Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in New Zealand

It was all the time 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 may journey earlier than you start coming house once more.

It’s an expansive and delightful 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 let you know all about it.

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 large cities, it’s common 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 value 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 a lot 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 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.

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

In a while, I’ll talk about a few one of the best coworking areas in New Zealand and a number 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 all the time felt well-connected to my work, household, and mates.

Is New Zealand Secure?

New Zealand is one of many most secure nations you may go to. Crime charges are low, and locals are famously pleasant. I all the time felt fully 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 usually secure, it’s value noting the nation is vulnerable to earthquakes attributable to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fireplace. Earthquake preparedness is a part of every day life and plenty of buildings are designed to resist tremors.

Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

I used to be lucky to journey round lots of the nation’s greatest cities and cities. Listed below are one of the best locations to think about dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 giant harbors is house to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has probably the most acquainted huge 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 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 home sitting within the lovely and common 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 shocking place to remain.

In case you’re on the lookout for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a incredible selection. It’s filled with nice eating places, wonderful 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 presents a mix of contemporary facilities and unbiased 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 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. Ebook your unforgettable journey at this time.
3. Discover the Auckland Warfare Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a shocking heritage constructing. Get your tickets proper right here.
4. Lord of the Rings Expertise: Discover two of New Zealand’s iconic sights in sooner or later – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Film Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click on right here for extra data.
5. Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or for those who favor, merely take in panoramic views from the statement deck. One of the best views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

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

There’s a lot to do whenever you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your method 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 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 via Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into town heart.

For a extra full of life 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 right for digital nomads.

In case you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a good decide. It’s house to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. 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

Once you’re not working, listed below are 5 Christchurch sights to strive in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this common spot crammed with 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 journey on the Avon. Take a look at this nice tour I discovered that features all three.
4. Go to the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at one among New Zealand’s prime sights. It’s the subsequent smartest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click on right here to pre-book your tickets.
5. Go Wine Tasting: New Zealand is legendary for its wine, so why not spend a pleasant day within the scenic countryside surrounded by vineyards? Go to three wineries and revel in a mouthwatering lunch. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Queenstown

Queenstown is a significant NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Lodging choices vary from price range hostels to cozy flats and high-end resorts, catering to each digital nomad.

Exterior work, journey will probably be proper in your doorstep. Go mountaineering, 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 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 right. This busy space is filled with snug laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally one of the best place to fulfill different digital nomads and ex-pats.

In case you favor a quieter vibe, Fernhill presents 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 prime 5 actions to get you began:

1. White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s gorgeous rivers. This can be a common exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to ebook your spot at this time.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime sights! Experience the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like another in one of the crucial lovely locations on earth. Discover it right here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher strategy 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 enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Pace via slender canyons on an exhilarating jet boat journey, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click on right here for particulars.
5. Vineyard and Lunch Tour: Embrace the native wine scene and revel in connoisseur delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious 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 straightforward 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 a lot to supply nonetheless. The town’s full of life vitality and creative ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name house for some time.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and full of life ambiance. Cuba Avenue 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. Positioned only a quick stroll from town heart, this neighborhood presents gorgeous views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an excellent place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is all the time a superb choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to all the pieces town has to supply. There’s a pleasant selection of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the proper base to apply an excellent work-life stability.

Coworking Areas in Wellington

Issues to Do in Wellington

Make time to slot in these 5 prime Wellington actions:

1. Guided Metropolis Tour with Cable Automotive Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s major highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a journey on the long-lasting cable automotive. Click on right here to ebook your tickets.
2. Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings motion pictures, or benefit from 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 soothing ferry journey to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is house 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 tremendous 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 ebook your tour, together with transfers at this time.

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. Identified for its Scottish heritage, it has gorgeous structure and an excellent 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 all the time one thing to discover throughout your downtime.

Greatest Areas to Reside in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the center of town and an excellent selection for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few first rate coworking areas, and many historic allure, you’ll have all the pieces 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 provides it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. Total the world is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, very best for work-life stability.

St. Clair is a coastal neighborhood with a extra relaxed seaside vibe however loads of trendy facilities. Keep right here for the views and revel in entry to unimaginable close by nature, good for outdoor-loving digital nomads.

Coworking Areas in Dunedin

Issues to Do in Dunedin

Listed below are my prime 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 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 gorgeous Otago Peninsula. This common tour usually sells out. Click on right here to ebook 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 loads in regards to the metropolis alongside the best way. Click on right here for extra data.

How you can Discover Lodging in New Zealand

In case you plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, maintain your lodging choices open. Listed below are the 4 choices I used all through my time in New Zealand:

1. Reserving.com: A helpful device for reserving all the pieces 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 heart keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has a number of decisions on each islands. All the time play together with your dates to see for those who can hit sure low cost markers.

3. Trusted Housesitters: Save on all of your lodging prices by securing a home sit. The largest home sitting website available on the market repeatedly 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 presents a variety of properties at aggressive costs. Remember to examine 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.

Value of Dwelling in New Zealand

I used to be pleasantly shocked by the price of dwelling 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 may count on to pay round $15 for an informal meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually talking, the examine 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 customary brew will normally value $3 wherever you’re in NZ. Meat may 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 tremendously throughout the nation relying on whether or not you propose to remain within the larger cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the largest metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis flats value upwards of $1200/month, with $200 utilities on prime.

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

Transportation Prices in New Zealand

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 center 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 will 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 strategy to journey, quick journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot increased than within the US or Australia – a gallon of fuel was above $6 throughout my keep!

SIM Playing cards, Knowledge, and WiFi

Getting related in New Zealand is a clean and easy course of. Strolling via airport arrivals at 10 pm, a One NZ store was open for enterprise and had me up and operating with limitless calls, messages, and 10GB of information in minutes.

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

Knowledge-only SIMS are cheaper however count on to pay not less than $15/month to get totally arrange and related with a primary 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 prepare or automotive seems like an excellent thought however is extremely uneconomical. Price range airways function between all main cities and can get you there in a fraction of the time.
3. Store Round: There are a number of common supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought-about 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 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 nations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the nice outside and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountaineering, 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 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.

One of the best 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 very best circumstances, spring or early autumn each stability nice climate and fewer vacationers.

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

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

Professionals of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Beautiful Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is likely one of the most lovely nations 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 surroundings, wonderful healthcare, and a powerful schooling system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions corresponding to mountaineering, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively out there.
• Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to reside.

Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand

• Excessive Value of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities will be costly, particularly in cities like Auckland.
• Distant Location: Its distance from different nations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield pricey and time-consuming.
• Earthquake 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 presently 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. Take into account that solely sure nations 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. Distant employees want to make sure they adjust to rules (working whereas on a vacationer visa is normally 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 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. Take pleasure in your travels!