It was at all times a dream of mine to expertise being a digital nomad in New Zealand, and I not too long ago 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 exquisite nation and the best 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, full of jaw-dropping landscapes and plenty of alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and large cities, it’s well-liked with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
With simply over 5 million calling it house, you’ll really feel welcome wherever you go. Despite it being so distant, the WiFi is stable and the espresso is superb – a visit to New Zealand is completely price it.
Whether you’re mountain climbing in Queenstown, ingesting in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s scorching springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s a lot to maintain you impressed and entertained.
Living in New Zealand As a Digital Nomad (Personal Experience)
That’s me busy working away throughout my home sitting keep in Devonport, NZ. My devoted companion Archie standing guard.
I spent precisely a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time was cut 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.
Moving so incessantly inside a month meant I delved into all of my distant working expertise and recurrently discovered new locations to arrange my laptop computer. Thankfully, I discovered that even a few of the most distant New Zealand cities had been well-suited for digital nomads.
Later on, I’ll talk about a few one of the best coworking areas in New Zealand and a few of the greatest cafes I discovered that made nice spots for distant working. Although I used to be over ten thousand miles from house, I at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and associates.
Is New Zealand Safe?
Enjoying a beer in one among Auckland’s nice bars.
New Zealand is likely one of the 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.
Unlike 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 chill out after 3 months of being on guard!
While New Zealand is mostly secure, it’s price noting the nation is vulnerable to earthquakes because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquake preparedness is a part of each day life and plenty of buildings are designed to face up to tremors.
Best Places for Digital Nomads in New Zealand
Auckland’s skyline as seen from Devonport.
I used to be lucky to journey round lots of the nation’s greatest cities and cities. 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 house to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has essentially the most acquainted huge metropolis vibe of anyplace I visited in New Zealand.
The metropolis 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.
Best Areas to Live in Auckland
Devonport, NZ.
All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the lovely and well-liked suburb of Devonport. It’s only a brief hop throughout the water by the ferry or accessible by the Harbour Bridge. Tourists flock right here and it was a shocking place to remain.
If you’re on the lookout for a very central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a implausible 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 affords a mix of contemporary facilities and unbiased appeal.
Coworking Spaces in Auckland
Things to Do in Auckland
Here are 5 enjoyable issues in Auckland to fill your free time with:
Climb Mount Eden: An glorious hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of town and surrounding countryside.
Whale Watching: One of one of the best issues I did in New Zealand was a marine eco-safari. Take a visit aboard a luxurious catamaran and observe orcas and dolphins of their pure habitat. Book your unforgettable journey right this moment.
Explore the Auckland War Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a shocking heritage constructing. Get your tickets proper right here.
Lord of the Rings Experience: Explore two of New Zealand’s iconic sights in sooner or later – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click right here for extra data.
Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or in the event you favor, merely absorb panoramic views from the statement deck. The greatest views within the metropolis! Find it right here.
2. Christchurch
Hiking not removed from Christchurch.
Christchurch is a good possibility for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It affords a pleasant combine of contemporary amenities 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 a lot to do if you’re not working. Explore the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your means across the Riverside Farmers Market. The metropolis has a relaxed really feel to it and life in New Zealand feels considerably slower right here than in Auckland.
Best Areas to Live in Christchurch
Riccarton is a implausible 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 by 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 right for digital nomads.
If you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a good choose. It’s house to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s good for centered workdays and has quick access to the CBD and close by parks.
Coworking Spaces in Christchurch
Things to Do in Christchurch
Riverside Market, Christchurch.
When you’re not working, listed here are 5 Christchurch sights to strive in your spare time:
Riverside Market: Explore this well-liked spot stuffed with native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and unbiased bars.
Botanic Gardens: Stroll by fantastically curated gardens, chill out by the river, or get pleasure from a picnic in a tranquil setting.
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. Check out this nice tour I discovered that features all three.
Visit the Antarctic Centre: Discover the magic of Antarctica at one among New Zealand’s high sights. It’s the subsequent smartest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click right here to pre-book your tickets.
Go Wine Tasting: New Zealand is known for its wine, so why not spend a pleasant day within the scenic countryside surrounded by vineyards? Visit three wineries and luxuriate in a mouthwatering lunch. Click right here for particulars.
3. Queenstown
Queenstown is a serious NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Accommodation choices vary from price range hostels to cozy residences and high-end lodges, catering to each digital nomad.
Outside work, journey shall be proper in your doorstep. Go mountain climbing, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic ambiance and inventive neighborhood make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.
Best Areas to Live 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 eager to be on the coronary heart of the motion, Queenstown’s city middle is right. This busy space is full of snug laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally one of the best place to satisfy different digital nomads and ex-pats.
If you like a quieter vibe, Fernhill affords a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city middle. Here, the principle profit is the breathtaking lake and mountain views – it’s a very inspiring place to arrange your laptop computer.
Coworking Spaces in Queenstown
Things to Do in Queenstown
You gained’t be bored in Queenstown; listed here are my high 5 actions to get you began:
White Water Rafting Adventure: Feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s gorgeous rivers. This is a well-liked exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click right here to guide your spot right this moment.
Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of town’s high sights! Ride the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like another in probably the most lovely locations on earth. Find it right here.
Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher option 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.
Jet Boating on Shotover River: One of essentially the most enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Speed by slender canyons on an exhilarating jet boat experience, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click right here for particulars.
Winery and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and luxuriate in gourmand delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Treat your self to this scrumptious time out, you gained’t remorse it. Click 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 an ideal spot for exploring too.
For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has a lot to supply nonetheless. The metropolis’s full of life power and creative ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name house for some time.
Best Areas to Live in Wellington
Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and full of life ambiance. Cuba Street is correct across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool outlets 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. Located only a brief stroll from town middle, this neighborhood affords 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 possibility. Here, you’ll have entry to every thing town has to supply. There’s a pleasant alternative of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and inexpensive lodging choices; making it the right base to follow an ideal work-life stability.
Coworking Spaces in Wellington
Things to Do in Wellington
Make time to slot in these 5 high Wellington actions:
Guided City Tour with Cable Car Access: Explore all of Wellington’s foremost highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a experience on the long-lasting cable automotive. Click right here to guide your tickets.
Half-Day ‘Middle Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Visit iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings films, or benefit from a tour full of much more motion. Click right here for particulars on the half-day tour to get you began.
Return Ferry to Days Bay: Take a soothing ferry experience to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is house to an exquisite seaside and plenty of nature to get pleasure from. Book your ferry tickets right here.
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 right here for skip-the-line tickets and fast-track entry.
Martinborough Winery 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 on right here to guide your tour, together with transfers right this moment.
5. Dunedin
Let’s end with a wild card. Dunedin is a stunning metropolis on the South Island that mixes loads of pure magnificence with a major quantity of tradition and historical past. Known 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 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.
Best Areas to Live in Dunedin
Central Dunedin is the guts of town and an ideal alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few first rate coworking areas, and plenty of historic appeal, you’ll have every thing 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 University of Otago, which provides it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. Overall 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 trendy facilities. Stay right here for the views and luxuriate in entry to unbelievable close by nature, good for outdoor-loving digital nomads.
Coworking Spaces in Dunedin
Things to Do in Dunedin
Here are my high issues to do in Dunedin:
Visit the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Explore Dunedin’s peaceable botanic gardens, a free, lovely house to chill out and unwind surrounded by nature. Click right here for particulars.
Speights Brewery Tour: Discover 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 right here for extra particulars.
City Highlights and Otago Peninsula Tour: Explore one of the best of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This well-liked tour typically sells out. Click right here to guide your tour.
3-Hour Artisan Food Tour: Savor the flavors of Dunedin’s greatest native produce with this scrumptious artisan strolling meals tour. It’s an actual deal with to your style buds and also you’ll be taught lots in regards to the metropolis alongside the best way. Click right here for extra data.
How to Find Accommodation in New Zealand
If you propose on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, hold your lodging choices open. Here are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:
1. Booking.com: A helpful instrument for reserving every thing 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 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. Always 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 greatest home sitting website in the marketplace recurrently 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 hyperlink.
4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo affords a spread of properties at aggressive costs. Be certain to test each to safe one of the best costs and mess around together with your size of keep to see if it can save you cash by reserving for longer.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
I used to be pleasantly stunned by the price of residing in New Zealand. Even within the greater cities, most issues felt pretty affordable, right here’s the breakdown:
Restaurants and Groceries
Dining out is corresponding to most US and UK locations. You can anticipate to pay round $15 for an informal meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Generally talking, the test 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 may be very inexpensive in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, rooster, and particularly lamb are routinely below $5/lb.
Accommodation Costs
Prices will fluctuate drastically 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 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 Costs in New Zealand
All of the most important New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, inexpensive, and secure public transport techniques. During my time in Auckland, I incessantly used the ferry to take me immediately throughout the water into the guts of town middle.
Using Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public transport begin at round $2.50 per journey and will be bought on-line, through an app, or in particular person at a kiosk.
Uber is extensively used all through New Zealand and is an inexpensive and handy option 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 Cards, Data, and WiFi
Getting linked in New Zealand is a clean and easy course of. Walking by 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 retailers for the principle distributors equivalent to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.
Data-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay a minimum of $15/month to get absolutely arrange and linked with a primary bundle.
Money Saving Tips for New Zealand
Hiking within the North Island.
House 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.
Fly Domestically: Traveling between the North and South islands by practice or automotive appears like an ideal thought however is extremely uneconomical. Budget airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
Shop Around: There are a wide range of well-liked supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought of the most affordable however by buying round you’ll discover completely different bargains in several shops.
Op Shop: Thrift shops and op outlets are prevalent all through NZ and are at all times helpful for selecting up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is likely one of the most lovely international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good outside and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountain climbing, pure magnificence, and seaside life throughout your keep.
Weather in New Zealand
One of many gorgeous seashores within the North Island, that is lower than an hour from Auckland’s CBD.
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. This is after I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.
The greatest time to journey to New Zealand is dependent upon your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer (December to February) is nice for seashores and mountain 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 Year can deliver excessive journey demand. For ultimate circumstances, spring or early autumn each stability nice climate and fewer vacationers.
Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand
Like anyplace on the earth, residing in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Here’s what I discovered throughout my keep:
Pros of Living in New Zealand
Stunning Natural Beauty: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is likely one of the most lovely international locations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
Laid-Back Lifestyle: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life stability and low stress ranges.
High Quality of Life: A clear atmosphere, glorious healthcare, and a powerful schooling system contribute to general well-being.
Adventure Opportunities: Activities equivalent to mountain climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively obtainable.
Safe and Peaceful: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to reside.
Cons of Living in New Zealand
High Cost of Living: Housing, groceries, and utilities will be costly, particularly in cities like Auckland.
Remote Location: Its distance from different international locations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield expensive and time-consuming.
Earthquake Risk: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, that means that earthquakes are a standard pure hazard.
Bugs and Sandflies: Certain areas, particularly close to water, are identified for irritating sandflies and mosquitoes.
Digital Nomad Visa for New Zealand
New Zealand doesn’t presently supply a particular digital nomad visa. However, distant staff typically make the most of the Visitor Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Keep in thoughts that solely sure international locations are eligible and sure standards have to 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. Remote staff want to make sure they adjust to laws (working whereas on a vacationer visa is normally not permitted).
Always 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 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 might’t wait to return and discover some extra.
Whether you get pleasure from 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. Enjoy your travels!