn supply fewer crowds and milder climate.

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

Professionals 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 discovered 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 stunning 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 surroundings, glorious healthcare, and a powerful training system contribute to general well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions comparable to mountain climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly 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 might be costly, particularly in cities like Auckland.
• Distant Location: Its distance from different nations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield pricey and time-consuming.
• Earthquake Threat: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Hearth, that means that earthquakes are a standard 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 at present supply 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. Understand that solely sure nations 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 laws (working whereas on a vacationer visa is often not permitted).

All the time comprehensively analysis the visa scenario primarily based by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your individual authorities’s web site will provide all the mandatory 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 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!