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’ll be able to journey earlier than you start coming residence once more.

It’s an expansive and delightful nation and the best retreat for distant staff 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, full of 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 stable and the espresso is superb – a visit to New Zealand is completely value it.

Whether or not you’re mountaineering 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 loads 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, every week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and every week exploring the South Island.

Shifting so regularly inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working abilities and commonly 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.

Afterward, I’ll talk about a few the very best coworking areas in New Zealand and a number of 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 buddies.

Is New Zealand Secure?

New Zealand is one of many most secure nations you’ll be able to go to. Crime charges are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I all the time felt utterly secure 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 chill out after 3 months of being on guard!

Whereas New Zealand is usually secure, it’s value noting the nation is vulnerable to earthquakes as a result of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fireplace. Earthquake preparedness is a part of every day life and lots 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 largest cities and cities. Listed here are the very best locations to contemplate residing 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 essentially the most acquainted huge metropolis vibe of anyplace 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.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the lovely and in style 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 surprising place to remain.

When you’re in search of a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a improbable alternative. It’s full of nice eating places, glorious purchasing, and iconic landmarks. Its walkable streets and easy-to-use public transport make it a handy base for exploring.

For a extra laid-back vibe, Ponsonby is an space value 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 contemporary 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 superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
2. Whale Watching: Among the best 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 Struggle 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 in the future – 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 take in panoramic views from the commentary deck. The perfect views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a good choice 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 superb for digital nomads. There’s an enormous cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.

There’s loads to do while you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your means 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 Reside 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 the town heart.

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

When you’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 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 below are 5 Christchurch sights to attempt in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this in style spot full of native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and unbiased bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll via superbly curated gardens, chill out 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 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 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 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 gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from price range hostels to cozy residences and high-end accommodations, catering to each digital nomad.

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

Greatest Areas to Reside 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 full of comfy laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the very best place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.

When you favor 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. It is a in style exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to ebook your spot at this time.
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 in contrast to every other 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 solely 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 via 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 gourmand 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 stylish bar scene make it simple to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an incredible spot for exploring too.

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

Greatest Areas to Reside 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. Situated only a quick stroll from the town heart, this neighborhood gives gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an incredible 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 observe an incredible 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 predominant 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 full of 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 a lovely seashore and many 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 fantastic 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 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 big quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and an incredible consuming tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is residence to distinctive wildlife and out of doors adventures together with mountaineering 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 Reside in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the guts of the town and an incredible alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and many historic attraction, you’ll have every little thing you want throughout a keep right here, together with purchasing, eating, and native sights.

North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s near the 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, superb 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 house to chill out 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 the town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This in style tour usually sells out. Click on right here to ebook 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 on your style buds and also you’ll be taught loads in regards to the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra data.

How one can Discover Lodging in New Zealand

When you 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 useful software for reserving every little thing from hostels to luxurious residences. Reserving.com usually 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 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 most important home sitting website in the marketplace commonly 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 verify 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.

Price of Dwelling in New Zealand

I used to be pleasantly shocked by the price of residing in New Zealand. Even within the greater cities, most issues felt pretty affordable, right here’s the breakdown:

Eating places and Groceries

Eating out is akin to most US and UK locations. You possibly can 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 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 often 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 below $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will differ drastically throughout the nation relying on whether or not you intend to remain within the greater cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the largest metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis residences 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 secure public transport methods. Throughout my time in Auckland, I regularly used the ferry to take me straight throughout the water into the guts of the town heart.

Utilizing Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public transport begin at round $2.50 per journey and may 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 method to journey, quick journeys price $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, 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 knowledge in minutes.

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

Information-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay not less than $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 seems like an incredible thought 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 cost effective however by purchasing 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 all the time useful for choosing up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is likely one of the most lovely nations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good open air and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountaineering, 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 have been dry and nice. That is once I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.

The perfect time to journey to New Zealand will depend on your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer season (December to February) is nice for seashores and mountaineering, 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 carry excessive journey demand. For superb circumstances, spring or early autumn each stability nice climate and fewer vacationers.

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

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

Professionals of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Beautiful Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand really is likely one of the most lovely nations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
• Laid-Again Way of life: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life stability and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear setting, glorious healthcare, and a powerful training system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions akin to mountaineering, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly accessible.
• Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to dwell.

Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Excessive Price of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities may 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 Danger: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fireplace, 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 selected digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff usually make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Take into account that solely sure nations 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 laws (working whereas on a vacationer visa is often not permitted).

At all times 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 data. 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 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!