Wellington, New Zealand 🇳🇿
#604
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, located at the southern tip of the North Island, known for its vibrant arts scene and café culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 220,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 70 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NZD ≈ 0.60 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume directly from the tap. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Spark, 2degrees, and Vodafone. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include ASB, ANZ, and Kiwibank; ATMs widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local tenant agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted throughout the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and serviced apartments are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include YHA Wellington and Base Wellington. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Cuba Street and Te Aro are vibrant areas with many attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Wellington, particularly around Courtenay Place, has many coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Business Hub and Little Beer Quarter are popular coworking spaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Olive Cafe offers great coffee and a conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and networking events are frequently held via Meetup.com and local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Wellington Expats Facebook Group is a good resource for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Zoomy are popular for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Wellington has a range of bike rental services, including bike share programs like Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Oriental Bay is the closest beach, approximately 10 minutes away from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air New Zealand operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qantas and Emirates are major international carriers flying into Wellington. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | State Highway 1 provides main road access in and out of Wellington. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Wellington Railway Station is the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Snapper cards are used for seamless travel across buses and trains. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses and trains connect to nearby cities like Masterton and Hutt Valley. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Wellington Regional Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Space Yoga and Yoga on the Shore are popular studios. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Jetts Fitness and Les Mills offer extensive fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wellington has several laundromats like Laundromat on Tory. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Menulog are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional Kiwi meat pie or fish and chips. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Sweet Release and The Botanist offer fantastic plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Head to La Bella Italia and Sweet Bakery for delightful desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Wellington Night Market is a great place for budget food shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Trade Me and Countdown are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Countdown and New World offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Courtenay Place is the hub of nightlife in Wellington. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Check out Tuatara Brewery for local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wither Hills Wine Bar is known for beautiful local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Wellington has a vibrant food truck scene at the waterfront. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Try Asian restaurants like Pad Thai or Indian restaurants on Jackson Street. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Beehive and Te Papa Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Te Papa and the Wellington Museum are essential cultural stops. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Check out the Old St. Paul's Cathedral and the historical Cuba Street. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Peter's Anglican Church and the Wellington Cathedral are noteworthy. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Wellington hosts the Lantern Festival and the New Zealand Festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Cuba Street is known for its artsy vibe and cultural expression. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Circa Theatre and the Opera House host various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Wellington has the Wellington Craft Market every Sunday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check out venues like San Fran and The Tuning Fork for live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Wellington is known for its vibrant street art throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Wellington Cooking School offers various culinary classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit the Adam Art Gallery and City Gallery Wellington for local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Wellington Town Hall is a beautiful historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Explore the rich Māori heritage and history in Wellington. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary for wildlife and nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Rimutaka Range and Tararua Forest Park are excellent for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Wellington Waterfront is great for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Victoria Lookout offers stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Island Bay is a popular spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas at Scorching Bay allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL, NZ Post, and FedEx are reliable options for delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Computer and phone repairs are available at places like PB Tech. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Wellington Table Tennis Club hosts regular games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language Schools like WEA offer English and Māori classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Wellington Central Library is a great place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Wellington Community Centre provides various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Arcade in Cuba Street is a popular gaming venue. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Wellington Casino offers gambling options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NZD 200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NZD 152,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NZD 270,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NZD 192,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 320,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 224,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 33%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | New Zealand residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No general property tax, but council rates apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No property transfer tax. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Up to NZD 0 tax on worldwide income for short-term travelers under a certain income threshold. |