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 lately 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 residence once more.

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

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About New Zealand

New Zealand is an island within the Pacific, filled with jaw-dropping landscapes and many alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and massive cities, it’s standard with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

With simply over 5 million calling it residence, you’ll really feel welcome wherever you go. Regardless of it being so distant, the WiFi is strong and the espresso is 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 scorching springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s lots to maintain you impressed and entertained.

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

I spent precisely a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time was cut up between a 2-week home sit in Auckland, per week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and per week exploring the South Island.

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

In a while, I’ll talk about a few the most effective coworking areas in New Zealand and among the greatest cafes I discovered that made nice spots for distant working. Though I used to be over ten thousand miles from residence, I at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and buddies.

Is New Zealand Protected?

New Zealand is one of many most secure nations you possibly can go to. Crime charges are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I at all times felt fully protected 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 loosen up after 3 months of being on guard!

Whereas New Zealand is usually protected, it’s value noting the nation is liable to earthquakes on account of its location on the Pacific Ring of Hearth. Earthquake preparedness is a part of each day life and lots of buildings are designed to resist tremors.

Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

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

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

Greatest Areas to Stay in Auckland

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

When you’re searching for a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a incredible alternative. It’s filled with nice eating places, wonderful 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 provides a mix of recent facilities and impartial appeal.

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 finest 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.
3. Discover the Auckland Struggle 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 points of interest in sooner or later – 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 desire, merely take in panoramic views from the remark deck. One of the best views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

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

There’s lots 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. Town has a relaxed really feel to it and life in New Zealand feels considerably slower right here than in Auckland.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Christchurch

Riccarton is a incredible 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 via Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into town heart.

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

When you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a superb decide. It’s residence to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. 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

If you’re not working, listed here are 5 Christchurch points of interest to strive in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this standard spot full of native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and impartial bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll via superbly curated gardens, loosen up by the river, or take pleasure in a picnic in a tranquil setting.
3. Tram, Punt, and Gondola: Tick off 3 superior actions on land and water with a sightseeing tour on the well-known classic Christchurch Tram, plus punting and a gondola journey 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 certainly one of New Zealand’s high points of interest. It’s the subsequent neatest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click on right here to pre-book your tickets.
5. Go Wine Tasting: New Zealand is 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 funds hostels to cozy residences and high-end lodges, 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 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 supplied all of the WiFi and caffeine I wanted.

For these desirous 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 most effective place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.

When you desire a quieter vibe, Fernhill provides 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 here 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 guide your spot at the moment.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s high points of interest! Trip the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like another in probably the most 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: One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Pace via slim 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 luxuriate 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 fashionable 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 lots to supply nonetheless. Town’s full of life vitality and creative ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name residence for some time.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and full of life ambiance. 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 related spot, head to Mount Victoria. Situated only a brief stroll from town heart, this neighborhood provides gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an incredible place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is at all times a wonderful possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to all the things 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 steadiness.

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 foremost highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a journey on the long-lasting cable automobile. Click on right here to guide 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 reap the benefits of a tour filled with much more motion. Click on right here for particulars on the half-day tour to get you began.
3. Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a soothing ferry journey to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is residence to a gorgeous seaside and many nature to take pleasure in. Guide 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 wonderful 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 guide your tour, together with transfers at the moment.

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 incredible ingesting tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is residence to distinctive wildlife and outside adventures together with mountaineering 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 Stay in Dunedin

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

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, very best for work-life steadiness.

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 unimaginable 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, stunning 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 most effective of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This standard tour typically sells out. Click on right here to guide 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 in your style buds and also you’ll study so much concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra data.

The right way to Discover Lodging in New Zealand

When 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 all the things 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 a number of 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 largest 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 provides a spread of properties at aggressive costs. Be sure you examine each to safe the most effective 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 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 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 customary brew will often value $3 wherever you might be in NZ. Meat may be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, rooster, and particularly lamb are routinely below $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will fluctuate significantly 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 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 residences.

Transportation Prices in New Zealand

The entire main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and protected public transport programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I steadily used the ferry to take me immediately throughout the water into the guts 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 may be bought on-line, through an app, or in particular person 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, Information, and WiFi

Getting related in New Zealand is a clean and easy course of. Strolling via 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 similar to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.

Information-only SIMS are cheaper however count on to pay a minimum of $15/month to get totally arrange and related with a fundamental 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 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 concept however is extremely uneconomical. Price range 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 standard supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought-about the most cost effective however by purchasing round you’ll discover completely different bargains in numerous shops.
4. Op Store: Thrift shops and op outlets are prevalent all through NZ and are at all times helpful for choosing up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is among the most stunning nations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good 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 guts of spring within the southern hemisphere, and temperatures have been dry and nice. That is after I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.

One of the best time to journey to New Zealand is determined by 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 scorching climate round holidays like Christmas and New Yr can deliver excessive journey demand. For very best situations, spring or early autumn each steadiness nice climate and fewer vacationers.

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

Like all place on the 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

• Gorgeous Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is among 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 steadiness and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear atmosphere, wonderful healthcare, and a powerful training system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions similar to mountaineering, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly obtainable.
• Protected 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 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 Hearth, which means that earthquakes are a typical 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 presently provide 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 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 rules (working whereas on a vacationer visa is often not permitted).

At all times comprehensively analysis the visa state of affairs primarily based by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your personal authorities’s web site will provide all the mandatory 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 beloved my time there and might’t wait to return and discover some extra.

Whether or not you take pleasure in breathtaking pure landscapes, quaint cities, or the draw of the large metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely fitted to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!