Living Off The Grid in New Zealand – What You Need To Know!
Along with providing a more sustainable lifestyle, living off the grid in New Zealand offers many other benefits.
By relying on renewable energy sources, you can reduce your environmental footprint and save money on traditional utility bills.
It also provides an opportunity to live independently and develop skills such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical wiring that can be used in other areas of life.
While it is possible to live off the grid legally in New Zealand, careful planning and research are required to ensure a successful transition into this alternative lifestyle
New Zealand has a population of approximately 4.9 million people.
It is the 53rd most populous country in the world and the 7th least densely populated nation in the world, with 17 people per square kilometre.
The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland, has a population of more than 1.5 million people.
There are also five other cities with populations over 100,000: Wellington (435,000), Christchurch (365,000), Manukau City (335,000), Hamilton (220,000) and Tauranga (133,000).
Maori represent 14% of the total population while Pacific Islanders make up 6%.
New Zealand is a popular destination for tourists, hikers and adventure-seekers due to its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and active volcanoes.
It is known as a safe, friendly and politically stable country with excellent healthcare, education systems, and infrastructure.
New Zealand also has high marks in terms of human rights and quality of life, making it an attractive destination to live or visit.
Additionally, its citizens have a reputation for being welcoming and outgoing people which contributes to the country’s appeal.
It is possible to live off the grid in New Zealand.
The Ministry of Health estimates that approximately 0.2 per cent of the population lives entirely off-grid and relies on renewable resources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric or geothermal energy for their power needs.
Living off the grid requires careful planning and preparation, including researching local regulations and available renewable energy sources before starting the process.
Benefits Of Living Off Grid In New Zealand
New Zealand is a great place to live off the grid and reap the benefits of living a simpler life.
Here are some of the top advantages of living off grid in New Zealand:
- Low cost of living due to not having to pay for utilities or accessories associated with a traditional home
- Easier access to fresh, organic produce from local farmers and community gardens
- More self-sufficient lifestyle with renewable energy sources such as solar power
- Lower stress levels from living away from city life and enjoying clean air, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life
- Increased privacy and security in an off grid situation
- Opportunities to learn new DIY skills such as gardening and small scale livestock farming
The challenges of living off grid in New Zealand
While going off grid in New Zealand can be rewarding, it does come with some challenges.
Here’s what you should keep in mind if you’re considering this lifestyle:
- Limited access to modern amenities such as internet, streaming services and digital entertainment
- Expensive initial setup costs such as the cost of solar panels, batteries and other renewable energy sources
- Difficulty finding off grid land that is suitable for a home, particularly in highly populated areas
- Prolonged projects such as digging wells for water or finding alternative ways to heat/cool a home
- Necessity of obtaining back up generators or alternate power sources during outages
Things To Consider Before Moving to New Zealand
Before moving to New Zealand, it’s important to consider a few things.
Research the local regulations and laws related to living off the grid.
Make sure you are familiar with zoning requirements and property restrictions specific to the area you plan on living in.
Additionally, investigate of the renewable energy sources available in your area, such as solar or wind power.
Furthermore, consider the cost of setting up a self-sufficient system for your home before making any commitments.
Understanding these key points can help make the transition into living off the grid much smoother.
Average Temperature In New Zealand
The average temperature in New Zealand varies greatly depending on the season and area.
In the summer (December to February), temperatures in the North Island tend to range from 11°C to 27°C while in the South Island, temperatures can range from 10°C to 22°C.
During winter (June to August), temperates in the North Island tend to range from 4°C to 15°C while in the South Island, temperatures can range from -1°C to 10°C.
The coldest part of New Zealand is typically Central Otago on the south island, with an average temperature of 8-10 degrees Celsius all year round.
Conclusion
With some forethought and planning ahead of time though, living off-grid can provide a unique experience, unlike any other – full independence with unparalleled access to all of mother nature’s gifts right outside your door!
You also might be interested in reading about other popular places in the world to live off the grid.
