Digital Nomad Information to Residing in New Zealand

It was all the time a dream of mine to expertise being a digital nomad in New Zealand, and I just lately made that dream a actuality. As somebody from the UK, New Zealand is about so far as you’ll be able to journey earlier than you start coming residence once more.

It’s an expansive and exquisite nation and the best retreat for distant employees searching for 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 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 widespread with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

With simply over 5 million calling it residence, you’ll really feel welcome wherever you go. Regardless of it being so distant, the WiFi is stable and the espresso is wonderful – a visit to New Zealand is completely price it.

Whether or not you’re mountain climbing in Queenstown, consuming in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s sizzling springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s lots 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 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 continuously inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working expertise and recurrently discovered new locations to arrange my laptop computer. Fortunately, I discovered that even among the most distant New Zealand cities had been well-suited for digital nomads.

Afterward, I’ll focus on a few one of the best coworking areas in New Zealand and among the finest cafes I discovered that made nice spots for distant working. Though I used to be over ten thousand miles from residence, I all the time felt well-connected to my work, household, and associates.

Is New Zealand Protected?

New Zealand is one of many most secure international locations you’ll be able to go to. Crime charges are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I all the time felt utterly secure exploring; whether or not within the rural countryside, distant cities, and even the larger cities.

Not like its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few pure predators. You 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 mostly secure, it’s price noting the nation is vulnerable to earthquakes because 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 most of the nation’s greatest cities and cities. Listed here are one of the best locations to contemplate residing as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

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

Greatest Areas to Reside in Auckland

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

Should you’re on the lookout for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a improbable alternative. It’s filled with nice eating places, wonderful 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 price contemplating. You’ll discover cool cafes, distinctive shops, and a busy nightlife and social scene right here. This beautiful little residential neighborhood affords a mix of recent 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:

1. Climb Mount Eden: A superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of town and surrounding countryside.
2. Whale Watching: Probably the greatest 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 at present.
3. Discover the Auckland Battle 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 points of interest in someday – 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 absorb panoramic views from the statement deck. The perfect views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a superb choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It affords a pleasant combine of recent services and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s ultimate for digital nomads. There’s a giant cafe tradition and a rising distant working scene.

There’s lots to do once 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.

Greatest Areas to Reside 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 heart.

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

Should 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 targeted workdays and has quick access to the CBD and close by parks.

Coworking Areas in Christchurch

Issues to Do in Christchurch

While you’re not working, listed below are 5 Christchurch points of interest to attempt in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this widespread spot full of native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and unbiased 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 experience 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 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 legendary 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 serious NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Lodging choices vary from finances hostels to cozy residences and high-end inns, 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 ambiance and artistic group make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Queenstown

Frankton is a sensible alternative for any digital nomad working in New Zealand. It’s the place I stayed throughout my go to to Queenstown. Its proximity to the airport is tremendous handy, and the cafe scene supplied all of the WiFi and caffeine I wanted.

For these desirous 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 one of the best place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.

Should you choose a quieter vibe, Fernhill affords a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city heart. Right here, the primary profit is the breathtaking lake and mountain views – it’s a really inspiring place to arrange your laptop computer.

Coworking Areas in Queenstown

Issues to Do in Queenstown

You 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 beautiful rivers. It is a widespread exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to e-book your spot at present.
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 one of the lovely locations on earth. Discover it right here.
3. 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.
4. Jet Boating on Shotover River: One of the vital enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Pace via slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat experience, 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. The town’s vigorous vitality and creative ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name residence for some time.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and vigorous ambiance. Cuba Avenue is correct across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool retailers and bars. It’s the right 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 brief stroll from town heart, this neighborhood affords beautiful views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an incredible place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is all the time a superb choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to every part town has to supply. There’s a pleasant alternative of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the right base to follow an incredible 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 fundamental highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a experience on the long-lasting cable automotive. Click on right here to e-book your tickets.
2. Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings films, or make the most of a tour 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 experience to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is residence to a wonderful seaside and many nature to take pleasure in. 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 high quality 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 e-book your tour, together with transfers at present.

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. Identified for its Scottish heritage, it has beautiful structure and an incredible consuming tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is residence to distinctive wildlife and outside adventures together with mountain climbing and kayaking. Dunedin additionally has a thriving arts and music scene, so there’s all the time one thing to discover throughout your downtime.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Dunedin

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

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 realm is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, ultimate 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 here 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 one of the best of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the beautiful Otago Peninsula. This widespread tour typically sells out. Click on right here to e-book your tour.
4. 3-Hour Artisan Meals Tour: Savor the flavors of Dunedin’s finest native produce with this scrumptious artisan strolling meals tour. It’s an actual deal with on your style buds and also you’ll study rather a lot in regards to the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra data.

Methods to Discover Lodging in New Zealand

Should you plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, preserve 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 part 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 plenty of selections on each islands. All the time play along 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 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 affords a variety of properties at aggressive costs. You’ll want to verify each to safe one of the best costs and mess around along with your size of keep to see if it can save you cash by reserving for longer.

Price of Residing in New Zealand

I used to be pleasantly shocked by the price of residing in New Zealand. Even within the larger 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 verify for a good dinner out will simply set you again $80-$100.

Like most locations, you’ll by no means be removed from a pleasant espresso store. Your customary brew will often price $3 wherever you might be in NZ. Meat could be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, hen, and particularly lamb are routinely beneath $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will differ significantly throughout the nation relying on whether or not you propose to remain within the larger cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the most important metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis residences price 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 secure public transport programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I continuously used the ferry to take me straight 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 individual at a kiosk.

Uber is extensively used all through New Zealand and is an reasonably priced and handy solution to journey, brief journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are often a lot larger 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 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 knowledge in minutes.

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

Information-only SIMS are cheaper however count on to pay not less than $15/month to get totally arrange and linked 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 practice or automotive appears like an incredible thought however is extremely uneconomical. Finances airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
3. Store Round: There are a selection of widespread supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought-about the most affordable however by procuring 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 all the time helpful for selecting up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is likely 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 guts 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 perfect 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 provide 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 ultimate circumstances, spring or early autumn each stability nice climate and fewer vacationers.

Professionals and Cons of Residing in New Zealand

Like several place on the 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 likely 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, wonderful healthcare, and a robust training system contribute to general well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions similar to mountain climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively obtainable.
• Protected and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to reside.

Cons of Residing in New Zealand

• Excessive Price of Residing: Housing, groceries, and utilities may 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 Danger: 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 recognized for irritating sandflies and mosquitoes.

Digital Nomad Visa for New Zealand

New Zealand doesn’t at present 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. 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 often not permitted).

All the time comprehensively analysis the visa state of affairs based mostly 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 suited to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!