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 may journey earlier than you start coming residence once more.

It’s an expansive and delightful nation and the best retreat for distant staff looking for a slower tempo tinged with loads of journey, tradition, and enjoyable. I’ve by no means visited wherever fairly like New Zealand and I can’t wait to 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 large 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 value it.

Whether or not you’re climbing in Queenstown, consuming in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s hot 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 break up between a 2-week house sit in Auckland, per week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and per week exploring the South Island.

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

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

Is New Zealand Protected?

New Zealand is one of the safest countries you can visit. Crime rates 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 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 loosen up after 3 months of being on guard!

Whereas New Zealand is usually secure, it’s value noting the nation is prone to earthquakes because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. 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 the very best locations to think about residing as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is home to the bulk of the country’s population. Subsequently, it has probably the most acquainted huge 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 Reside in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent house sitting within the lovely 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.

For those who’re searching for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a improbable selection. It’s filled with nice eating places, glorious buying, and iconic landmarks. Its walkable streets and easy-to-use public transport make it a handy base for exploring.

For a extra laid-back vibe, Ponsonby is an space value contemplating. You’ll discover cool cafes, distinctive shops, and a busy nightlife and social scene right here. This beautiful little residential neighborhood gives a mix of recent facilities and unbiased 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 superb hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of town and surrounding countryside.
2. Whale Watching: Top-of-the-line 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. Book your unforgettable adventure today.
3. Discover the Auckland Conflict Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a surprising heritage constructing. Get your tickets right here.
4. Lord of the Rings Expertise: Discover two of New Zealand’s iconic points of interest in at some point – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click here for more information.
5. Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or in the event you desire, merely take in panoramic views from the statement deck. The very best views within the metropolis! Find it here.

2. Christchurch

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

There’s lots to do while you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your method 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 Reside in Christchurch

Riccarton is a improbable 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 means of Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into town heart.

For a extra energetic 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 right for digital nomads.

For those who’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a good choose. It’s residence to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s excellent 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 below are 5 Christchurch points of interest to attempt in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this widespread spot crammed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and unbiased bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by means of fantastically 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 great 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 smartest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click 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 here for details.

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 inns, catering to each digital nomad.

Exterior work, journey might be proper in your doorstep. Go 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 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 town center is right. This busy space is filled with comfy laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the very best place to satisfy different digital nomads and ex-pats.

For those who desire a quieter vibe, Fernhill gives 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 received’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 gorgeous rivers. This can be a widespread exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click here to ebook your spot at present.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s high points of interest! Experience the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like another in one of the vital lovely locations on earth. Find it here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher technique to see Queenstown’s breathtaking landscapes than to soar over all of it on a helicopter tour? This expertise is solely unforgettable, click 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. Pace by means of slender canyons on an exhilarating jet boat journey, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click here for details.
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 received’t remorse it. Click 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 simple to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an excellent spot for exploring too.

For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has lots to supply nonetheless. Town’s energetic power and inventive 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 energetic ambiance. Cuba Street 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 linked spot, head to Mount Victoria. Situated only a quick stroll from town heart, this neighborhood gives gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an excellent place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is at all times a wonderful possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to the whole lot 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 observe an excellent work-life balance.

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 most important highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a journey on the long-lasting cable automobile. Click here to 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 here for details on the half-day tour to get you started.
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 fantastic seashore and plenty of nature to take pleasure in. Book your ferry tickets 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 here for skip-the-line tickets and fast-track entry.
5. Martinborough Vineyard Tour: Sip on advantageous wines and luxuriate in a scrumptious lunch as you tour Martinborough’s well-known wineries. Don’t miss out and click here to book your tour, including transfers today.

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 an excellent consuming tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is residence to distinctive wildlife and out of doors adventures together with 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 Reside in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the guts of town and an excellent selection for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and plenty of historic attraction, you’ll have the whole lot you want throughout a keep right here, together with buying, eating, and native points of interest.

North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s near the University 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, best for work-life stability.

St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seashore vibe however loads of trendy facilities. Keep right here for the views and luxuriate in entry to unbelievable close by nature, excellent 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 house to loosen up and unwind surrounded by nature. Click here for details.
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 here for more details.
3. Metropolis Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Discover the very best of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This widespread tour typically sells out. Click here to book 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 best way. Click here for more information.

How one can Discover Lodging in New Zealand

For those who plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, maintain your lodging choices open. Listed here are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:

1. Booking.com: A useful instrument for reserving the whole lot from hostels to luxurious residences. Booking.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 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 available on the market often has listings throughout New Zealand. I secured a 2-week keep in Auckland and Goats On The Road readers get a particular 25% low cost by clicking this link.

4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo gives a variety of properties at aggressive costs. Make sure to test each to safe the very best 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 residing in New Zealand. Even within the larger 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 anticipate to pay round $15 for a casual meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Typically 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 may be very inexpensive in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, rooster, and particularly lamb are routinely under $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will range drastically throughout the nation relying on whether or not you intend 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, inexpensive, and secure public transport techniques. Throughout my time in Auckland, I incessantly 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 trip and will be bought on-line, through an app, or in individual at a kiosk.

Uber is broadly used all through New Zealand and is an inexpensive and handy technique to journey, quick journeys price $10-$15. Gasoline costs are often a lot larger than within the US or Australia – a gallon of gas was above $6 throughout my keep!

SIM Playing cards, Information, and WiFi

Getting linked in New Zealand is a clean and easy course of. Strolling by means of airport arrivals at 10 pm, a One NZ store was open for enterprise and had me up and working with limitless calls, messages, and 10GB of knowledge in minutes.

My plan price me $30/month and was excellent 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 anticipate to pay at the least $15/month to get totally arrange and linked 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 house sitting guide.
2. Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automobile appears like an excellent 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 usually thought-about the most cost effective however by buying 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 useful for selecting 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 good outdoor and benefit from the alternative for loads of climbing, pure magnificence, and seashore life throughout your keep.

Climate in New Zealand

New Zealand experiences four 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 very 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 climbing, whereas winter (June to August) attracts skiers. Spring and autumn supply fewer crowds and milder climate.

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

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

Like all place on the earth, 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 really is without doubt one of the most lovely nations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
• Laid-Again Way of life: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life stability and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear setting, glorious healthcare, and a powerful training system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions corresponding to climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly out there.
• Protected and Peaceable: Low crime rates and political stability make it a safe place to reside.

Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Excessive Price of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities can be expensive, particularly in cities like Auckland.
• Distant Location: Its distance from different nations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield expensive and time-consuming.
• Earthquake Threat: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, 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 supply a selected digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant staff typically make the most of the Visitor Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Needless to say solely certain countries 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 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 individual authorities’s web site will provide all the required data. Click on right here to be taught extra about working holiday 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 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 massive metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely fitted to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!