🌍 Overview
As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Taupo, New Zealand, my home for several months. This charming town on the shores of Lake Taupo has won my heart with its stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, and relaxed atmosphere. With a Nomad Score of 100/100, it’s no wonder that Taupo is a favorite among remote workers. The town offers an unparalleled quality of life, with easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and wellness retreats. As a Taupo digital nomad, you’ll find that the town’s laid-back vibe and breathtaking scenery make it an ideal spot to balance work and play.
Taupo’s population of 26,500 people creates a sense of community, where locals are always eager to chat and share their knowledge of the area. English is the primary language spoken, but you’ll also hear Te Reo Maori (the indigenous language) being spoken by the local Maori community. With a Nature Score of 100/100, Taupo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you’re hiking the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing or simply taking a stroll along the lake’s shores, you’ll find that Taupo’s natural beauty is truly inspiring.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Taupo, there are several areas that stand out for digital nomads. Here are three of my favorites:
- Town Centre: The town centre is the hub of Taupo’s activity, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore. You’ll find a range of accommodation options, from apartments to houses, with prices starting from around NZD $400 (USD $260) per week for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Acacia Bay: This picturesque bay is located just a few kilometers from the town centre and offers stunning views of the lake. It’s a popular spot for families and retirees, but also has a growing community of digital nomads. You can find a one-bedroom house in Acacia Bay for around NZD $500 (USD $330) per week.
- Nukuhau: This suburb is located on the southern side of the lake and is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic walks. Nukuhau is a bit more laid-back than the town centre, but still has a range of amenities, including a supermarket and several cafes. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in Nukuhau for around NZD $450 (USD $290) per week.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Taupo is relatively low compared to other major cities in New Zealand. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses:
- Rent: NZD $604 (USD $390) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: NZD $15 (USD $10) for a meal at a mid-range restaurant, NZD $5 (USD $3.30) for a coffee
- Transport: NZD $2 (USD $1.30) for a bus fare, NZD $10 (USD $6.60) for a taxi fare
- Coworking: NZD $20 (USD $13) per day for a desk at a coworking space
Overall, the cost of living in Taupo is around NZD $2,500 (USD $1,650) per month for a single person, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices. As a Taupo digital nomad, you’ll find that the town offers great value for money, with a range of affordable accommodation options and a low cost of living.
Internet & Coworking
Taupo has a range of options for digital nomads looking for reliable internet and coworking spaces. The town’s internet speed is around 45 Mbps, which is fast enough for most remote workers. Here are a few of my favorite coworking spaces and cafes:
- The Co: This coworking space is located in the town centre and offers desks from NZD $20 (USD $13) per day. They also have a range of meeting rooms and event spaces.
- The Hub: This cafe is located in the heart of the town centre and offers fast internet and a range of food and drink options. They also have a few desks available for rent from NZD $10 (USD $6.60) per hour.
- Lakehouse: This cafe is located on the shores of the lake and offers stunning views and fast internet. They also have a range of food and drink options, including a great breakfast menu.
Taupo has a growing community of digital nomads, with a range of meetups and events throughout the year. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Taupo Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great place to connect with other remote workers and find out about upcoming events and meetups.
- Taupo Coworking: This group is for anyone interested in coworking and remote work, and hosts regular meetups and events.
- Lake Taupo Meetup: This group hosts a range of events and activities, from hiking and surfing to social gatherings and networking events.
Culture & Lifestyle
Taupo has a unique culture that’s shaped by its Maori heritage and stunning natural environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to local customs and lifestyle:
- Kia ora: This is a common Maori greeting, which translates to “hello” or “good health”.
- Respect for the environment: Taupo is a town that’s deeply connected to the natural environment, and locals take pride in keeping the town and its surroundings clean and beautiful.
- Food scene: Taupo has a range of great restaurants and cafes, serving everything from traditional Kiwi fare to international cuisine. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as fish and chips or a traditional Maori hangi (feast).
- Dating and nightlife: Taupo’s nightlife scene is relatively low-key, but there are still plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends. The town has a range of bars and restaurants, and there are often events and activities happening throughout the year.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to ensure that you have the right visa to live and work in New Zealand. Here are a few options:
- Tourist visa: This visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to 12 months, but you’re not allowed to work.
- Working holiday visa: This visa is available to citizens of certain countries, and allows you to work and live in New Zealand for up to 12 months.
- Digital nomad visa: Unfortunately, New Zealand doesn’t currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, you may be eligible for a work visa or a resident visa, depending on your circumstances.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when living and working in Taupo:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a range of providers, including Vodafone and Spark. Prices start from around NZD $10 (USD $6.60) per month.
- Transport: Taupo has a range of transport options, including buses and taxis. You can also rent a car or bike to get around.
- Safety: Taupo is a very safe town, but it’s still important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Weather: Taupo has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. Be sure to pack accordingly, and take advantage of the town’s many outdoor activities.
