Do you really want to be stuck in that dull office trying to find the motivation to get your work done? Remote working may be a feasible option for you. In the 21st century, it’s easy to set yourself up to work remotely while travelling to different locations — to be a digital nomad.
Under New Zealand’s new digital nomad scheme for travellers on visitor visas, remote working in an RV is practicable — if you hire an ergonomically comfortable one with onboard WiFi.
In this blog, we discuss being a digital nomad in an RV, how reliable WiFi is crucial and what you’ll need for an ergonomic and productive workspace on the road. We also look at how to design your days for both work and play, the importance of sleeping well and how to maintain a productive routine in a motorhome.
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Contents • The benefits of being a digital nomad in a motorhome • Ensuring reliable onboard WiFi • Tips for creating an ergonomic and productive RV workspace • The importance of sleeping well |
The benefits of being a digital nomad in a motorhome
Combining the freedom of motorhome travel with the flexibility of digital work will unlock a unique way of life. You’ll enjoy a nomadic existence yet still be able to earn income to keep your travels afloat.
Living a nomadic lifestyle while working in a recreational vehicle in New Zealand also offers several benefits.
Lower levels of workplace stress
If you decide to become a digital nomad, less work stress can be a significant advantage. For instance, you’ll enjoy:
- Zero commuting and wasted time getting stuck in traffic — instead, you’ll be able to wake up and simply start work
- Being away from any office work politics
- More interesting breaks — including short bush hikes, ocean swims or sipping coffees to breathtaking views outside your motorhome.
Extending your New Zealand holiday to include a few weeks of working from your motorhome hire may be another viable option. It takes a long time to fly to NZ and adjust to the different time zone. So, if you’re short of paid leave, working and travelling for an extra week or two may make your journey more worthwhile.
Greater creativity
A growing body of research supports the idea that travel can boost cognitive function and creativity. Travelling around New Zealand as a digital nomad can help your brain develop the capacity to think differently — improving your memory, attention span and decision-making.
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Motorhome travel in New Zealand is a gateway to a host of memorable experiences — and those experiences often involve forging some amazing connections along the way. As a digital nomad, you’ll meet like-minded people discovering the many advantages of combining work with travel. Catherine Milford — Motorhome and Travel Writer |
Better productivity
Aside from having fewer distractions compared to working in an office environment, you’ll also be less likely to procrastinate.
Are you planning to ride your mountain bike, hike trails or visit sightseeing attractions? If so, you’ll be highly motivated to get the work done — and to make the most of your spare time in NZ.
More efficient use of time
Working in an office day after day can lock you into a routine fairly quickly — one that involves waking up, going to work, working and heading home.
In contrast, working remotely on the road in different locations with new things to see and do inspires you to get out and enjoy the outdoors. The opportunity to work to live is right there — but it requires efficient organisation of your work hours and making the most of your free time.
Find out how to take your time travelling New Zealand by motorhome.
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The rules for digital nomads in NZ The regulations for digital nomads working for their foreign employer while in New Zealand changed in January 2025. Are you visiting NZ from a visa-waiver country like the US, UK, Japan, Singapore or the European Union? If so, you can now work as a digital nomad — as part of your visitor visa. The same is true if you must apply for a visitor visa. Under this digital nomad scheme, you may also be able to extend your visitor visa for additional months. However, looking into the possible tax implications is crucial if you intend to be a digital nomad in New Zealand for over 90 days. |
Ensuring reliable onboard WiFi
Fast and reliable internet access is the key to working efficiently and submitting work on time when travelling on the road. With the proper WiFi setup, you can easily stay connected to clients, attend virtual meetings and manage projects — no matter where you are in New Zealand.
Many modern motorhomes are equipped with onboard WiFi, which ensures access to fast and stable internet — even in remote locations.
If you’re considering hiring an RV as your primary workplace, it’s essential to check with rental companies to see if their motorhomes or campervans are equipped with secure WiFi.
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Many companies have strict corporate policies regarding public networks. Wilderness offers a dedicated network for travellers — so only you and your motorhome can access it.
Marcel Peifer — Wilderness’ Head of Digital & Sustainability |
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Dependable WiFi for your work-life balance All Wilderness motorhomes come with the option of unlimited wireless internet with an onboard router. This router uses New Zealand’s fixed long-range Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) network — which has 4G-enabled towers across the country.
If you plan to work and travel for over 30 days in a Wilderness motorhome, your WiFi charge will be capped at just 30 days. Similarly, should you travel and work for more than 50 days, your insurance cost will be capped at 50 days. |
Why unlimited onboard WiFi is ideal for remote work
Mobile data plans are practical if you want to post occasional holiday photos at the end of each day. However, if you’re seeking a nomadic work lifestyle, opting for unlimited onboard WiFi can be a great solution because:
- It often uses New Zealand’s RBI network with expanded coverage into rural areas — providing you with a more stable internet connection
- Unlimited plans come with a fixed cost, which can be more economical than relying on mobile data — particularly if you’ll be working long hours on multiple devices
- As you travel more rurally, community WiFi is less likely to be available in libraries and cafes — which can be noisy spaces, making it difficult to focus
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If you think about hotspotting from your phone compared to WiFi, the antennas in a phone are very small. However, the modems in our Wilderness motorhomes are pretty much all antennas — so they pick up a lot more signal and strength.
It’s also important to know that your phone’s battery will drain quickly if you use hotspotting.
Marcel Peifer |
- Downloading or uploading large files isn’t restricted by limits like with mobile data
- You can generally connect up to 20 metres from your WiFi router — meaning working outside near your RV is viable
- You can connect to multiple devices without worrying about data limits or hot-spotting issues.
Find out more about choosing onboard WiFi for your motorhome trip.
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Think about how you work best. If you’re easily distracted, a busy campground filled with kids on school holidays or rowdy groups may not work for you. Look for quieter campgrounds — or park next to a quiet lake so you won’t be interrupted. Catherine Milford |
Tips for creating an ergonomic and productive RV workspace
An ergonomic workspace is necessary if you’re considering working remotely in a recreational vehicle.
Hunching over a laptop at the dinette or using the kitchen counter as a standing desk may initially seem reasonable. However, the consequences of a non-ergonomic workspace can range from minor discomfort to ongoing health issues.
One of the challenges of working remotely is creating a comfortable and ergonomic workspace. Fortunately, motorhomes designed for extended stays often feature flexible dining areas — ideal for working on the go. With spacious tables, supportive seating, and ample storage, you can set up your laptop and dive into your workday without feeling cramped.
Assessing which RV will best help you work ergonomically and efficiently from remote locations is vital.
Swivel front seats
Search for an RV with multiple seating options, including swivel seats up front. These chairs, used by the driver and front passenger when travelling, easily rotate almost 180 degrees to face the dinette table.
They’re designed to keep you comfortable for long periods — especially on the road.
Adjustable table
Some motorhomes come with adjustable tables that expand and retract — while a few newer models even offer tables with adjustable height. With such a set up, you may be able to position the table at your ideal height to prevent strains and maintain upright posture while working.
Bring quality equipment
Before travelling, invest in lightweight, ergonomic workstation equipment that you can easily take with you. A portable laptop stand and an ergonomic keyboard can make a world of difference. If you're used to working with two screens, consider bringing a lightweight, portable screen.
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Consider bringing a bench mouse pad that sits under your keyboard and mouse — which easily unrolls and rolls up.
Marcel Peifer |
Inverter, power points and USB sockets
Check if the motorhome or campervan rental you intend to hire has an inverter that lets you charge your devices when not plugged into mains power.
You’ll also want enough power points and USB sockets to charge devices while driving or in campgrounds. Ask where they’re positioned within the RV — as you may need to charge while working in the living area.
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Having an inverter onboard has frequently been a lifesaver for me because you’re not reliant on power — like with some other motorhome companies.
Marcel Peifer |
Storage space for downtimes
You won’t want to think about work all the time on your working holiday, so ensure there’s easily accessible storage space for all your equipment. Ideally, you’ll need it near where you set up your workstation most days — so check the living room and kitchen area.
If your expensive laptop is stored away, out of sight, anyone thinking about breaking into your motorhome will be less tempted.
Research campground facilities
It’s wise to check which camping grounds on your intended route offer excellent facilities. They could be helpful for a day or two of work. Larger communal living spaces and the ability to take longer hot showers can be a nice change while travelling and working in a motorhome.
You’ll need to plug into mains power at least every few days after freedom camping, so choosing the right commercial campgrounds can positively mix up your work environment.
Learn more about freedom camping in New Zealand.
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Many campsites have WiFi, so people tend to think they’ll just use the WiFi at each camp. The problem is that everyone’s logged into the camp network from their motorhomes at peak times — which really reduces download speeds.
Marcel Peifer |
The importance of sleeping well
A restful night’s sleep is essential when you’re remote working and enjoying the gifts of travel at the same time. Revitalising sleep can help your:
- Brain recharge — for the next working day
- Body recover — both physically and mentally
- Mind focus on the following day’s tasks — both work and play.
What kind of bed best suits you? Some motorhome beds are slightly shorter, others have rounded edges and a few even have one side longer than the other. Many motorhomes now also feature drop down beds — which retract from the ceiling and usually come with a short ladder.
Quality bedding and a comfortable mattress will be invaluable for helping provide you with deep sleep and restored energy.
The advantages of a permanently made-up bed
After your remote working day is done, you’ve explored the local town on foot and cooked your own hearty meal in the motorhome kitchen, it’s nearly time for bed. As tiredness begins to creep in, imagine having a permanently made-up bed that requires no effort to prepare.
In contrast, your camping neighbour may be outside their campervan, turning the rear space upside down to make up their bed. Seeing this comical scenario clarifies which situation is preferable for fruitful work days.
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Challenges of working in a motorhome You’ll need to overcome a few obstacles to work productively on the road, such as: • Limited space — recreational vehicles have a certain amount of room, inhibiting your ability to create an ideal ergonomic setup • Unconventional furniture — most RV furniture isn’t designed for prolonged work sessions on a laptop or other device • Variable environments — moving locations frequently can sometimes make it challenging to create a consistently productive workspace. |
Design your days for work and play
Remote working from anywhere allows you to tailor your schedule according to your personal wants and needs. A more flexible work-life balance will give you greater control over your time — so you can work when your brain is at its sharpest.
While planning your trip to work remotely from a recreational vehicle in New Zealand, consider how you’ll design each day — to get what you need done and see the sights. For instance:
- Plan meetings for the afternoons if you savour short hikes in the mornings
- Schedule work commitments in the morning if you prefer to enjoy a drink later in the day as the sun sets
- Split your days into work and play — like morning meetings, a bike ride or trail run before lunch, some project work in the early afternoon and barbecuing in the evening
- Take advantage of the time zone compared to your home country — can you start work at 5am and be done by 1pm?
New Zealand has a fantastic coffee culture, which will be tempting during work breaks. Alternatively, pack a stovetop coffee pot to ensure you never run out of fuel.
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I use tools to schedule meetings and block out time for out-of-work activities.
Marcel Peifer |
How to maintain a productive routine in your motorhome
Combining work and leisure to stay productive while travelling on the road can be challenging without a set routine. Therefore, it’s vital to put some steps in place to ensure you complete the work — so you can enjoy the rewards of travel.
Set boundaries and stick to them
Once you’ve decided on your work hours, ensure you’re ready to start each day at the designated time and to finish as agreed.
Self-motivation is a key ingredient in maintaining healthy work habits, which can help you be productive and maintain the trust of your employer or client. Depending on who you work for, some flexibility may be involved — but it’s essential to have a baseline plan for standard hours and meetings.
Create a designated work area
A simple workspace set up will usually be enough while working remotely — one with minimal distractions and interruptions. Check that there’s good lighting, whether natural light by day or artificial light by night.
To help reduce distractions around your workspace:
- Avoid working when your family or travel companions watch a movie, play games or prepare food
- Turn off notifications on your mobile device
- Use noise-cancelling headphones so you can focus more clearly
- Communicate clear boundaries with your fellow travellers about your work hours and the need for quiet time.
Choose a motorhome with a privacy door between the front living space and the rear bedroom area. Then, you can set up for work at the dinette while your travel partner reads a book in the bedroom — with the door closed.
Although any RV with this divider door can help create workspace privacy, The Suite is ideal. It features two lounges — one can be for relaxing and the other for working.
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I noticed some unexpected benefits of remote working in a motorhome compared to my recent overseas experience working remotely from a rental property. For instance, you can: • Drive away from noisy neighbours in an RV — but not in a rental property • Avoid getting locked into a short-term rental contract with inflated prices • Park up in an isolated location to better focus on work and avoid constant interruptions from neighbours coming and going. Craig McClelland — Wilderness’ Lead Content Creator |
Prioritise tasks
New Zealand has an incredible array of natural scenery, which can easily distract from work if you’re not focused on the current task.
Begin each working week by identifying your most important jobs and allocating a certain amount of time for each. This process, also known as time blocking, will help you stay focused on the task at hand.
Suggest using time tracking software, like Toggl, to your employer. This may help convince them that working while travelling is a great idea. Such a tool lets you easily record how much time you spend on each task — which can be displayed in a report if your employer asks.
Plan regular breaks and exercise
Blurred lines between work and personal life can naturally occur when working remotely. Be proactive and schedule a few short breaks throughout your day — to go for a walk, stretch your body or simply step outside and take in the view. It’s vital for maintaining your physical and mental well-being.
Finding that ideal work-life balance can be difficult in today’s ultra-connected modern world. However, when work and travel are combined well, they can positively affect your mental health.
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How to mitigate the challenges of working in a motorhome A few steps you can take to create a more effective and comfortable RV workspace include: • Prioritising your posture — be mindful of how you’re sitting or standing, and make adjustments when needed • Taking frequent breaks — get up and move around regularly to prevent stiffness and muscle fatigue • Stretching regularly — add stretches into your daily routine to relieve tension and improve flexibility. |
With diligent planning, remote working from a motorhome in New Zealand can be a life-changing experience. You’ll be able to explore the country at your own pace — all while keeping a steady income and creating some once-in-a-lifetime memories.
