Digital Nomad Information to Residing in New Zealand – Goats On The Street

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 dwelling once more.

It’s an expansive and exquisite nation and the best retreat for distant employees 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.

About New Zealand

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

With simply over 5 million calling it dwelling, you’ll really feel welcome wherever you go. Regardless of it being so distant, the WiFi is strong and the espresso is superb – 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 sizzling 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 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.

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

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

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 at all times felt fully secure exploring; whether or not within the rural countryside, distant cities, and even the larger cities.

In contrast to its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few pure predators. You received’t discover harmful snakes or lethal spiders right here, simply loads of sheep and birds. I traveled to NZ straight from Australia so it was good to loosen up after 3 months of being on guard!

Whereas New Zealand is usually secure, it’s value noting the nation is susceptible to earthquakes as a result of its location on the Pacific Ring of Hearth. Earthquake preparedness is a part of day by day life and lots 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 lots of the nation’s greatest cities and cities. Listed below are the very best locations to contemplate dwelling as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Auckland, a metropolis constructed round 2 massive harbors is dwelling 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.

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 best location.

Finest Areas to Dwell in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent home sitting within the stunning and fashionable suburb of Devonport. It’s only a brief 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.

Should you’re on the lookout for a really central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a unbelievable alternative. It’s filled with nice eating places, wonderful procuring, 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 impartial attraction.

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 wonderful hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of town and surrounding countryside.
2. Whale Watching: Among the finest 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 the moment.
3. Discover the Auckland Conflict 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 in case you desire, merely take in panoramic views from the commentary deck. The very best views within the metropolis! Discover it right here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a good possibility for anybody working remotely in New Zealand. It provides a pleasant combine of contemporary services and pure magnificence – I spent days right here and it’s supreme for digital nomads. There’s an enormous 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 means 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 Dwell in Christchurch

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

For a extra energetic expertise, Christchurch’s CBD is tough to beat. This revitalized space is alive with bars, eating places, and town’s greatest coworking areas. Being near hotspots like Riverside Market and the Avon River is good for digital nomads.

Should you’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a good choose. It’s dwelling to loads of cozy cafes and has a extra laid-back ambiance. It’s excellent for targeted 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 sights to attempt in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Discover this fashionable spot crammed with native meals stalls, boutique retailers, and impartial bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll by way of fantastically curated gardens, loosen up by the river, or take pleasure in a picnic in a tranquil setting.
3. Tram, Punt, and Gondola: Tick off 3 superior actions on land and water with a sightseeing tour on the well-known classic Christchurch Tram, plus punting and a gondola experience 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 in all New Zealand’s prime sights. It’s the subsequent neatest 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 serious NZ hub on the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Lodging choices vary from funds hostels to cozy residences and high-end lodges, catering to each digital nomad.

Exterior work, journey might be proper in your doorstep. Go climbing, discover wineries, and even ski throughout your downtime. The energetic ambiance and inventive neighborhood make Queenstown an inspiring place to base your self.

Finest Areas to Dwell 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 offered 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 good. This busy space is filled with snug 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 desire a quieter vibe, Fernhill provides a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city heart. Right here, the primary profit is the breathtaking lake and mountain views – it’s a really inspiring place to arrange your laptop computer.

Coworking Areas in Queenstown

Issues to Do in Queenstown

You received’t be bored in Queenstown; listed 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 fashionable exercise and is a lot enjoyable. Click on right here to guide your spot at the moment.
2. Skyline Gondola and Luge: One of many metropolis’s prime sights! Journey the gondola for jaw-dropping views, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like every other in one of the stunning 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 solely 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 way of slim canyons on an exhilarating jet boat experience, 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 connoisseur delicacies on a guided vineyard tour. Deal with your self to this scrumptious day trip, you received’t remorse it. Click on 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 stylish bar scene make it straightforward to discover a spot to work. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an important spot for exploring too.

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

Finest Areas to Dwell in Wellington

Te Aro is a best choice for digital nomads, with its central location and energetic ambiance. Cuba Road is correct 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 related spot, head to Mount Victoria. Situated only a brief stroll from town heart, this neighborhood provides beautiful views of the harbor and metropolis skyline. It’s an important place for cafes, parks, and cute little streets.

Wellington CBD is at all times a superb possibility. Right here, you’ll have entry to every part town has to supply. There’s a pleasant alternative of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the right base to follow an important work-life steadiness.

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 experience on the long-lasting cable automobile. Click on right here to guide your tickets.
2. Half-Day ‘Middle Earth’ Lord of the Rings Tour: Go to iconic filming places 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 soothing ferry experience to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and enjoyable, and Days Bay is dwelling to a ravishing seashore and plenty of 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 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 guide your tour, together with transfers at the moment.

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. Identified for its Scottish heritage, it has beautiful structure and an important consuming tradition.

The close by Otago Peninsula is dwelling to distinctive wildlife and outside adventures together with climbing and kayaking. Dunedin additionally has a thriving arts and music scene, so there’s at all times one thing to discover throughout your downtime.

Finest Areas to Dwell in Dunedin

Central Dunedin is the guts of town and an important alternative for digital nomads. With loads of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and plenty of historic attraction, you’ll have every part you want throughout a keep right here, together with procuring, eating, and native sights.

North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s near the College of Otago, which supplies it a youthful really feel with loads of cafes, parks, and funky bars. Total the world is peaceable, with nice strolling and biking routes, supreme for work-life steadiness.

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 unbelievable close by nature, excellent 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 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 the very best of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the beautiful Otago Peninsula. This fashionable tour typically sells out. Click on right here to guide 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 be taught lots concerning the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra data.

How you can Discover Lodging in New Zealand

Should you plan on being a digital nomad in New Zealand, preserve 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 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 a number of selections on each islands. All the time play together 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 largest home sitting website in the marketplace usually 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 provides a variety of properties at aggressive costs. Make sure you verify 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 may count on to pay round $15 for an off-the-cuff meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually talking, the verify 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 normal brew will normally 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 underneath $5/lb.

Lodging Prices

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

The entire main New Zealand cities are serviced by environment friendly, reasonably priced, and secure public transport programs. Throughout my time in Auckland, I incessantly used the ferry to take me instantly throughout the water into the guts of town heart.

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

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

SIM Playing cards, Knowledge, and WiFi

Getting related in New Zealand is a easy and easy course of. Strolling by way of 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 excellent for my wants. There are official retailers for the primary distributors comparable to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and cities.

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

Cash Saving Ideas for New Zealand

1. Home Sit: Save on all of your lodging prices by securing home sits in New Zealand. I did it for half of my keep and you may learn all about it on this Auckland home sitting information.
2. Fly Domestically: Touring between the North and South islands by practice or automobile feels like an important concept 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 fashionable supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is usually thought of the most affordable however by procuring round you’ll discover completely different bargains in numerous shops.
4. Op Store: Thrift shops and op retailers are prevalent all through NZ and are at all times helpful for choosing up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Embrace the Free Stuff: New Zealand is likely one of the most stunning nations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good open air and benefit from the alternative for loads of 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 guts 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 very best time to journey to New Zealand is determined by your plans, as every season has distinctive highlights. Summer season (December to February) is nice for seashores and climbing, whereas winter (June to August) attracts skiers. Spring and autumn supply fewer crowds and milder climate.

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

Professionals and Cons of Residing in New Zealand

Like every place on the planet, 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 nations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
• Laid-Again Way of life: The relaxed and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life steadiness and low stress ranges.
• Excessive High quality of Life: A clear atmosphere, wonderful healthcare, and a robust training system contribute to total well-being.
• Journey Alternatives: Actions comparable to climbing, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are extensively obtainable.
• Secure and Peaceable: Low crime charges and political stability make it a safe place to stay.

Cons of Residing in New Zealand

• Excessive Price of Residing: Housing, groceries, and utilities might 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 Hearth, which means that earthquakes are a standard pure hazard.
• Bugs and Sandflies: Sure areas, particularly close to water, are recognized for irritating sandflies and mosquitoes.

Digital Nomad Visa for New Zealand

New Zealand doesn’t at the moment supply a selected digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant employees typically make the most of the Customer Visa which permits stays of as much as 2 years. Understand that solely sure nations 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 rules (working whereas on a vacationer visa is normally not permitted).

All the time comprehensively analysis the visa scenario primarily based by yourself circumstances earlier than planning any keep in New Zealand. Your individual authorities’s web site will provide all the required data. Click on right here to be taught extra about working 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 liked my time there and might’t wait to return and discover some extra.

Whether or not you take pleasure in breathtaking pure landscapes, quaint cities, or the draw of the massive metropolis, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely fitted to digital nomads. Get pleasure from your travels!