Living in Wellington, New Zealand. Neighborhoods, coworking, and what to expect.
Welcome to our comprehensive digital nomad guide to Wellington, New Zealand, with monthly cost of living around $2,769 and average internet speeds of 169 Mbps. Whether you're planning a short stay or considering Wellington as your next long-term base, this guide covers everything remote workers need to know.
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Wellington, New Zealand, my home for several months. This vibrant city has a unique charm that draws you in and makes you want to stay. With a population of 381,900, Wellington is large enough to offer a great quality of life, yet small enough to feel like a community. The city vibe is eclectic, with a mix of arts, culture, and outdoor activities that cater to all interests. Wellington digital nomads love the city’s relaxed atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and thriving food scene. From hiking in the nearby hills to enjoying a craft beer at a local pub, there’s always something to do in Wellington.
One of the reasons I fell in love with Wellington is its compact size, which makes it easy to get around without a car. The city is well-connected, with a comprehensive public transport system that includes buses and a cable car. As a remote worker, I appreciated the city’s many coworking spaces, cafes, and libraries that offer reliable internet and a productive environment. Whether you’re a fan of coffee, craft beer, or live music, Wellington has a scene that will suit your tastes. With its high Nature Score of 91/100, Wellington is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine work with play.
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in, Wellington has several areas that are popular with digital nomads. Here are three neighborhoods that I highly recommend:
Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique character, and the best area for you will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. As a digital nomad, I found that Te Aro was the most convenient area to live in, with its many coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants.
The cost of living in Wellington is relatively high compared to other cities in New Zealand. However, the city offers a great quality of life, and many digital nomads find that the benefits outweigh the costs. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs you can expect to pay in Wellington:
Overall, the cost of living in Wellington is around NZD $3,000-4,000 (USD $1,900-2,500) per month for a single person. However, this can vary depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Wellington has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with many coworking spaces and cafes offering reliable and fast internet. The average internet speed in Wellington is around 45 Mbps, which is sufficient for most remote workers. Here are some popular coworking spaces and cafes that offer great internet and a productive environment:
Wellington has a thriving digital nomad community, with many meetups and events organized by remote workers and entrepreneurs. Here are some popular groups and events to check out:
Wellington is a city that is passionate about arts, culture, and food. The city has a thriving cultural scene, with many museums, galleries, and performance venues. Here are some popular cultural attractions and events to check out:
Wellington is also a great city for dating, with many bars, restaurants, and social events to choose from. The city has a lively nightlife scene, with many live music venues and bars to check out. Some popular spots include Courtenay Place, Cuba Street, and Lambton Quay.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to live and work in New Zealand. The most common visa for remote workers is the Working Holiday Visa, which allows you to live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. You can also apply for a Work Visa, which allows you to live and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years.
To apply for a visa, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a valid passport, proof of funds, and health insurance. You can apply for a visa online or through a paper application.
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate life in Wellington as a digital nomad:
More cities like Wellington for remote work.
NEW ZEALAND