DIGITAL NOMADS REJOICE
Those seeking a spot to drop anchor and keep the productivity flowing will find a digital nomad’s haven in the Bay of Plenty. Here you’ll find just the right mix of white-sand coast, lush forest hikes with rushing waterfalls, foodie hotspots, and a relaxed, innovative city full of cool and quirky locals happy to share their freelance lifestyle with you.
For more information, Work Life Tauranga is your go-to resource for integrating into our vibrant community. In the meantime, read on to discover our co-working spaces, slow stay accommodation and all the best cafés with free Wi-Fi.
CO-WORKING SPACES
If the beach is calling during work hours, head to Inkdrop’s shared studio in Mount Maunganui. Professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs and innovators will find an inspiring studio with dedicated traditional or sit-to-stand desks, a photography station, and a meeting room.
For proper digital nomad vibes and all the right set up, check out Basestation, which is conveniently located in Tauranga’s city centre and next to legend local coffee roasters and café Folk. Basestation offers hot desks, private or shared office desks, team spaces, and a meetings and events space.
Just down the road on Te Papa – Tauranga’s city centre peninsula – and catching the glorious afternoon Bay of Plenty sunshine is The Kollective, New Zealand’s largest co-working space dedicated to social impact. Here you’ll find fixed and flexi desk membership options, meeting rooms, and a community of socially minded people. They also offer a convenient day pass if you just need a desk for the day.
Tauranga’s Tauriko Business Estate has a new co-working space with a convenient coffee bar located downstairs for your morning pick-me-up. Enjoy a brand-new building, plenty of free onsite parking, desk and meeting spaces, and a variety of flexible membership plans at 3Nine5.
In Tauranga’s The Lakes suburb you’ll find BloomCo, a place for you to work, meet and thrive. This shared work, meeting and event space offers casual, part-time and full-time membership options. With a luxury home-away-from-home vibe, BloomCo has a great lounge & garden area plus a huge array of free tea and coffee, as well as plenty of free carparking.
Right in the heart of Mount Maunganui’s bustling main street, The Good Space offers a vibrant, relaxed coworking environment. With sit/stand desks, spacious boardrooms, and a well-stocked kitchen (including chocolate), it's designed to keep creativity (and caffeine) flowing. Step out onto the sunny deck for fresh air and views of the iconic Mauao (Mount Maunganui) — this is work-life balance, Mount-style.
Tauranga’s public libraries in the city centre, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Greerton all offer free Wi-Fi, computers and desk spaces. You can also scan for free, and photocopy and print in black and white or colour for a small fee.
CONNECT WITH LOCAL PROFESSIONALS
The Work Life Tauranga's Networking page features a curated list of local groups and events tailored to various interests, including entrepreneurship, creative industries, and general social gatherings. Engaging with these networks can help you build meaningful connections and find your place in Tauranga's dynamic professional landscape.
COFFEE AND CONNECTIVITY
If you’re looking to park up at a comfy cafe for a few hours over delicious food and drinks, we’ve got you covered.
Notable spots with free Wi-Fi in Tauranga include Elizabeth Street Larder, Vitality Kitchen, DOCA Cafe & Eatery, and The Phoenix on The Strand.
In Mount Maunganui you’ll find free Wi-Fi at trendy cafes such as Soul Boul, The General, Cafe 88, Spongedrop Cakery, and Astrolabe Brew Bar.
Head further east to Farm Street Larder in Bayfair Shopping Centre or Henry & Ted in Pāpāmoa for your Wi-Fi-come-coffee needs.
New Zealand internet provider EOL also provides free public Wi-Fi in spots around Tauranga’s city centre and Mount Maunganui. Check their coverage map.
You can also download the free Wi-Fi Map app, which shows you places that offer free Wi-Fi, public toilets, drinking fountains and ATMs. Download the app on Google Play for Andriod or the App Store for Apple.
WHILE YOU'RE HERE
Make the most of our place! When the day’s work is done and the laptop is closed, come and explore. We’ve got beaches to surf, forests to hike, waterfalls to (not) chase, culture to intrigue, wellness experiences to absorb, events to excite, the foodie experiences to delight.
SLOW LIVING STAYS
Live like a local and drop anchor for a while in a place designed with you in mind – the traveller who wants to slow down, connect, and live sustainably. Check out Beyonder – slow living stays or the array of accommodation options throughout the Bay.
DIGITAL NOMADS VISAS IN NEW ZEALAND
Remote workers are welcome in New Zealand and can apply for a visitor visa offering up to 90 days stay with the possibility to extend. Apply and find more information at immigration.govt.nz.