It used to be all the time a dream of mine to revel in being a virtual nomad in New Zealand, and I latterly made that dream a fact. As any person from the UK, New Zealand is ready so far as you’ll trip earlier than you start coming house once more.
It’s an expansive and wonderful nation and the perfect retreat for far flung staff searching for a slower tempo tinged with a number of journey, tradition, and a laugh. I’ve by no means visited anyplace slightly like New Zealand and I will’t wait to let you know all about it.
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About New Zealand
New Zealand is an island within the Pacific, full of jaw-dropping landscapes and plenty of alternatives for journey. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little cities and massive towns, it’s well liked by nature fanatics and thrill-seekers alike.
With simply over 5 million calling it house, you’ll really feel welcome anyplace you pass. Regardless of it being so far flung, the WiFi is cast and the espresso is fantastic – a travel to New Zealand is completely value it.
Whether or not you’re mountaineering 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 lots to stay you impressed and entertained.
Dwelling in New Zealand As a Virtual Nomad (Private Revel in)
I spent precisely a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time used to be break up between a 2-week house sit in Auckland, every week exploring additional afield within the North Island, and every week exploring the South Island.
Shifting so often inside of a month supposed I delved into all of my far flung operating talents and incessantly discovered new puts to arrange my laptop. Fortunately, I discovered that even one of the crucial maximum far flung New Zealand cities have been well-suited for virtual nomads.
Afterward, I’ll talk about a few the most efficient coworking areas in New Zealand and one of the crucial best possible cafes I discovered that made nice spots for far flung operating. Despite the fact that I used to be over 10000 miles from house, I all the time felt well-connected to my paintings, circle of relatives, and pals.
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 totally protected exploring; whether or not within the rural geographical region, far flung cities, and even the larger towns.
In contrast to its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has only a few herbal predators. You received’t in finding bad snakes or fatal spiders right here, simply a number of sheep and birds. I traveled to NZ instantly from Australia so it used to be great to loosen up after 3 months of being on guard!
Whilst New Zealand is normally protected, it’s value noting the rustic is prone to earthquakes because of its location at the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquake preparedness is a part of day by day existence and lots of structures are designed to resist tremors.
Very best Puts for Virtual Nomads in New Zealand
I used to be lucky to trip round most of the nation’s largest cities and towns. Listed below are the most efficient puts to imagine residing as a virtual nomad in New Zealand:
1. Auckland
Auckland, a town constructed round 2 huge harbors is home to the bulk of the country’s population. Due to this fact, it has essentially the most acquainted giant town vibe of anyplace I visited in New Zealand.
Town skyline, in particular the long-lasting Sky Tower, typifies the commercial prowess of town and provides it a real metropolitan really feel. As a virtual nomad, Auckland is the perfect location.
Very best Spaces to Reside in Auckland
All of my time in Auckland used to be spent house sitting within the stunning and common suburb of Devonport. It’s only a quick hop around the water by means of the ferry or available by means of the Harbour Bridge. Vacationers flock right here and it used to be a surprising position to stick.
For those who’re in search of a in point of fact central spot, Auckland’s CBD is an incredible selection. It’s full of nice eating places, superb buying groceries, and iconic landmarks. Its walkable streets and easy-to-use public delivery make it a handy base for exploring.
For a extra laid-back vibe, Ponsonby is a space value taking into account. You’ll in finding cool cafes, distinctive shops, and a hectic nightlife and social scene right here. This pretty little residential community provides a mix of recent facilities and unbiased appeal.
Coworking Areas in Auckland
Issues to Do in Auckland
Listed below are 5 a laugh issues in Auckland to fill your loose time with:
- Climb Mount Eden: A very good hike up a dormant volcano with epic perspectives of town and surrounding geographical region.
- Whale Staring at: Probably the most best possible issues I did in New Zealand used to be a marine eco-safari. Take a travel aboard a luxurious catamaran and practice orcas and dolphins of their herbal habitat. Book your unforgettable adventure today.
- Discover the Auckland Struggle Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s historical past and Maori tradition in a surprising heritage construction. Get your tickets right here.
- Lord of the Rings Revel in: Discover two of New Zealand’s iconic points of interest in in the future – discuss with the captivating Hobbiton Movie Set and the paranormal Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Click here for more information.
- Pass to the Sky Tower: Thrill-seekers can stroll across the edge, or should you favor, merely absorb panoramic perspectives from the commentary deck. The most productive perspectives within the town! Find it here.
2. Christchurch
Christchurch is a brilliant possibility for someone operating remotely in New Zealand. It provides a pleasant combine of recent amenities and herbal good looks – I spent days right here and it’s very best for virtual nomads. There’s a large cafe tradition and a rising far flung operating scene.
There’s lots to do whilst you’re now not operating. Discover the parks, stroll alongside the Avon River, or devour and drink your method across the Riverside Farmers Market. Town has a comfy really feel to it and existence in New Zealand feels rather slower right here than in Auckland.
Very best Spaces to Reside in Christchurch
Riccarton is an incredible community for virtual nomads and is the place I stayed for 2 quick spells within the town. The spotlight for me used to be the non violent stroll via Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led instantly into town heart.
For a extra vigorous revel in, Christchurch’s CBD is tricky to overcome. This revitalized space is alive with bars, eating places, and town’s best possible coworking areas. Being just about hotspots like Riverside Marketplace and the Avon River is perfect for virtual nomads.
For those who’re after one thing quieter however nonetheless well-connected, Addington is a brilliant pick out. It’s house to a number of comfortable cafes and has a extra laid-back surroundings. It’s best possible for centered workdays and has clean get admission to to the CBD and close by parks.
Coworking Areas in Christchurch
Issues to Do in Christchurch
Whilst you’re now not operating, listed here are 5 Christchurch points of interest to take a look at on your spare time:
- Riverside Marketplace: Discover this common spot full of native meals stalls, boutique retail outlets, and unbiased bars.
- Botanic Gardens: Walk via superbly curated gardens, loosen up by means of the river, or revel in a picnic in a tranquil environment.
- Tram, Punt, and Gondola: Tick off 3 superior actions on land and water with a sightseeing excursion at the well-known antique Christchurch Tram, plus punting and a gondola experience at the Avon. Take a look at this great tour I discovered that incorporates all 3.
- Consult with the Antarctic Centre: Uncover the magic of Antarctica at one in all New Zealand’s most sensible points of interest. It’s the following best possible factor to visiting Antarctica. Click here to pre-book your tickets.
- Pass Wine Tasting: New Zealand is legendary for its wine, so why now not spend a satisfying day within the scenic geographical region surrounded by means of vineyards? Consult with 3 wineries and revel in a mouthwatering lunch. Click here for details.
3. Queenstown
Queenstown is a significant NZ hub at the spectacular Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by means of surprising mountains. Lodging choices vary from finances hostels to comfortable residences and high-end accommodations, catering to each virtual nomad.
Outdoor paintings, journey might be proper for your doorstep. Pass mountaineering, discover wineries, and even ski all through your downtime. The lively surroundings and artistic group make Queenstown an inspiring position to base your self.
Very best Spaces to Reside in Queenstown
Frankton is a sensible selection for any virtual nomad operating in New Zealand. It’s the place I stayed all through my discuss with to Queenstown. Its proximity to the airport is tremendous handy, and the cafe scene supplied the entire WiFi and caffeine I wished.
For the ones in need of to be on the center of the motion, Queenstown’s town center is perfect. This busy space is full of at ease laptop-friendly cafes, eating places, and coworking areas. It’s additionally the most efficient position to fulfill different virtual nomads and ex-pats.
For those who favor a quieter vibe, Fernhill provides a relaxed break out whilst nonetheless being shut sufficient to the city heart. Right here, the primary receive advantages is the breathtaking lake and mountain perspectives – it’s a in point of fact inspiring position 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 most sensible 5 actions to get you began:
- White Water Rafting Journey: Really feel the adrenaline as you navigate rapids on Queenstown’s surprising rivers. It is a common process and is such a lot a laugh. Click here to e-book your spot as of late.
- Skyline Gondola and Luge: Probably the most town’s most sensible points of interest! Experience the gondola for jaw-dropping perspectives, then zoom down the luge for a thrill not like another in probably the most stunning puts on earth. Find it here.
- Panoramic Helicopter Excursion: What higher technique to see Queenstown’s breathtaking landscapes than to jump over all of it on a helicopter excursion? This revel in is solely unforgettable, click here to order your once-in-a-lifetime flight now.
- Jet Boating on Shotover River: Some of the a laugh issues to do, however now not for the faint-hearted. Pace via slender canyons on an exciting jet boat experience, a must-do distinctive thrill in Queenstown. Click here for details.
- Vineyard and Lunch Excursion: Embody the native wine scene and revel in gourmand delicacies on a guided vineyard excursion. Deal with your self to this scrumptious day trip, you received’t remorseful about it. Click here to be informed extra about this nice day excursion.
4. Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is a town constructed for virtual nomads. The cafe tradition and comfy fashionable bar scene make it clean to discover a spot to paintings. Its strategic place between the North and South islands makes it an excellent spot for exploring too.
For the moments you’re now not operating, Wellington has lots to supply nonetheless. Town’s vigorous power and inventive surroundings lend itself to an inspiring position to name house for some time.
Very best Spaces to Reside in Wellington
Te Aro is a best choice for virtual nomads, with its central location and vigorous surroundings. Cuba Street is correct across the nook, providing an exhilarating mix of cool retail outlets and bars. It’s the easiest position to unwind after a productive day at the laptop computer.
For a quieter however nonetheless related spot, head to Mount Victoria. Situated only a quick stroll from town heart, this community provides surprising perspectives of the harbor and town skyline. It’s a great spot for cafes, parks, and lovely little streets.
Wellington CBD is all the time a very good possibility. Right here, you’ll have get admission to to the entirety town has to supply. There’s a pleasant number of coworking areas, laptop-friendly cafes, and reasonably priced lodging choices; making it the easiest base to observe a really perfect work-life balance.
Coworking Areas in Wellington
Issues to Do in Wellington
Make time to slot in those 5 most sensible Wellington actions:
- Guided Town Excursion with Cable Automobile Get admission to: Discover all of Wellington’s primary highlights with a guided town excursion, together with a experience at the iconic cable automobile. Click here to book your tickets.
- Part-Day ‘Heart Earth’ Lord of the Rings Excursion: Consult with iconic filming places from the Lord of the Rings motion pictures, or make the most of a excursion full of much more motion. Click here for details on the half-day tour to get you started.
- Go back Ferry to Days Bay: Take a calming ferry experience to Days Bay. The ferry is scenic and a laugh, and Days Bay is house to a phenomenal seaside and plenty of nature to revel in. Book your ferry tickets here.
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Dive into New Zealand’s wealthy tradition and historical past at Te Papa, the rustic’s nationwide museum. Click here for skip-the-line tickets and fast-track entry.
- Martinborough Vineyard Excursion: Sip on nice wines and revel in a scrumptious lunch as you excursion Martinborough’s well-known wineries. Don’t pass over out and click here to book your tour, including transfers today.
5. Dunedin
Let’s end with a wild card. Dunedin is an attractive town at the South Island that mixes a number of herbal good looks with an important quantity of tradition and historical past. Recognized for its Scottish heritage, it has surprising structure and a really perfect consuming tradition.
The close by Otago Peninsula is house to distinctive natural world and open air adventures together with mountaineering and kayaking. Dunedin additionally has a thriving arts and tune scene, so there’s all the time one thing to discover all through your downtime.
Very best Spaces to Reside in Dunedin
Central Dunedin is the guts of town and a really perfect selection for virtual nomads. With a number of cafes, a few respectable coworking areas, and plenty of historical appeal, you’ll have the entirety you want all through a keep right here, together with buying groceries, eating, and native points of interest.
North Dunedin is a quieter, extra residential space. It’s just about the University of Otago, which provides it a younger really feel with a number of cafes, parks, and funky bars. Total the realm is non violent, with nice strolling and cycling routes, very best for work-life steadiness.
St. Clair is a coastal community with a extra comfy seaside vibe however a number of fashionable facilities. Keep right here for the perspectives and revel in get admission to to fantastic close by nature, best possible for outdoor-loving virtual nomads.
Coworking Areas in Dunedin
Issues to Do in Dunedin
Listed below are my most sensible issues to do in Dunedin:
- Consult with the Dunedin Botanic Gardens: Discover Dunedin’s non violent botanic gardens, a loose, stunning house to loosen up and unwind surrounded by means of nature. Click here for details.
- Speights Brewery Excursion: Uncover the historical past at the back of New Zealand’s iconic Speights beer with a brewery excursion. The well-known drink originates from Dunedin and this excursion is a should for beer fanatics! Click here for more details.
- Town Highlights and Otago Peninsula Excursion: Discover the most efficient of Dunedin, from town’s heritage to the lovely Otago Peninsula. This common excursion frequently sells out. Click here to book your tour.
- 3-Hour Artisan Meals Excursion: Savor the flavors of Dunedin’s best possible native produce with this scrumptious artisan strolling meals excursion. It’s an actual deal with in your style buds and also you’ll be informed so much in regards to the town alongside the way in which. Click here for more information.
Tips on how to In finding Lodging in New Zealand
For those who plan on being a virtual nomad in New Zealand, stay your lodging choices open. Listed below are the 4 choices I used right through my time in New Zealand:
1. Booking.com: A handy gizmo for reserving the entirety from hostels to luxurious residences. Booking.com frequently lets in for no pre-payment, loose cancelation, and value matching, making it a traveler’s budgeting dream.
2. Airbnb: Whether or not you’re making plans a town heart keep or one thing extra far flung within the New Zealand geographical region, Airbnb has plenty of alternatives on each islands. All the time play along with your dates to look if you’ll hit positive cut price markers.
3. Trusted Housesitters: Save on your whole lodging prices by means of securing a area take a seat. The largest area sitting website available on the market incessantly has listings throughout New Zealand. I secured a 2-week keep in Auckland and Goats On The Road readers get a unique 25% cut price by means of clicking this link.
4. Vrbo: A platform similar to Airbnb, Vrbo provides a variety of houses at aggressive costs. Make sure to take a look at each to safe the most efficient costs and mess around along with your period of keep to look if you’ll get monetary savings by means of reserving for longer.
Price of Dwelling in New Zealand
I used to be pleasantly stunned by means of the price of residing in New Zealand. Even within the larger towns, maximum issues felt rather affordable, right here’s the breakdown:
Eating places and Groceries
Eating out is similar to maximum US and UK locations. You’ll be expecting to pay round $15 for a casual meal, and the sky’s the restrict with high-end eating places. Usually talking, the take a look at for a good dinner out will simply set you again $80-$100.
Like maximum puts, you’ll by no means be a ways from a pleasant espresso store. Your same old brew will most often value $3 anyplace you might be in NZ. Meat could be very reasonably priced in New Zealand as little is imported. Red meat, hen, and particularly lamb are robotically under $5/lb.
Lodging Prices
Costs will range very much around the nation relying on whether or not you intend to stick within the larger towns or extra rural spaces. So, the usage of the largest town Auckland as our benchmark, town residences value upwards of $1200/month, with $200 utilities on most sensible.
If making plans a brief keep, refine your searches the usage of the choices mentioned within the earlier lodging segment. You’ll discover a complete 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 towns are serviced by means of environment friendly, reasonably priced, and protected public delivery techniques. All through my time in Auckland, I often used the ferry to take me immediately around the water into the guts of town heart.
The use of Auckland as our information as soon as once more, tickets for public delivery get started at round $2.50 per trip and will also be bought on-line, by the use of an app, or in particular person at a kiosk.
Uber is broadly used right through New Zealand and is an reasonably priced and handy technique to trip, quick journeys value $10-$15. Fuel costs are most often a lot upper than in the United States or Australia – a gallon of gas was above $6 all through my keep!
SIM Playing cards, Knowledge, and WiFi
Getting related in New Zealand is a clean and easy procedure. Strolling via airport arrivals at 10 pm, a One NZ store used to be open for trade and had me up and operating with limitless calls, messages, and 10GB of knowledge in mins.
My plan value me $30/month and used to be best possible for my wishes. There are legit shops for the primary distributors equivalent to Spark, One NZ (Vodaphone), and 2Degrees in all cities and towns.
Knowledge-only SIMS are inexpensive however be expecting to pay no less than $15/month to get totally arrange and related with a elementary package deal.
Cash Saving Guidelines for New Zealand
- Area Sit down: Save on your whole lodging prices by means of securing area sits in New Zealand. I did it for part of my keep and you’ll learn all about it on this Auckland house sitting guide.
- Fly Regionally: Touring between the North and South islands by means of teach or automobile seems like a really perfect concept however is amazingly uneconomical. Funds airways function between all main towns and can get you there in a fragment of the time.
- Store Round: There are a number of common supermarkets in New Zealand. Pak n Save is normally thought to be the most affordable however by means of buying groceries round you’ll in finding other bargains in numerous shops.
- Op Store: Thrift shops and op retail outlets are prevalent right through NZ and are all the time at hand for selecting up new books, second-hand clothes, and souvenirs.
- Embody the Unfastened Stuff: New Zealand is without doubt one of the most pretty international locations I’ve ever visited. Get out into the good outdoor and benefit from the alternative for a number of mountaineering, herbal good looks, and seaside existence all through your keep.
Climate in New Zealand
New Zealand studies four distinct seasons, providing various climate right through the 12 months. October is the guts of spring within the southern hemisphere, and temperatures have been dry and delightful. That is once I visited and the landscapes in reality got here to existence.
The most productive time to trip to New Zealand relies on your plans, as each and every season has distinctive highlights. Summer time (December to February) is superb for seashores and mountaineering, whilst wintry weather (June to August) draws skiers. Spring and autumn be offering fewer crowds and milder climate.
There’s no typhoon season, however the scorching climate round vacations like Christmas and New Yr can carry excessive trip call for. For very best stipulations, spring or early autumn each steadiness nice climate and less vacationers.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand
Like every position on the earth, residing in New Zealand comes with its benefits and demanding situations. Right here’s what I discovered all through my keep:
Professionals of Dwelling in New Zealand
- Shocking Herbal Good looks: Breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to seashores, New Zealand in point of fact is without doubt one of the most pretty international locations I’ve ever had the excitement of visiting.
- Laid-Again Way of life: The comfy and pleasant tradition is conducive to work-life steadiness and coffee pressure ranges.
- Top High quality of Existence: A blank surroundings, superb healthcare, and a powerful training device give a contribution to general well-being.
- Journey Alternatives: Actions equivalent to mountaineering, bungee leaping, water sports activities, and snowboarding are broadly to be had.
- Secure and Non violent: Low crime rates and political steadiness make it a safe position to reside.
Cons of Dwelling in New Zealand
- Top Price of Dwelling: Housing, groceries, and utilities can be expensive, particularly in towns like Auckland.
- Far off Location: Its distance from different international locations makes world trip and exploring additional afield pricey and time-consuming.
- Earthquake Chance: New Zealand lies at the Pacific Ring of Fire, that means that earthquakes are a commonplace herbal danger.
- Insects and Sandflies: Positive spaces, particularly close to water, are identified for frustrating sandflies and mosquitoes.
Virtual Nomad Visa for New Zealand
New Zealand doesn’t lately be offering a selected virtual nomad visa. Alternatively, far flung staff frequently make the most of the Visitor Visa which permits remains of as much as 2 years. Remember the fact that solely certain countries are eligible and sure standards should be met.
For American and Canadian electorate a visa-free trip settlement lets in remains of as much as 90 days, whilst Brits can keep for as much as 6 months. Far off staff want to make sure that they agree to laws (operating whilst on a vacationer visa is most often now not approved).
All the time comprehensively analysis the visa scenario primarily based by yourself cases earlier than making plans any keep in New Zealand. Your individual govt’s web page will provide the entire important data. Click on right here to be informed extra about working holiday visas in NZ.
In Conclusion
I am hoping my virtual nomad information to New Zealand has impressed you to make it your subsequent far flung operating base. I liked my time there and will’t wait to return and discover some extra.
Whether or not you revel in breathtaking herbal landscapes, old fashioned cities, or the draw of the massive town, New Zealand has all of it and is a rustic completely suited to virtual nomads. Revel in your travels!
