Taranaki Welcomes Digital Nomads
New Zealand has updated its visitor visa rules, allowing remote workers to legally work for overseas employers or clients while travelling in our country.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone applying for a visitor visa, including tourists and those visiting family, can now work remotely.
How long can I stay?
Remote work is permitted for up to 90 days, with the possibility of extending the stay up to nine months.
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted online through Immigration New Zealand. Standard visitor visa fees apply, and processing typically takes around 3.5 weeks.
Why Taranaki?
Taranaki offers an exceptional environment for remote workers and digital nomads seeking a balance between productivity and lifestyle.
Nestled between stunning beaches and the iconic Taranaki Maunga (mountain), the region provides a unique mix of tranquility and inspiration.
With a strong sense of community, vibrant cultural events, and easy access to outdoor adventures, Taranaki is a destination where work and life seamlessly coexist.
Add to this an affordable cost of living, reliable digital infrastructure, and diverse co-working spaces, and you have the perfect base for your remote-working journey.
Getting Here
Taranaki is located halfway between Auckland and Wellington on the western coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
It is easily accessed by air using Air New Zealand’s domestic service and by road via major state highways, including New Zealand’s oldest heritage trail – The Forgotten World Highway SH43.
Approximate flight times:
Auckland to New Plymouth: 50 mins
Wellington to New Plymouth: 50 mins
Christchurch to New Plymouth: 90 mins
Approximate drive times:
Auckland to New Plymouth: 4 hours 30 minutes
Hamilton to New Plymouth: 3 hours
Wellington to New Plymouth: 4 hours 30 minutes
What Makes Remote Work in Taranaki Unique?
A Lifestyle Like No Other
Enjoy a morning surf, lunchtime hike, or evening at a local café. The Taranaki lifestyle is all about balance.
Connected Yet Serene
With reliable high-speed internet and peaceful surroundings, Taranaki provides the perfect environment for focus and creativity.
Supportive Community
Join local networking events, meetups, and business workshops to expand your connections.
Taranaki Highlights
Taranaki offers a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich history, vibrant arts and culture, sun-drenched beaches, world-class events, unforgettable walks and hikes, and an award-winning dining scene.
Co-working spaces in Taranaki
Building Networks
To meet new people and build new support networks many newcomers like to join groups such as the Taranaki Young Professionals, become a Friend of the Chamber, or any number of other clubs and groups.
A great way to find out what’s available to do in your community is to contact your local library or district council: New Plymouth District Council, Stratford District Council and South Taranaki District Council.
The Citizens Advice Bureau Community Directory is built up of over 35,000 local services and organsations. Find out what’s available in Taranaki.
Taranaki Daily News is available in print and online and often lists upcoming events. Live Magazine and Mood Magazine are free lifestyle magazines with stories and information about the local community.
Sport Taranaki lists information about sports events and clubs in Taranaki.
Short-term Accommodation
Read how others have made remote working in Taranaki a reality
Min and Alex upgraded to the Taranaki lifestyle without giving up their jobs.
“New Plymouth is just the right size. It’s big enough to have good food, drink and social options and small enough to make it easy to get around. We’re at the beach every day and we can go to the gym easily or go walking in the bush during the week. It’s also easy to get around so we can pop into town for appointments when we need to during the workday.” - Min Engels
Explore Taranaki
Home to Taranaki Maunga; creativity, innovation, and connection thrive here - take a look at our Taranaki Story.
Moving here from overseas?
Get tips and practical advice on immigration and settling into life in New Zealand.