Meet the Kiwi family redefining ‘remote work’ and travelling the world

A New Zealand Family Hits the Road

In the sun-drenched hills of Bali or the bustling streets of Lisbon, one Kiwi family is showing the world what true remote work freedom looks like. Meet the Thompsons – mum Sarah, dad Mike, and their two young kids, aged 8 and 10 – who ditched their suburban life in Auckland two years ago to chase horizons while keeping their jobs alive online. Sarah runs a graphic design business from her laptop, landing clients across Europe and the US, while Mike codes for a tech firm based in Sydney. What started as a pandemic experiment has evolved into a full-blown global odyssey, proving that work doesn't have to chain you to a desk.

Their story resonates deeply in 2026, as New Zealand rolls out welcoming policies for remote workers. No dedicated digital nomad visa exists yet, but visitor rules now explicitly allow earning from overseas employers, making it easier for families like the Thompsons to base themselves Down Under or roam further. They often return to explore the North and South Islands, campervan in tow, blending work sprints with hikes through Fiordland or beach days in Nelson. This flexibility has let them weave education into travel, with the kids sampling local schools short-term and diving into online classes tailored for nomads.

Navigating Visas, Work, and Family Life on the Move

The Thompsons' setup hinges on smart planning around eligibility rules that have grown nomad-friendly. Applicants need proof of offshore employment, solid funds, health insurance, and a clean record – criteria Sarah and Mike met effortlessly with their established careers. New Zealand's visitor visas, updated since early 2025, permit unlimited remote work, and upcoming tax tweaks from April 2026 promise a "non-resident visitor" status. This shields short-stay nomads from local tax burdens on foreign income, as long as they meet a 275-day threshold without prior residency. For families, it's a game-changer, since kids can tag along and even attend schools briefly.

Daily life blends productivity with play. Mornings kick off in cozy Airbnbs or campervans with high-speed Wi-Fi – New Zealand's reliable infrastructure sets the tone, but they've adapted to spots worldwide using mobile hotspots as backups. Coworking hubs in Auckland or Wellington offer networking when home, connecting them to expat communities in Queenstown that share tips on everything from visa extensions to kid-friendly hikes. Even abroad, they prioritize routines: school from 9 to 1, family adventures after. "We've turned work into a launchpad for memories our kids will carry forever," Sarah shares.

Traveling as a family has taught us resilience and curiosity; the kids now speak bits of three languages and understand cultures beyond textbooks. It's redefined success for us – not climbing ladders, but building a life of wonder together.

Challenges, Joys, and the Rise of Nomad Families

Not everything's seamless. Jet lag disrupts calls, and finding consistent internet in rural gems tests patience, but redundancies like eSIMs keep them connected. Costs add up – high income thresholds for some visas demand financial buffers – yet they offset with off-season stays and local eats. The real payoff? Deeper family bonds and worldly kids who thrive on change. New Zealand's push mirrors a global trend; in 2026, nomad families are booming, fueled by post-pandemic shifts and policies easing remote stints. Places like Portugal compete, but Kiwi perks like safety, scenery, and tax clarity shine.

The Thompsons inspire others back home. Mike notes how NZ's tech scene and nomad meetups sparked their leap, while Sarah credits global communities for practical hacks. Their journey highlights remote work's evolution: from solo hustlers to family squads redefining balance. As policies evolve, more Kiwis eye similar paths, blending careers with exploration.

This Kiwi clan exemplifies how remote work unlocks boundless travel, supported by savvy visas, robust infrastructure, and family-first planning – a blueprint for the modern wanderlust era.