Digital Nomad Guide to Living in New Zealand

It was always a dream of mine to experience being a digital nomad in New Zealand, and I recently made that dream a reality. As someone from the UK, New Zealand is about as far as you can travel before you begin coming home again. It’s an expansive and beautiful country and the ideal retreat … Read more

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It was always a dream of mine to experience being a digital nomad in New Zealand, and I recently made that dream a reality. As someone from the UK, New Zealand is about as far as you can travel before you begin coming home again.

It’s an expansive and beautiful country and the ideal retreat for remote workers seeking a slower pace tinged with plenty of adventure, culture, and fun. I’ve never visited anywhere quite like New Zealand and I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

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About New Zealand

New Zealand is an island in the Pacific, packed with jaw-dropping landscapes and lots of opportunities for adventure. From epic forests and breathtaking mountains to quirky little towns and big cities, it’s popular with nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

With just over 5 million calling it home, you’ll feel welcome wherever you go. Despite it being so remote, the WiFi is solid and the coffee is amazing – a trip to New Zealand is totally worth it.

Whether you’re hiking in Queenstown, drinking in Auckland’s CBD, soaking in Rotorua’s hot springs, or geeking out over The Lord of the Rings spots, there’s plenty to keep you inspired and entertained.

Living in New Zealand As a Digital Nomad (Personal Experience)

I spent exactly a month as a New Zealand digital nomad. This time was split between a 2-week house sit in Auckland, a week exploring further afield in the North Island, and a week exploring the South Island.

Moving so frequently within a month meant I delved into all of my remote working skills and regularly found new places to set up my laptop. Thankfully, I found that even some of the most remote New Zealand towns were well-suited for digital nomads.

Later on, I’ll discuss a couple of the best coworking spaces in New Zealand and some of the best cafes I found that made great spots for remote working. Although I was over ten thousand miles from home, I always felt well-connected to my work, family, and friends.

Is New Zealand Safe?

New Zealand is one of the safest countries you can visit. Crime rates are low, and locals are famously friendly. I always felt completely safe exploring; whether in the rural countryside, remote towns, or even the bigger cities.

Unlike its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has very few natural predators. You won’t find dangerous snakes or deadly spiders here, just plenty of sheep and birds. I traveled to NZ straight from Australia so it was nice to relax after 3 months of being on guard!

While New Zealand is generally safe, it’s worth noting the country is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquake preparedness is part of daily life and many buildings are designed to withstand tremors.

Best Places for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

I was fortunate to travel around many of the country’s biggest towns and cities. Here are the best places to consider living as a digital nomad in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Auckland, a city built around 2 large harbors is home to the bulk of the country’s population. Subsequently, it has the most familiar big city vibe of anywhere I visited in New Zealand.

The city skyline, specifically the iconic Sky Tower, typifies the economic prowess of the city and gives it a true metropolitan feel. As a digital nomad, Auckland is the ideal location.

Best Areas to Live in Auckland

All of my time in Auckland was spent house sitting in the beautiful and popular suburb of Devonport. It’s just a short hop across the water by the ferry or accessible by the Harbour Bridge. Tourists flock here and it was a stunning place to stay.

If you’re looking for a truly central spot, Auckland’s CBD is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with great restaurants, excellent shopping, and iconic landmarks. Its walkable streets and easy-to-use public transport make it a convenient base for exploring.

For a more laid-back vibe, Ponsonby is an area worth considering. You’ll find cool cafes, unique stores, and a busy nightlife and social scene here. This lovely little residential neighborhood offers a blend of modern amenities and independent charm.

Coworking Spaces in Auckland

• Sharedspace
• Thinkspace Downtown
• Grid Auckland

Things to Do in Auckland

Here are 5 fun things in Auckland to fill your free time with:

1. Climb Mount Eden: An excellent hike up a dormant volcano with epic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
2. Whale Watching: One of the best things I did in New Zealand was a marine eco-safari. Take a trip aboard a luxury catamaran and observe orcas and dolphins in their natural habitat. Book your unforgettable adventure today.
3. Explore the Auckland War Memorial Museum: Dive into New Zealand’s history and Maori culture in a stunning heritage building. Get your tickets right here.
4. Lord of the Rings Experience: Explore two of New Zealand’s iconic attractions in one day – visit 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 walk around the edge, or if you prefer, simply soak up panoramic views from the observation deck. The best views in the city! Find it here.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is a great option for anyone working remotely in New Zealand. It offers a nice mix of modern facilities and natural beauty – I spent days here and it’s ideal for digital nomads. There’s a big cafe culture and a growing remote working scene.

There’s plenty to do when you’re not working. Explore the parks, walk along the Avon River, or eat and drink your way around the Riverside Farmers Market. The city has a relaxed feel to it and life in New Zealand feels somewhat slower here than in Auckland.

Best Areas to Live in Christchurch

Riccarton is a fantastic neighborhood for digital nomads and is where I stayed for two short spells in the city. The highlight for me was the peaceful walk through Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which led straight into the city center.

For a more lively experience, Christchurch’s CBD is hard to beat. This revitalized area is alive with bars, restaurants, and the city’s best coworking spaces. Being close to hotspots like Riverside Market and the Avon River is ideal for digital nomads.

If you’re after something quieter but still well-connected, Addington is a great pick. It’s home to plenty of cozy cafes and has a more laid-back atmosphere. It’s perfect for focused workdays and has easy access to the CBD and nearby parks.

Coworking Spaces in Christchurch

• Qb Studios
• Community101
• Saltworks – Works

Things to Do in Christchurch

When you’re not working, here are 5 Christchurch attractions to try in your spare time:

1. Riverside Market: Explore this popular spot filled with local food stalls, boutique shops, and independent bars.
2. Botanic Gardens: Stroll through beautifully curated gardens, relax by the river, or enjoy a picnic in a tranquil setting.
3. Tram, Punt, and Gondola: Tick off 3 awesome activities on land and water with a sightseeing tour on the famous vintage Christchurch Tram, plus punting and a gondola ride on the Avon. Check out this great tour I found that includes all three.
4. Visit the Antarctic Centre: Discover the magic of Antarctica at one of New Zealand’s top attractions. It’s the next best thing to visiting Antarctica. Click here to pre-book your tickets.
5. Go Wine Tasting: New Zealand is famous for its wine, so why not spend a delightful day in the scenic countryside surrounded by vineyards? Visit three wineries and enjoy a mouthwatering lunch. Click here for details.

3. Queenstown

Queenstown is a major NZ hub on the impressive Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by stunning mountains. Accommodation options range from budget hostels to cozy apartments and high-end hotels, catering to every digital nomad.

Outside work, adventure will be right on your doorstep. Go hiking, explore wineries, or even ski during your downtime. The energetic atmosphere and creative community make Queenstown an inspiring place to base yourself.

Best Areas to Live in Queenstown

Frankton is a practical choice for any digital nomad working in New Zealand. It’s where I stayed during my visit to Queenstown. Its proximity to the airport is super convenient, and the cafe scene provided all the WiFi and caffeine I needed.

For those wanti