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’ll be able to journey earlier than you start coming house once more.

It’s an expansive and exquisite nation and the perfect 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 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 strong 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 loads to maintain you impressed and entertained.

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

I spent precisely a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time was break up between a 2-week home sit in Auckland, per week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and per week exploring the South Island.

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

Afterward, I’ll focus on 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 house, I all the time felt well-connected to my work, household, and buddies.

Is New Zealand Secure?

New Zealand is one of the safest countries you can visit. Crime rates 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 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 mostly secure, it’s value noting the nation is prone to earthquakes as a result of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquake preparedness is a part of day by day life and plenty of buildings are designed to face up to tremors.

Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

I used to be lucky to journey round most of the nation’s largest cities and cities. Listed here are the very best locations to think about dwelling 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 essentially the most acquainted massive metropolis vibe of anyplace I visited in New Zealand.

Town 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 perfect location.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent house sitting within the stunning 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 surprising place to remain.

Should you’re on the lookout for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a incredible selection. 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 value contemplating. You’ll discover cool cafes, distinctive shops, and a busy nightlife and social scene right here. This beautiful little residential neighborhood provides a mix of contemporary facilities and unbiased allure.

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 wonderful hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of town and surrounding countryside.
2. Whale Watching: Probably the greatest 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 Battle 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 someday – 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 for those who want, merely take in panoramic views from the statement deck. The perfect views within the metropolis! Find it here.

2. Christchurch

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

There’s loads to do while 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.

Greatest Areas to Stay in Christchurch

Riccarton is a incredible neighborhood for digital nomads and is the place I stayed for 2 quick spells within the metropolis. The spotlight for me was the peaceable stroll by Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into town middle.

For a extra energetic expertise, Christchurch’s CBD is difficult 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 good for digital nomads.

Should 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 excellent for centered workdays and has easy accessibility to the CBD and close by parks.

Coworking Areas in Christchurch

Issues to Do in Christchurch

Whenever you’re not working, listed here are 5 Christchurch points of interest to strive in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this common spot stuffed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and unbiased bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by 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 trip on the Avon. Take a look at 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 prime 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 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 here for details.

3. Queenstown

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

Outdoors work, journey can 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 Stay 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 town center is good. This busy space is full of comfy laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the very best place to satisfy different digital nomads and ex-pats.

Should you want a quieter vibe, Fernhill provides a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city middle. Right here, the 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 here 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. It is a common exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click here to guide your spot right this 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 not like some other in some of the stunning 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: Probably the most enjoyable issues to do, however not for the faint-hearted. Velocity by slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat trip, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click here for details.
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 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 simple to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it a terrific spot for exploring too.

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

Greatest Areas to Stay in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and energetic ambiance. Cuba Street is true across the nook, providing an thrilling combination of cool retailers 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. Positioned only a quick stroll from town middle, this neighborhood provides beautiful views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s a terrific place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is all the time a wonderful possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to every little thing town has to supply. There’s a pleasant selection of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the right base to observe a terrific work-life balance.

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 Automobile Entry: Discover all of Wellington’s major highlights with a guided metropolis tour, together with a trip on the long-lasting cable automotive. Click here to 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 reap the benefits of a tour full of 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 trip to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is house to an exquisite seaside and many 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 positive 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 big quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has beautiful structure and a terrific consuming tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is house to distinctive wildlife and outside adventures together with climbing 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 Stay in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the center of town and a terrific selection for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and many historic allure, you’ll have every little thing 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 supplies it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. General the realm is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, preferrred for work-life stability.

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

Coworking Areas in Dunedin

Issues to Do in Dunedin

Listed here 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 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 beautiful Otago Peninsula. This common 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 to your style buds and also you’ll study rather a lot concerning the metropolis alongside the best way. Click here for more information.

Discover Lodging in New Zealand

Should you 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 helpful instrument for reserving every little thing from hostels to luxurious flats. 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 middle 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 most important home sitting web site available on the market usually 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 provides a spread of properties at aggressive costs. Remember 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 Residing 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 possibly can count on to pay round $15 for a casual meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually talking, the test for a good dinner out will simply set you again $80-$100.

Like most locations, you’ll by no means be removed from a pleasant espresso store. Your commonplace brew will often value $3 wherever you might be in NZ. Meat could be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Beef, hen, and particularly lamb are routinely under $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

Costs will range drastically 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 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

All the main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and secure public transport methods. Throughout my time in Auckland, I ceaselessly used the ferry to take me immediately throughout the water into the center of town middle.

Utilizing Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public transport begin at round $2.50 per trip and may be bought on-line, by way of an app, or in particular person at a kiosk.

Uber is broadly used all through New Zealand and is an reasonably priced and handy technique to journey, quick journeys value $10-$15. Gasoline costs are often a lot greater 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 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 excellent for my wants. There are official retailers for the principle distributors resembling Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.

Information-only SIMS are cheaper however count on 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’ll learn all about it on this Auckland house sitting guide.
2. Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by prepare or automotive seems like a terrific 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 selection of common supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is mostly thought of the most affordable 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 stunning international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the nice outside and benefit from the alternative for loads of climbing, pure magnificence, and seaside life throughout your keep.

Climate in New Zealand

New Zealand experiences four distinct seasons, providing various climate all year long. October is the center of spring within the southern hemisphere, and temperatures have been dry and nice. That is once I visited and the landscapes actually got here to life.

The perfect 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 provide fewer crowds and milder climate.

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

Execs and Cons of Residing in New Zealand

Like all place on this planet, dwelling in New Zealand comes with its benefits and challenges. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:

Execs of Residing in New Zealand

• Beautiful Pure Magnificence: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand really 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 atmosphere, glorious healthcare, and a robust schooling system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions resembling climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly obtainable.
• Secure and Peaceable: Low crime rates and political stability make it a safe place to reside.

Cons of Residing in New Zealand

• Excessive Price of Residing: Housing, groceries, and utilities can be expensive, particularly in cities like Auckland.
• Distant Location: Its distance from different international locations makes worldwide journey and exploring additional afield expensive and time-consuming.
• Earthquake Danger: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, 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 the moment provide a particular 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 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 staff want to make sure they adjust to rules (working whereas on a vacationer visa is often not permitted).

All the time 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 study 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 beloved 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 large metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely fitted to digital nomads. Take pleasure in your travels!