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 house once more.
It’s an expansive and delightful nation and the perfect retreat for distant employees searching for a slower tempo tinged with loads of journey, tradition, and enjoyable. I’ve by no means visited wherever fairly like New Zealand and I can’t wait to inform you all about it.
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About New Zealand
New Zealand is an island within the Pacific, filled with jaw-dropping landscapes and 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 house, 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 mountaineering 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 loads to maintain you impressed and entertained.
Residing 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.
Transferring so regularly 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 have been well-suited for digital nomads.
In a while, I’ll talk about a few the perfect 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 house, 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 may go to. Crime charges are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I all the time felt fully secure exploring; whether or not within the rural countryside, distant cities, and even the larger cities.
In contrast to its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few pure predators. You gained’t discover harmful snakes or lethal spiders right here, simply loads of sheep and birds. I traveled to NZ straight from Australia so it was good to calm down after 3 months of being on guard!
Whereas New Zealand is mostly secure, it’s value noting the nation is liable to earthquakes resulting from its location on the Pacific Ring of Hearth. Earthquake preparedness is a part of every 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 lots of the nation’s greatest cities and cities. Listed here are the perfect locations to contemplate residing as a digital nomad in New Zealand:
1. Auckland
Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is house to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has essentially the most acquainted huge metropolis vibe of wherever I visited in New Zealand.
The town skyline, particularly the enduring Sky Tower, typifies the financial prowess of town and offers it a real metropolitan really feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the perfect location.
Finest Areas to Stay 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 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 searching for a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a improbable alternative. It’s filled with nice eating places, glorious buying, and iconic landmarks. Its walkable streets and easy-to-use public transport make it a handy base for exploring.
For a extra laid-back vibe, Ponsonby is an space 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 unbiased appeal.
Coworking Areas in Auckland
Issues to Do in Auckland
Listed here are 5 enjoyable issues in Auckland to fill your free time with:
- Climb Mount Eden: A superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of town and surrounding countryside.
- 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. Guide your unforgettable journey at the moment.
- 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.
- 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 info.
- Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or in the event you desire, merely absorb panoramic views from the statement 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 presents 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. 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 Stay in Christchurch
Riccarton is a improbable 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 means of Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into 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 town’s greatest 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 good choose. It’s house to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back environment. It’s good for centered workdays and has quick access 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:
- Riverside Market: Discover this in style spot crammed with native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and unbiased bars.
- Botanic Gardens: Stroll by means of superbly curated gardens, calm down by the river, or take pleasure in a picnic in a tranquil setting.
- 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.
- Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at one in all New Zealand’s prime sights. It’s the following smartest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click on right here to pre-book your tickets.
- 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 inns, 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 environment and inventive group make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.
Finest Areas to Stay in Queenstown
Frankton is a sensible alternative for any digital nomad working in New Zealand. It’s the place I stayed throughout my go to to Queenstown. Its proximity to the airport is tremendous handy, and the cafe scene offered all of the WiFi and caffeine I wanted.
For these eager to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s city heart is good. This busy space is filled with comfy 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 desire 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 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 prime 5 actions to get you began:
- White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s gorgeous rivers. This can be a in style exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to guide your spot at the moment.
- 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 not like another in one of the crucial lovely locations on earth. Discover it right here.
- Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher solution 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.
- Jet Boating on Shotover River: One of the vital enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Pace by means of slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat trip, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click on right here for particulars.
- 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 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 stylish 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 loads to supply nonetheless. The town’s full of life power and creative environment lend itself to an inspiring place to name house for some time.
Finest Areas to Stay in Wellington
Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and full of life environment. Cuba Avenue is correct 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 linked spot, head to Mount Victoria. Situated only a brief stroll from 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 superb 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 apply an awesome work-life steadiness.
Coworking Areas in Wellington
Issues to Do in Wellington
Make time to slot in these 5 prime Wellington actions:
- Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automotive Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s primary highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a trip on the enduring cable automobile. Click on right here to guide your tickets.
- 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.
- Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a soothing ferry trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is house to an attractive seaside and many nature to take pleasure in. Guide your ferry tickets right here.
- 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.
- 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 guide your tour, together with transfers at the moment.
5. Dunedin
Let’s end with a wild card. Dunedin is a beautiful metropolis on the South Island that mixes loads of pure magnificence with a major quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and an awesome ingesting tradition.
The close by Otago Peninsula is house 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.
Finest Areas to Stay in Dunedin
Central Dunedin is the center of town and an awesome alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and many historic appeal, 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. Total the realm is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, superb for work-life steadiness.
St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seaside 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:
- Go to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, lovely area to calm down and unwind surrounded by nature. Click on right here for particulars.
- 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.
- Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover the perfect of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This in style tour typically sells out. Click on right here to guide your tour.
- 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 in your style buds and also you’ll study so much in regards to the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra info.
The right way to Discover Lodging in New Zealand
In the event 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 the whole lot from hostels to luxurious residences. Reserving.com typically permits for no pre-payment, free cancelation, and worth matching, making it a traveler’s budgeting dream.
2. Airbnb: Whether or not you’re planning a metropolis heart keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has numerous decisions on each islands. All the time 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 website 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 presents a spread of properties at aggressive costs. Be sure you verify each to safe the perfect costs and mess around together with your size of keep to see if it can save you cash by reserving for longer.
Price of Residing 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 cheap, right here’s the breakdown:
Eating places and Groceries
Eating out is akin to most US and UK locations. You may count on to pay round $15 for an informal meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually 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 customary 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 beneath $5/lb.
Lodging Prices
Costs will range enormously 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, inexpensive, and secure public transport techniques. Throughout my time in Auckland, I regularly used the ferry to take me immediately throughout the water into the center of 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, by way of an app, or in individual at a kiosk.
Uber is broadly used all through New Zealand and is an inexpensive and handy solution to journey, brief journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot larger 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 clean and easy course of. Strolling by means 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 value me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official shops for the principle distributors reminiscent of 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 totally arrange and linked with a fundamental bundle.
Cash Saving Suggestions for New Zealand
- 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.
- Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by practice or automobile seems like an awesome thought however is extremely uneconomical. Funds airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
- Store Round: There are a number of in style supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought-about the most cost effective however by buying round you’ll discover totally different bargains in numerous shops.
- 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.
- Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is without doubt one of the most lovely nations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the nice outdoor and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountaineering, 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 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 is dependent upon 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 supply fewer crowds and milder climate.
There’s no hurricane season, however the sizzling climate round holidays like Christmas and New 12 months can deliver excessive journey demand. For superb circumstances, spring or early autumn each steadiness nice climate and fewer vacationers.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in New Zealand
Like all place on this planet, residing in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I discovered throughout my keep:
Professionals of Residing in New Zealand
- Beautiful Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand really is without doubt 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 steadiness and low stress ranges.
- Excessive High quality of Life: A clear setting, glorious healthcare, and a robust training system contribute to general well-being.
- Journey Alternatives: Actions reminiscent of mountaineering, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly out there.
- Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to dwell.
Cons of Residing in New Zealand
- Excessive Price of Residing: 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 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 present supply a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees typically make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Needless to say 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 rules (working whereas on a vacationer visa is normally not permitted).
All the time 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 mandatory info. Click on right here to study extra about working vacation visas in NZ.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad information to New Zealand has impressed you to make it your subsequent distant working base. I liked my time there and may’t wait to return and discover some extra.
Whether or not you 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!
