π° Cost of Living
Average monthly expenses for a digital nomad
π Accommodation
π Food & Dining
π Transportation
π― Other
β‘ Digital Nomad Essentials
Everything you need to work remotely from Wellington
πΆ Internet
βοΈ Weather
βοΈ Transport
π Visa
βAdvantages
- βWorld-class coffee culture and cafe scene
- βExtremely safe with very low crime rates
- βExcellent English speaking environment
- βNew remote work visa allows legal digital nomad stays
- βCompact walkable city with great public transport
- βVibrant arts cultural and food scene
- βStrong tech community and coworking options
- βClean air and stunning natural harbor views
- βLGBTQ+ friendly progressive atmosphere
- βGateway to South Island adventures
βDisadvantages
- βHigh cost of living especially rent
- βNotoriously windy weather year-round
- βCan feel isolated from rest of world
- βLimited direct international flights
- βEarthquake risk in the region
- βWinter months can be cold and wet
- βExpensive dining out compared to Asia
- βLimited late-night entertainment options
- βHousing shortage drives up prices
- βFar from major tech hubs
πΌ Top Coworking Spaces
Best places to work in Wellington
Precinct Flex (Generator)
π 30 Waring Taylor Street, Wellington CBD β’ 200 Mbps β’ 24/7 β’ Meeting rooms
Two/Fiftyseven
π 257 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington β’ 150 Mbps β’ Meeting rooms
Urban Hub
π Lambton Quay, Wellington CBD β’ 250 Mbps β’ 24/7 β’ Meeting rooms
Servcorp Bell Gully Building
π 171 Featherston Street, Wellington Waterfront β’ 300 Mbps β’ 24/7 β’ Meeting rooms
Bureau Coworking
π The Terrace, Wellington CBD β’ 180 Mbps β’ 24/7 β’ Meeting rooms
β Best Cafes to Work From
Laptop-friendly cafes with good WiFi
Prefab Eatery
π Te Aro
Neo Cafe & Eatery
π Te Aro
The Fig Tree
π Newtown
Mojo Coffee
π Wellington Central
Enigma Cafe
π Te Aro
Empire Cinema & Eatery
π Island Bay
ποΈ Best Neighborhoods
Where to stay in Wellington
Te Aro
Wellington's vibrant social hub and undoubtedly the coolest neighborhood in the city. Home to the famous Cuba Street with endless restaurants, cafes, record shops, thrift stores, and quirky booksellers. The area features the rainbow crossing honoring transgender icon Carmen Rupe. Courtenay Place offers the city's best nightlife with bars open until late. Flat terrain makes it easily walkable, and it's the heart of the central business district.
Mount Victoria
A charming residential neighborhood nestled between Te Aro and the waterfront, home to the city's most panoramic landmark, Mount Victoria Lookout. Victorian houses dot the hillside with stunning harbor views from 196 meters above sea level. Famous as a Lord of the Rings filming location. More residential than Te Aro but still close to all amenities. Best fish and chip shop in the city located here.
Kelburn
Located at the top of the Wellington Cable Car, Kelburn offers stunning views of the city and harbor. Home to Victoria University and the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Popular with families and university students, creating a young neighborhood atmosphere. While homes can be pricey, it's quiet and safe. Features numerous parks, gardens, coffee shops, and art galleries. Note: lots of steps if not using the cable car.
Oriental Bay
Wellington's premier waterfront neighborhood sitting between Mount Victoria and Lambton Harbour. The prettiest stretch of Wellington featuring seafront walks and gorgeous views. In warmer months, it becomes a hotspot with swimmers, sunbathers, skaters, and party-goers on the sandy beach. Perfect for those who love being by the water with easy access to the CBD.
ποΈ Top Attractions
Best things to do in Wellington
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum
New Zealand's national museum and one of the best museums in the world, offering free entry to most exhibitions. Features interactive exhibits covering New Zealand's history, MΔori culture, natural environment, and Pacific heritage. The Gallipoli exhibition created by Weta Workshop provides a deeply moving experience. An immersive journey through what makes New Zealand unique.
Wellington Cable Car
The iconic funicular railway running from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Gardens, rising 120 meters over 612 meters. The 5-minute journey offers panoramic views of the city and harbor with commentary and colored lights along the way. At the top, access stunning views, the Cable Car Museum, and the beautiful Botanic Gardens. A must-do Wellington experience.
Zealandia Ecosanctuary
A groundbreaking 225-hectare urban wildlife sanctuary just minutes from downtown Wellington. Home to some of the world's rarest and most extraordinary native species including kiwi, tuatara, and takahΔ. Originally built to conserve depleting forest reserves and natural wildlife. Your best chance of seeing rare native species in the wild within a protected valley ecosystem.
Weta Workshop
The internationally award-winning company behind special effects for Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, and District 9. Located in Miramar, the Weta Cave offers studio tours, famous props, and behind-the-scenes experiences. A must-visit for film enthusiasts and anyone interested in movie-making magic. See costumes, weapons, and props used in blockbuster films.
Mount Victoria Lookout
A prominent 196-meter hill offering spectacular panoramic views of Wellington city, harbor, and surrounding areas. Famous as a Lord of the Rings filming location for Hobbiton scenes. Accessible via a 45-minute walking track from Majoribanks Street or by driving to the summit parking lot. Best at sunset for absolutely stunning golden hour photography.
Cuba Street
Wellington's bohemian heart and a lively pedestrian precinct known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, bars, and street art. Features artisan coffees, specialty foods, vintage shops, retro bargains, and the famous bucket fountain. Street performers and festivals create constant entertainment. The rainbow crossing at Cuba and Dixon Streets honors New Zealand's transgender icon Carmen Rupe.
Wellington Botanic Garden
A stunning 25-hectare garden featuring unique landscapes, protected native forest, conifers, specialized plant collections, and colorful floral displays. Accessible via the Cable Car from downtown or walking tracks. Offers spectacular views over Wellington city and harbor. Includes the historic Lady Norwood Rose Garden with over 100 rose varieties.
Parliament Buildings and The Beehive
New Zealand's Parliament Building and the iconic Beehive executive wing offer free guided tours seven days a week. Learn about New Zealand's political system, watch live debates, and explore the impressive architecture. The Beehive, designed by Sir Basil Spence, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the country and a focal point for visitors interested in governance.
π‘οΈ Safety & Healthcare
What to know about safety and medical care
π¨ Safety
π₯ Healthcare
π¬ What Nomads Say
Real reviews from digital nomads
"Wellington exceeded all my expectations as a digital nomad base. The coffee culture is genuinely world-class - I've never had so many consistently excellent flat whites anywhere else. The coworking scene is solid with spaces like Precinct Flex offering everything you need. Yes, it's windier than advertised, but the compact walkable city more than makes up for it. I felt incredibly safe walking around at any hour, and the creative community is welcoming to newcomers. The new remote work visa made everything legal and stress-free. Internet is fast and reliable throughout the city. Best of all, weekend trips to stunning landscapes are just a ferry ride away."
"Worked remotely from Wellington for three months and it was a great experience with some caveats. The tech community is surprisingly active for such a small city, and I found good networking opportunities at local meetups. Coworking spaces have reliable internet averaging 150+ Mbps. The cost of living hit harder than expected - rent for a decent apartment in Te Aro was around $1600 NZD monthly, and eating out adds up quickly. However, the quality of life is exceptional. Being able to hike Mount Victoria before work or grab craft beer at Garage Project after makes it worthwhile. Just budget accordingly and you'll have an incredible time."
"Wellington is beautiful but probably not ideal for long-term budget digital nomads. The wind is relentless - some days I couldn't even open my laptop at outdoor cafes. Accommodation costs are high and finding a good flatshare took weeks. The timezone can be challenging for working with US or European clients, often meaning early morning or late night calls. That said, the cafe scene for working is excellent, Te Papa museum is inspiring, and I've never felt so safe anywhere. It's perfect for a 1-2 month creative reset if you can handle the premium prices and weather quirks. The local nomad community is small but supportive."
Ready to explore Wellington?
Join thousands of nomads who call this city home
View All Cities β