If you’re planning to become a digital nomad in New Zealand, you’re in for an incredible adventure. After spending several months working remotely while house sitting across the country, we’ve found some of the best places to base yourself for a productive and enjoyable lifestyle.
Whether you’re after reliable coworking spaces, vibrant cities, or epic scenery, New Zealand has it all. It’s also becoming a top country for remote work. From fast WiFi to friendly locals and endless weekend adventures, there’s something about this place that makes balancing work and play easy.
So, if you’re considering spending time as a digital nomad in New Zealand, this guide covers the top towns and cities that offer the right mix of convenience, comfort, and community.
Auckland – Big City Amenities and House Sitting Opportunities
Auckland is often the first stop for many digital nomads in New Zealand. As the country’s largest city, it has the best selection of coworking spaces like GridAKL and Generator. You’ll find reliable internet everywhere, trendy cafes with excellent americanos, and a large expat and remote work community.
We spent several weeks house sitting in Auckland, which made it easy to explore the city without blowing our budget. If you’re new to house sitting in New Zealand, Auckland is a great place to start. Check out my House Sitting Guide to Auckland for tips on how to get started.
Popular areas for digital nomads include Ponsonby and Devenport for their relaxed atmosphere and small-town feel. If you prefer to be in the heart of the action, the CBD has plenty going on. There’s a choice of hotels, serviced apartments, and coworking spaces within walking distance.
Wellington – Creative Energy and a Laid-Back Lifestyle
Wellington is a favorite among creative types and remote workers. Known for its artsy vibe, craft beer scene, and windy weather, it’s a fun and quirky place to live. The city has plenty of coworking spaces, like two/fiftseven, and an active digital nomad community.
The compact size of Wellington makes it easy to get around, and you’ll find plenty of cafes offering free WiFi. There’s also a thriving start-up culture, making it a great place to network if you’re working on your own business or freelancing.
Christchurch – Affordable and Up-and-Coming
Christchurch is an underrated option for digital nomads in New Zealand. The city has undergone a major transformation over the past few years and is now full of innovative architecture, street art, and a growing number of coworking spaces.
The Riverside Market is a cool place for shopping, dining out, and drinks, with a selection of great options all under one roof. It’s in a top location too, as the name suggests, right by the river, and with loads of cool bars and restaurants surrounding it.
It’s more affordable than Auckland and Wellington, and the vibe is friendly and laid-back. We found it easy to get work done here, with less hustle and bustle compared to the bigger cities. There’s also easy access to the nearby mountains if you’re into hiking or skiing on your days off.
Queenstown – Adventure and Natural Beauty
If you’re the kind of digital nomad who loves adventure, Queenstown should be high on your list. Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, it’s perfect for remote workers who want to balance work with activities like skiing, bungee jumping, and hiking.
While it’s more touristy and expensive than other places, there are coworking spaces like Mountain Club that offer fast internet and great views. The lifestyle here is unbeatable if you’re after a mix of remote work and outdoor adventure.
Tauranga and Mount Maunganui – Beach Life and Relaxed Vibes
For a more relaxed, coastal lifestyle, Tauranga and nearby Mount Maunganui are fantastic options. This area has become increasingly popular for remote work in New Zealand, thanks to its chilled vibe and stunning beaches.
There are coworking spaces like Basestation in Tauranga and plenty of cafes that make it easy to set up your laptop for a few hours. The Mount is a hotspot for surfing, hiking, and beach days, making it a great place to unwind after work.
Nelson – Sunshine and Outdoor Living
Nelson is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand and a great choice for digital nomads looking for a smaller town with lots of charm. It’s popular with creatives and entrepreneurs and has a few coworking options like the Mahitahi Colab.
You’ll find it easy to balance work with leisure here, thanks to its access to beaches, national parks, and bike trails. Nelson’s slower pace of life makes it perfect if you’re after a peaceful work environment.
Wanaka – Small Town Charm with Big Adventure
Wanaka is a smaller, quieter alternative to Queenstown but still offers plenty for digital nomads in New Zealand. The town has strong WiFi, beautiful lake views, and plenty of cafes to work from.
If you’re into hiking or skiing, you’ll love Wanaka’s easy access to outdoor activities. It’s also a great place to unplug when you’re off the clock, with a friendly community and lots of opportunities to enjoy nature.
Raglan – Surf Town for Creative Nomads
Raglan is a surf town on the North Island that’s become popular with creative digital nomads and entrepreneurs. If you’re after a chilled vibe and a slower pace of life, this is the spot.
There’s a growing community of remote workers here, and while coworking spaces are limited, you’ll find plenty of cafes with good WiFi. Raglan is ideal if you want to live in a smaller town with a strong sense of community and easy access to surfing and beach life.
Final Thoughts on Being a Digital Nomad in New Zealand
Spending time as a digital nomad in New Zealand has been one of the highlights of our remote work journey. With its stunning landscapes, reliable internet, and friendly locals, it’s an easy place to feel at home while working online.
If you’re planning to live and work remotely here, don’t miss Hannah’s Digital Nomad Guide to Living in New Zealand for tips on visas, the cost of living, and getting set up.
If you’re keen to keep your expenses down while enjoying the local lifestyle, house sitting in New Zealand is an awesome option. Start with my House Sitting Guide to Auckland to learn how we scored free accommodation while exploring the country.
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