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 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 dwelling once more.

It’s an expansive and delightful nation and the best retreat for distant employees looking for a slower tempo tinged with loads of journey, tradition, and enjoyable. I’ve by no means visited wherever fairly like New Zealand and I can’t wait to inform you all about it.

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About New Zealand

New Zealand is an island within the Pacific, full of jaw-dropping landscapes and plenty of alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and large cities, it’s standard 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 stable and the espresso is wonderful – a visit to New Zealand is completely value it.

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

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

I spent precisely a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time was 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 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 a number of the most distant New Zealand cities had been well-suited for digital nomads.

Afterward, I’ll focus on 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 dwelling, I at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and mates.

Is New Zealand Protected?

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 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 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 usually secure, it’s value noting the nation is liable to earthquakes as a consequence of its location on the Pacific Ring of Hearth. Earthquake preparedness is a part of day by 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 below are the very best locations to think about residing as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 giant harbors is dwelling to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has essentially the most acquainted massive 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 best location.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the lovely and standard 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.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a implausible 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 pretty little residential neighborhood presents a mix of contemporary 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 superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of 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. Ebook your unforgettable journey immediately.
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 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 the event you choose, merely take in panoramic views from the statement deck. The very best 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 contemporary services and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s excellent for digital nomads. There’s a giant cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.

There’s lots to do if you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your approach 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 implausible 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 Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into town middle.

For a extra vigorous expertise, Christchurch’s CBD is tough 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.

If you happen to’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a superb choose. It’s dwelling 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

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

1. Riverside Market: Discover this standard spot crammed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and impartial bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by 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. Try 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 high sights. It’s the following neatest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click on right here to pre-book your tickets.
5. Go Wine Tasting: New Zealand is known 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 significant NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from finances hostels to cozy flats and high-end accommodations, catering to each digital nomad.

Exterior work, journey might 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 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 middle is good. This busy space is full of snug laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the very best place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.

If you happen to choose a quieter vibe, Fernhill presents 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 below 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 gorgeous rivers. This can be a standard exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to ebook your spot immediately.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s high sights! Journey the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill in contrast to some other in one of the vital lovely locations on earth. Discover it right here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher technique 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 crucial enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Pace by 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 time out, 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 simple to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an amazing spot for exploring too.

For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has lots to supply nonetheless. Town’s vigorous power and inventive environment lend itself to an inspiring place to name dwelling for some time.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and vigorous environment. Cuba Avenue is true 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 linked spot, head to Mount Victoria. Positioned only a quick stroll from town middle, this neighborhood presents gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an amazing place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

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

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 Automobile Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s essential highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a trip on the enduring cable automotive. Click on right here to ebook your tickets.
2. Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming areas from the Lord of the Rings motion pictures, or reap the benefits 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 trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is dwelling to an attractive seaside and plenty of nature to get pleasure from. Ebook 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 advantageous 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 ebook your tour, together with transfers immediately.

5. Dunedin

Let’s end with a wild card. Dunedin is a beautiful metropolis on the South Island that mixes loads of pure magnificence with a big quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and an amazing ingesting 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 at all times one thing to discover throughout your downtime.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the center of town and an amazing alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and plenty of historic allure, you’ll have the whole lot 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 supplies it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. Total the world is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, excellent for work-life stability.

St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seaside vibe however loads of fashionable 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 area to loosen up and unwind surrounded by nature. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Speights Brewery Tour: Uncover the historical past behind New Zealand’s iconic Speights beer with a brewery tour. The well-known drink originates from Dunedin and this tour is a should for beer lovers! Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover the very best of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This standard 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 study loads concerning the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra data.

Learn how to Discover Lodging in New Zealand

If you happen to 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 useful device for reserving the whole lot from hostels to luxurious flats. 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 middle keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has numerous selections on each islands. At all times play together 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 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 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’ll want to examine each to safe the very 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 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 similar to most US and UK locations. You may 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 examine 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 commonplace brew will normally value $3 wherever you’re in NZ. Meat may be very inexpensive in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, rooster, 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 greater cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the largest metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis flats value 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 flats.

Transportation Prices in New Zealand

The entire main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, inexpensive, and secure public transport programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I incessantly used the ferry to take me immediately 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 could be bought on-line, by way of an app, or in individual at a kiosk.

Uber is extensively used all through New Zealand and is an inexpensive and handy technique to journey, quick journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot increased than within the US or Australia – a gallon of fuel 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 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 good for my wants. There are official retailers for the principle distributors equivalent to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.

Information-only SIMS are cheaper however count on to pay at the very least $15/month to get absolutely arrange and linked 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 practice or automotive seems like an amazing thought however is extremely uneconomical. Funds 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 standard supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought of the most affordable however by purchasing 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 at all times useful for selecting 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 nice outdoor and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountain climbing, pure magnificence, and seaside life throughout your keep.

Climate in New Zealand

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

The very best time to journey to New Zealand depends upon 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 convey excessive journey demand. For excellent situations, spring or early autumn each stability nice climate and fewer vacationers.

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

Like several place on this planet, 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 actually is without doubt 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 stability and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear atmosphere, glorious healthcare, and a powerful training system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions equivalent to mountain climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively out there.
• Protected and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to stay.

Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Excessive Value of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities could be costly, particularly in cities like Auckland.
• Distant Location: Its distance from different international locations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield expensive and time-consuming.
• Earthquake 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 identified for irritating sandflies and mosquitoes.

Digital Nomad Visa for New Zealand

New Zealand doesn’t at the moment supply a selected digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees usually make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Remember the fact that solely sure international locations are eligible and sure standards 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 employees want to make sure they adjust to laws (working whereas on a vacationer visa is normally not permitted).

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