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 employees searching 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 inform you all about it.

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About New Zealand

New Zealand is an island within the Pacific, filled with jaw-dropping landscapes and plenty of alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and massive cities, it’s widespread with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

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

Whether or not 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.

Residing in New Zealand As a Digital Nomad (Private Expertise)

I spent precisely a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time was cut up between a 2-week home sit in Auckland, 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 recurrently 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 the perfect 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 residence, I at all times felt well-connected to my work, household, and associates.

Is New Zealand Secure?

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

Not like its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few pure predators. You 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 chill out after 3 months of being on guard!

Whereas New Zealand is mostly secure, it’s value noting the nation is liable to earthquakes because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fireplace. Earthquake preparedness is a part of every day life and plenty of buildings are designed to face up to tremors.

Finest 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 below are the perfect locations to contemplate dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is residence to the majority of the nation’s inhabitants. Subsequently, it has essentially the most acquainted massive metropolis vibe of wherever I visited in New Zealand.

Town skyline, particularly the enduring 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.

Finest Areas to Reside 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 shocking place to remain.

When you’re in search of a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a incredible selection. It’s filled with nice eating places, glorious purchasing, 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 affords 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. E book your unforgettable journey at the moment.
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 points of interest in someday – go to the enchanting Hobbiton Film Set and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click on right here for extra info.
5. Go to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or in case you choose, merely absorb panoramic views from the statement deck. One of the best views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a superb choice for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It affords a pleasant combine of 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 if you’re not working. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or eat and drink your approach 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.

Finest 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 by means of 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.

When you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a superb decide. It’s residence to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s good for centered workdays and has easy accessibility 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 strive in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this widespread spot full of native meals stalls, boutique outlets, and unbiased bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by means of fantastically curated gardens, chill out by the river, or get pleasure from 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 certainly one of New Zealand’s prime points of interest. It’s the following smartest thing to visiting Antarctica. Click on right here to pre-book your tickets.
5. Go Wine Tasting: New Zealand is known for its wine, so why not spend a pleasant day within the scenic countryside surrounded by vineyards? Go to three wineries and luxuriate in a mouthwatering lunch. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Queenstown

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

Exterior work, journey will likely 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.

Finest 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 eager 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 the perfect place to satisfy different digital nomads and ex-pats.

When you choose a quieter vibe, Fernhill affords a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city heart. Right here, the principle 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 prime 5 actions to get you began:

1. White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s beautiful rivers. This can be a widespread exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to e book your spot at the moment.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime points of interest! Trip the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill in contrast to another in some of the stunning locations on earth. Discover it right here.
3. Panoramic Helicopter Tour: What higher method 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 by means of 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 luxuriate in gourmand delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious time out, you received’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 awesome spot for exploring too.

For the moments you’re not working, Wellington has a lot to supply nonetheless. Town’s full of life vitality and creative ambiance lend itself to an inspiring place to name residence for some time.

Finest 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 outlets 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 affords beautiful views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an awesome place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is at all times a superb choice. Right here, you’ll have entry to every part 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 awesome 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 essential highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a trip on the enduring cable automotive. Click on right here to e book your tickets.
2. Half-Day ‘Center Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming areas from the Lord of the Rings films, 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 calming ferry trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is residence to a ravishing seashore and plenty of nature to get pleasure from. E book your ferry tickets right here.
4. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Dive into New Zealand’s wealthy tradition and historical past at Te Papa, the nation’s nationwide museum. Click on right here for skip-the-line tickets and fast-track entry.
5. Martinborough Vineyard Tour: Sip on high quality wines and luxuriate in a scrumptious lunch as you tour Martinborough’s well-known wineries. Don’t miss out and click on right here to e book your tour, together with transfers at the 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 big quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has beautiful structure and an awesome ingesting tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is residence 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.

Finest Areas to Reside in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the center of town and an awesome selection for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few first rate coworking areas, and plenty of historic allure, you’ll have every part you want throughout a keep right here, together with purchasing, eating, and native points of interest.

North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s near the College of Otago, which provides it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. 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 seashore vibe however loads of fashionable facilities. Keep right here for the views and luxuriate 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, stunning area to chill out 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 perfect of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the beautiful Otago Peninsula. This widespread tour typically sells out. Click on right here to e book your tour.
4. 3-Hour Artisan Meals Tour: Savor the flavors of Dunedin’s finest native produce with this scrumptious artisan strolling meals tour. It’s an actual deal with on your style buds and also you’ll study quite a bit in regards to the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra info.

The right way to Discover Lodging in New Zealand

When 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 useful device for reserving every part from hostels to luxurious residences. Reserving.com typically permits for no pre-payment, free cancelation, and worth matching, making it a traveler’s budgeting dream.

2. Airbnb: Whether or not you’re planning a metropolis heart keep or one thing extra distant within the New Zealand countryside, Airbnb has numerous decisions on each islands. At all times play along with your dates to see in case 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 recurrently has listings throughout New Zealand. I secured a 2-week keep in Auckland and Goats On The Highway 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. You should definitely examine each to safe the perfect 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 stunned 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 similar to most US and UK locations. You may anticipate to pay round $15 for an off-the-cuff meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Typically 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 normal brew will normally value $3 wherever you might be in NZ. Meat may be very inexpensive in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, hen, and particularly lamb are routinely below $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will differ significantly throughout the nation relying on whether or not you propose to remain within the larger cities or extra rural areas. So, utilizing the most important metropolis Auckland as our benchmark, metropolis residences 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 residences.

Transportation Prices in New Zealand

All the main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, inexpensive, and secure public transport methods. Throughout my time in Auckland, I continuously used the ferry to take me instantly 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 might be bought on-line, by way of an app, or in individual at a kiosk.

Uber is extensively used all through New Zealand and is an inexpensive and handy method to journey, quick journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are normally a lot greater than within the US or Australia – a gallon of gasoline was above $6 throughout my keep!

SIM Playing cards, Knowledge, and WiFi

Getting linked in New Zealand is a easy 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 value me $30/month and was good for my wants. There are official shops for the principle distributors equivalent to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.

Knowledge-only SIMS are cheaper however anticipate to pay no less than $15/month to get totally arrange and linked with a primary package deal.

Cash Saving Suggestions 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 automotive feels like an awesome thought 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 mostly thought-about the most cost effective however by purchasing round you’ll discover completely different bargains in several shops.
4. Op Store: Thrift shops and op outlets 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 likely one of the most stunning international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the nice outdoor and benefit from the alternative for loads of mountain climbing, pure magnificence, and 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.

One of the best time to journey to New Zealand will depend on your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer time (December to February) is nice for seashores and mountain climbing, whereas winter (June to August) attracts skiers. Spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and milder climate.

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

Professionals and Cons of Residing in New Zealand

Like every 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 Residing in New Zealand

• Beautiful Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand actually is likely one of the most stunning international locations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
• Laid-Again Way of life: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life stability and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear setting, glorious healthcare, and a powerful schooling system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions equivalent to mountain climbing, 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 dwell.

Cons of Residing in New Zealand

• Excessive Value of Residing: Housing, groceries, and utilities might be costly, particularly in cities like Auckland.
• Distant Location: Its distance from different international locations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield pricey and time-consuming.
• Earthquake Danger: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fireplace, which means that earthquakes are a typical 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 provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees typically make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Remember 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 normally not permitted).

At all times comprehensively analysis the visa scenario based mostly by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your personal authorities’s web site will provide all the required info. 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 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 suited to digital nomads. Get pleasure from your travels!