Digital Nomad Life in New Zealand
Summary: New Zealand is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads are Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Digital nomads like living in New Zealand because of its stunning natural beauty, friendly people, and excellent quality of life. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $2,000 in New Zealand. The culture of New Zealand is diverse and vibrant, with a mix of M?ori, European, and Pacific Island influences. Popular foods in New Zealand include fish and chips, roast lamb, and pavlova. Other popular dishes include h?ngi (a traditional M?ori dish cooked in an underground oven), kumara (sweet potato), and kiwifruit.
How do I meet people in New Zealand?
When we asked people living in New Zealand about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in New Zealand often join local clubs and activities such as sports teams, book clubs, and language classes. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals alike. Finally, expats can also meet people by simply exploring their new city and talking to people they meet along the way," remarked one foreigner who made the move to New Zealand.
"There are numerous groups: I would recommend taking a trip to the visitors' bureau to get more information. They offer heaps of brochures and schedules," explained one person living in Wellington, New Zealand.
What is life like in New Zealand?
When we asked people living in New Zealand what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Everything is important here. The city is mostly about business and socializing; while, the suburbs are more family oriented. Cricket and rugby are the favorite sports," remarked one member in Wellington.
"Life for expats and digital nomads in New Zealand is generally very pleasant. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and kayaking. The cities are modern and vibrant, with plenty of cultural attractions and activities to explore. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other developed countries, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. The people are friendly and welcoming, and the country is known for its excellent healthcare system. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the country's strong economy and job opportunities," explained one expat living in New Zealand.
Where should I live in New Zealand?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"We chose to rent a furnished house in a beach-side community (aren't most of them anyway?). We drove around New Zealand for seven weeks and found a spot we liked. We bought a local newspaper and looked at about 10 houses from the rental ads and chose one in Snells Beach. That is 10 kms from Warkworth, which in turn is about one hour north of Auckland," explained one expat living in Warkworth, New Zealand.
"One way to find a place to live in New Zealand is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Trade Me, NZ Flatmates, and Rent.co.nz are popular resources for finding rental properties. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents in the area you are interested in to inquire about available properties. You can also look for rental listings in local newspapers and on bulletin boards in supermarkets and other public places. Finally, you can ask friends and family who live in New Zealand if they know of any available properties," said one person in New Zealand.
"Found a great real estate lady who listened and then worked really hard to find our home! Chose our home for the views, close to town and is on the peninsula," said one expat who made the move to Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ.
What do I need to know before moving to New Zealand?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to New Zealand, they said:
"Before retiring in New Zealand, expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to live in. They should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the country's immigration and visa requirements. Additionally, expats should consider the healthcare system in New Zealand and whether they will need to purchase private health insurance. It is also important to research the tax system in New Zealand and any tax implications for expats. Finally, expats should consider the climate and geography of the area they plan to live in, as well as the availability of recreational activities," remarked one foreigner who made the move to New Zealand.
"It's a great place to live. It's beautiful and interesting. I would stock up on all the products you love. You won't be able to buy them here, or they will just be too expensive to purchase. New Zealand is an island. The cost of shipping goods in, is pricey," explained one person living in Wellington, New Zealand.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in New Zealand?
"Expats in New Zealand appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and the friendly, welcoming attitude of the locals. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the country, with its mountains, beaches, and forests. The country's diverse culture, with its mix of Maori, European, and Pacific Island influences, is also a draw for many expats. Additionally, New Zealanders are known for their sense of adventure and enthusiasm for outdoor activities, which is something that many expats find appealing," said one person in New Zealand.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in New Zealand?
"Expats in New Zealand often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the laid-back attitude and relaxed pace of life to be a challenge, as it can be difficult to adjust to a slower pace of life. Additionally, the lack of a strong sense of community can be difficult for expats to adjust to, as they may be used to a more close-knit community in their home country. Furthermore, the lack of diversity in New Zealand can be a challenge for expats, as they may be used to a more diverse culture. Finally, the cost of living in New Zealand can be a challenge for expats, as it is often higher than what they are used to," said one person in New Zealand.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in New Zealand for a while?
"If you plan to stay in New Zealand for a while, you will need to apply for a valid visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a Visitor Visa, a Work Visa, or a Resident Visa. You will also need to provide proof of identity, such as a passport, and other documents such as proof of financial means and a valid return ticket," said one expat in New Zealand.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in New Zealand?
We asked people in New Zealand if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be aware of the cultural norms in New Zealand and to respect the local customs. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to be respectful of the Maori culture and to avoid making jokes or comments about it. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local dress code and to dress appropriately for the occasion. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the environment and to avoid littering or leaving rubbish behind," said one expat in New Zealand.
"I have to make myself not use any "slang" from home. It does not work here nor does some of the humor," remarked one member in Wellington.
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What are healthcare services like in New Zealand?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in New Zealand, they replied:
"Healthcare services in New Zealand are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free or low-cost for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. It includes primary care services such as general practitioners, community health services, and hospital services. The quality of public healthcare in New Zealand is generally high, with a focus on preventative care and access to specialist services. Foreign residents are eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand, however, they may be required to pay a fee for some services. Expats in New Zealand can use the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for some services. Private health insurance is also available for expats in New Zealand, which can provide access to additional services," said one digital nomad in New Zealand.
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What are the pros and cons of living in New Zealand?
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the natural beauty of New Zealand, with its stunning landscapes, lush forests, and rugged coastlines. They also enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and friendly locals. The country is also known for its excellent healthcare system and high quality of life. On the downside, the cost of living in New Zealand can be quite high, and the weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, the country is quite isolated, making it difficult to travel to other countries," said a member in New Zealand.
"Dunedin is a delightful town. The University adds vibrancy and helps create a real sense of place. The mix of people and cultures create a wealth of amenities from cafes to museums, art shows, conferences, keynote speakers, films, music and recreation activities. The city itself is beautiful with rolling hills and stunning beaches. There are sea lions and penguins lurking on the beaches. And it is mostly a dog friendly place. Public transportation could use some improvement as could the roads. Overall it is an incredibly safe and inviting place to live," explained one person living in Dunedin, New Zealand.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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Help others in New Zealand by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in New Zealand.
Digital Nomads in New Zealand offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in New Zealand.
Advice for people renting and buying real estate in New Zealand.