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

It’s an expansive and exquisite nation and the perfect 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, filled with jaw-dropping landscapes and plenty of 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 superb – a visit to New Zealand is completely value it.

Whether or not you’re mountain climbing in Queenstown, consuming in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s scorching 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.

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

In a while, I’ll focus on a few the most effective coworking areas in New Zealand and a few 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 at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and mates.

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 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 received’t discover harmful snakes or lethal spiders right here, simply loads of sheep and birds. I traveled to NZ straight from Australia so it was good to calm down after 3 months of being on guard!

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

Greatest 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 most effective locations to contemplate dwelling 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 anyplace I visited in New Zealand.

The town skyline, particularly the long-lasting 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.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Auckland

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

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a improbable selection. It’s filled with nice eating places, glorious procuring, and iconic landmarks. Its walkable streets and easy-to-use public transport make it a handy base for exploring.

For a extra laid-back vibe, Ponsonby is an space value contemplating. You’ll discover cool cafes, distinctive shops, and a busy nightlife and social scene right here. This pretty little residential neighborhood presents a mix of recent facilities and impartial 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 wonderful 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. 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 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 the event you choose, merely take in panoramic views from the statement deck. The most effective views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a good possibility for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It presents a pleasant combine of recent 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 once you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your approach across the Riverside Farmers Market. The town has a relaxed really feel to it and life in New Zealand feels considerably slower right here than in Auckland.

Greatest 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 via Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into town middle.

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.

If you happen to’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a good decide. It’s residence to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back environment. It’s good for targeted 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:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this standard spot stuffed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and impartial bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll via fantastically curated gardens, calm down 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 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 all 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 significant NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from funds hostels to cozy flats and high-end motels, catering to each digital nomad.

Exterior work, journey can be proper in your doorstep. Go mountain climbing, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic environment and inventive neighborhood make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Queenstown

Frankton is a sensible selection 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 desirous to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s city middle 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.

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 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 standard exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to guide 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 just 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 slim 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 revel in connoisseur delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious time out, you received’t remorse it. Click on right here to be taught extra about this nice day tour.

4. Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is a metropolis constructed for digital nomads. The cafe tradition and relaxed fashionable bar scene make it simple to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it a terrific 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 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 environment. Cuba Road is correct across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool retailers and bars. It’s the proper place to unwind after a productive day on the laptop computer.

For a quieter however nonetheless related spot, head to Mount Victoria. Situated only a brief stroll from town middle, this neighborhood presents gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s a terrific place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is at all times a superb possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to every little thing town has to supply. There’s a pleasant selection of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and inexpensive lodging choices; making it the proper base to follow a terrific work-life steadiness.

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 Automotive Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s principal highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a trip 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 make the most of a tour filled with much more motion. Click on right here for particulars on the half-day tour to get you began.
3. Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a calming ferry trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is residence to a phenomenal seaside and plenty of nature to take pleasure in. 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 high-quality 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 this time.

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. Identified for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and a terrific consuming tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is residence to distinctive wildlife and out of doors 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 Stay in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the guts of town and a terrific selection for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few first rate coworking areas, and plenty of historic attraction, you’ll have every little thing you want throughout a keep right here, together with procuring, 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. General the world 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:

1. 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.
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 be taught rather a lot concerning the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra data.

Easy methods 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 here are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:

1. Reserving.com: A helpful device for reserving every little thing from hostels to luxurious flats. 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 middle keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has a lot of decisions 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 most important home sitting website in the marketplace frequently 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 variety of properties at aggressive costs. Remember to verify each to safe the most effective costs and mess around together 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 dwelling in New Zealand. Even within the greater cities, most issues felt pretty cheap, right here’s the breakdown:

Eating places and Groceries

Eating out is akin to most US and UK locations. You may anticipate to pay round $15 for an off-the-cuff 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 commonplace brew will normally price $3 wherever you’re in NZ. Meat could be very inexpensive in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, rooster, and particularly lamb are routinely below $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will range vastly throughout the nation relying on whether or not you propose to remain within the greater cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the most important metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis flats 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 flats.

Transportation Prices in New Zealand

All the main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, inexpensive, and protected public transport programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I incessantly used the ferry to take me straight throughout the water into the guts 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 may 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 method to journey, brief journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot larger than within the US or Australia – a gallon of fuel was above $6 throughout my keep!

SIM Playing cards, Knowledge, and WiFi

Getting related in New Zealand is a clean and easy course of. Strolling 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 information in minutes.

My plan price 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.

Knowledge-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay not less than $15/month to get totally arrange and related with a fundamental package deal.

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 practice or automobile feels like a terrific thought 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 procuring round you’ll discover completely different bargains in several shops.
4. Op Store: Thrift shops and op retailers 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 without doubt one of the most lovely nations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the nice open air and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountain climbing, pure magnificence, and 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 had been dry and nice. That is once I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.

The most effective time to journey to New Zealand will depend on 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 provide fewer crowds and milder climate.

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

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

Like several place on the planet, dwelling in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I discovered throughout my keep:

Professionals of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Beautiful Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually 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 mountain climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively accessible.
• Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to reside.

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 Threat: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Hearth, which 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 provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant staff typically 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 normally 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 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 cherished 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 massive metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely suited to digital nomads. Get pleasure from your travels!