Digital Nomad Information to Residing 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’ll be able to 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 anyplace fairly like New Zealand and I can’t wait to let you know all about it.

About New Zealand

New Zealand is an island within the Pacific, full of 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 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 price 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, per week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and per week exploring the South Island.

Transferring so regularly inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working expertise and often discovered new locations to arrange my laptop computer. Fortunately, I discovered that even a few of 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 a few of the finest cafes I discovered that made nice spots for distant working. Though I used to be over ten thousand miles from house, I at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and pals.

Is New Zealand Secure?

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 at all times 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 usually secure, it’s price noting the nation is vulnerable to earthquakes attributable to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fireplace. Earthquake preparedness is a part of each day life and plenty 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 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 massive harbors is house 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 the 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 stunning and widespread suburb of Devonport. It’s only a quick hop throughout the water by the ferry or accessible by the Harbour Bridge. Vacationers flock right here and it was a surprising place to remain.

Should you’re searching for a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a incredible alternative. It’s full of 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 price contemplating. You’ll discover cool cafes, distinctive shops, and a busy nightlife and social scene right here. This pretty little residential neighborhood provides a mix of recent facilities and impartial allure.

Coworking Areas in Auckland

Issues to Do in Auckland

Listed below are 5 enjoyable issues in Auckland to fill your free time with:

1. Climb Mount Eden: A superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
2. 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. Ebook your unforgettable journey at present.
3. Discover the Auckland Warfare 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 in the future – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Film Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click on right here for extra data.
5. Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or when you want, merely take in panoramic views from the remark deck. The most effective views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

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

There’s loads to do whenever you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your manner 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 incredible neighborhood for digital nomads and is the place I stayed for 2 quick spells within the metropolis. The spotlight for me was the peaceable stroll by Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into the town middle.

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

Should you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a superb choose. It’s house to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back environment. It’s good for centered workdays and has easy accessibility to the CBD and close by parks.

Coworking Areas in Christchurch

Issues to Do in Christchurch

Whenever you’re not working, listed here are 5 Christchurch sights to attempt in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this widespread spot crammed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and impartial bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by 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 high sights. It’s the following neatest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click on right here to pre-book your tickets.
5. Go Wine Tasting: New Zealand is 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 price range hostels to cozy flats and high-end accommodations, catering to each digital nomad.

Outdoors work, journey might be proper in your doorstep. Go mountaineering, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic environment and artistic group make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.

Greatest Areas to 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 middle is right. This busy space is full of comfy laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the most effective place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.

Should you want a quieter vibe, Fernhill provides a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city middle. Right here, the primary 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. 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 sights! Journey the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like some other in one of the crucial stunning locations on earth. Discover it right here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher approach 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 by slender canyons on an exhilarating jet boat trip, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click on right here for particulars.
5. Vineyard and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and revel in gourmand 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 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 stylish bar scene make it straightforward to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an ideal spot for exploring too.

For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has loads to supply nonetheless. The town’s energetic power and creative environment lend itself to an inspiring place to name house for some time.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and energetic 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 quick stroll from the town middle, this neighborhood provides gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an ideal place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is at all times a wonderful choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to every part the 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 apply an ideal 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 Automotive Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s fundamental highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a trip on the long-lasting cable automobile. 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 reap the benefits of a tour full of much more motion. Click on right here for particulars on the half-day tour to get you began.
3. Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a calming ferry trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is house to a ravishing seashore 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 superb 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 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 major quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and an ideal 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 at all times one thing to discover throughout your downtime.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the center of the town and an ideal alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and many historic allure, you’ll have every part 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. General the realm is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, excellent for work-life stability.

St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seashore vibe however loads of fashionable 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 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 house 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 the town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This widespread tour usually 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 in your style buds and also you’ll be taught so much concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra data.

Find out how to Discover Lodging in New Zealand

Should 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 useful software for reserving every part from hostels to luxurious flats. Reserving.com usually permits for no pre-payment, free cancelation, and value matching, making it a traveler’s budgeting dream.

2. Airbnb: Whether or not you’re planning a metropolis middle keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has a number of selections on each islands. All the time play along with your dates to see when 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 often 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 provides a variety of properties at aggressive costs. You’ll want to test 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.

Value of Residing 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 cheap, right here’s the breakdown:

Eating places and Groceries

Eating out is akin to most US and UK locations. You possibly can count on to pay round $15 for an informal meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually talking, the test 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 commonplace brew will often price $3 wherever you’re in NZ. Meat could 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 range tremendously throughout the nation relying on whether or not you intend 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 high.

If planning a brief keep, refine your searches utilizing the choices mentioned within the earlier lodging part. You’ll discover a full vary of choices throughout New Zealand, from shared hostel dorms and Airbnb rooms to luxurious flats.

Transportation Prices in New Zealand

All the main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and secure public transport programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I regularly used the ferry to take me instantly throughout the water into the center of the 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, through an app, or in individual at a kiosk.

Uber is extensively used all through New Zealand and is an reasonably priced and handy approach to journey, quick journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are often 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 related in New Zealand is a clean and easy course of. Strolling by airport arrivals at 10 pm, a One NZ store was open for enterprise and had me up and working with limitless calls, messages, and 10GB of knowledge in minutes.

My plan price me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official shops for the primary distributors corresponding 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 related with a primary 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’ll learn all about it on this Auckland home sitting information.
2. Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by practice or automobile appears like an ideal concept however is extremely uneconomical. Funds airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
3. Store Round: There are a number of widespread supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought of the most cost effective however by buying round you’ll discover totally different bargains in numerous shops.
4. Op Store: Thrift shops and op retailers are prevalent all through NZ and are at all times useful for choosing up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is among the most stunning international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good outdoor and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountaineering, pure magnificence, and seashore 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 most effective time to journey to New Zealand relies on 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 carry excessive journey demand. For excellent circumstances, spring or early autumn each stability 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 realized throughout my keep:

Professionals of Residing in New Zealand

• Gorgeous Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is among the most stunning international locations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
• Laid-Again Life-style: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life stability and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear atmosphere, glorious healthcare, and a robust training system contribute to general well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions corresponding to mountaineering, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively obtainable.
• Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to dwell.

Cons of Residing in New Zealand

• Excessive Value 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 Fireplace, 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. Nevertheless, distant employees usually make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Remember 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 scenario based mostly by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your individual authorities’s web site will provide all the mandatory 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 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 massive metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely suited to digital nomads. Get pleasure from your travels!