How to Make Money Online in New Zealand 2024: 15 Effective Ways

‍Making money online in New Zealand might seem difficult at first, especially if you do not have any experience with online tools and services. Still, after working closely with many successful online brands across NZ, I’ve seen firsthand how achievable it is. 

Trust me, it's easier than it seems. This post will walk you through 15 real-world strategies for earning money online in New Zealand. There will be no filler or difficult-to-set-up methods, just valuable techniques. You can put these strategies into practice right now, whether your goal is to start a side business or create something more significant. Let’s get into it. 

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15 Ways to Make Money Online in New Zealand

If you are trying to figure out how to make money online in New Zealand, you have many viable, doable options. All of these 15 methods I have gathered are practical and can help you build something from scratch or create a reliable source of income.

1. Freelancing
2. Start a blog
3. Drop Servicing
4. Dropshipping
5. Affiliate marketing
6. Online courses
7. Virtual Assistant
8. Social media management
9. YouTube content creation
10. Online surveys
11.   Stock photography
12. Print on demand
13. Become a tutor
14. Sell handmade goods
15. Invest in stocks or cryptocurrency

1. Freelancing

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Freelancing offers flexibility and freedom for those who want to work on their own terms. Whether you’re skilled in writing, graphic design, programming, or marketing, there’s a high demand for freelance services. Many businesses and individuals prefer hiring freelancers for specific tasks rather than employing full-time staff. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer provide platforms to connect with clients globally.

How to Start:

1. Identify your skills and create profiles on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
2. Develop a strong portfolio that highlights your expertise and past projects.
3. Apply for smaller jobs to build a reputation, get positive reviews, and gain experience.
4. Over time, increase your rates and apply for higher-paying jobs.
5. Expand your freelance business by networking, offering additional services, or specializing in a niche.
6. You can also collaborate with Take2 Elevate on web, mobile, and software development projects. As a contractor, we provide a full-service package to clients while empowering you to charge a premium for project management.

Freelancing allows you to set your own hours and workload, making it ideal for anyone who wants to earn money online from home in New Zealand. You can offer services like website development, graphics design, and more. 

2. Start a Blog

Blogging is one of the most creative ways to earn money online in New Zealand. If you have a passion for writing and a specific topic of interest, such as travel, food, or finance, starting a blog allows you to share your insights while generating income. With over 600 million active blogs on the internet, it cannot go out of trend. Blogs can be monetized through ads, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and digital products like eBooks.

How to Start:

1. Choose a niche you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in.
2. Purchase a domain name and hosting service through WordPress or Bluehost.
3. Set up your blog using a user-friendly design and begin writing content that provides value to your readers.
4. Optimize your content for SEO to attract traffic.
5. Monetize your blog with Google AdSense, affiliate links, or brand collaborations.

Blogging takes time to build momentum, but you can generate a passive income stream through high-quality content with consistent effort. If you need technical support, Take2 Elevate is a great web or mobile development partner. That way, you can focus on creating content while we handle the tech work seamlessly.

3. Drop Servicing

Drop Servicing is an increasingly popular way to make money online, especially if you’re good at managing projects and client relationships but don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty of delivering the service yourself. The idea is simple: you offer services like web development, graphic design, or digital marketing to clients, but instead of doing the work, you outsource it to a skilled freelancer or agency. You earn by charging clients more than you pay the service provider, keeping the difference as profit.

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How to Start:

• Pick a Service: Start by choosing a service that’s in demand, like SEO, content writing, UX design, web design, or web development.
• Set Up Your Website: Create a professional website showcasing your services, even though you’ll outsource them.
• Find Reliable Freelancers: Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even direct connections to find freelancers who can deliver high-quality work.
• Market Your Services: Attract clients using social media, email marketing, or paid ads. Focus on your ability to manage projects and deliver results.
• Manage the Process: Act as the middleman once you land a client. You handle communication while the freelancer does the heavy lifting. Deliver the finished project to the client and pocket the difference between what you charged and what you paid.

For larger projects, like web or app development, consider partnering with Take2 Elevate. We provide full-service web, mobile, and software solutions, allowing you to offer top-tier services to your clients.

4. Dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding any inventory. You partner with suppliers who ship directly to your customers, meaning you only focus on marketing and sales. It’s a popular way to start an eCommerce business because of its low start-up costs. The key to success is choosing the right niche and ensuring your store is well-optimized for customer conversions.

How to Start:

1. Choose a product niche based on market demand and trends.
2. Find reliable suppliers through platforms like Oberlo or AliExpress.
3. Set up an online store using Shopify or WooCommerce. If you ever get stuck in this phase, read our article on how to build a Shopify store. 
4. Import your chosen products and optimize your store with compelling descriptions, visuals, and user experience.
5. Use Facebook ads, Google Ads, or SEO techniques to drive traffic to your store.

Once a customer orders, the supplier ships the product directly to them. You earn the difference between the product cost and the selling price.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to make money online in New Zealand for those who love creating content and promoting products. You earn a commission by promoting other people’s products or services. This strategy is effective for bloggers, YouTubers, and social media influencers who can naturally incorporate product promotions into their content.

How to Start:

1. Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank.
2. Build a platform (blog, YouTube channel, or social media presence) where you can create content that aligns with your chosen products.
3. Integrate your affiliate links within the content.
4. Promote your content across platforms to drive traffic.
5. Earn commissions whenever someone makes a purchase using your affiliate link.

It’s a low-risk and low-cost way to earn passive income, especially once you build a steady audience.

6. Online Courses

With the rise of eLearning, selling online courses is a growing way to make money online in New Zealand. People are willing to pay for your knowledge if you have expertise in a particular field, from marketing to photography. This remains one of the best ways to learn how to make money online for free in NZ. Online platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare make it easy to host and sell your courses to a global audience.

How to Start:

1. Choose a topic you’re passionate about and skilled in.
2. Create a course outline and plan your lessons.
3. Record videos using simple equipment, such as a smartphone or webcam.
4. Edit your videos and add downloadable resources like worksheets.
5. Upload your course to platforms like Teachable or Udemy and market it on social media, blogs, or email newsletters.

With consistent marketing, your course can become a steady source of passive income.

7. Virtual Assistant

As a virtual assistant (VA), you help businesses or entrepreneurs with various tasks, from managing emails to scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, or social media management. The beauty of this role is its flexibility—you can work with clients worldwide while setting your own hours. I confidently say this because more than 90% of virtual assistants report high satisfaction with the flexibility of their work. 

How to Start:

1. Create a clear list of services you can offer (e.g., scheduling, social media management, research).
2. Sign up on freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr.
3. Tailor your profile to highlight your skills and experience.
4. Apply for jobs or pitch your services to small businesses or entrepreneurs.
5. Once you land clients, focus on providing high-quality services to build long-term relationships and get referrals.

Virtual assisting is perfect for organized individuals looking to build an online business with low start-up costs.

8. Social Media Management

Many businesses need help growing and managing their social media presence. As a social media manager, you’ll create content, schedule posts, engage with followers, and run ad campaigns. This role lets you get creative while helping brands connect with their audience.

How to Start:

1. Build your own substantial social media profiles to showcase your skills.
2. Learn social media management tools like Hootsuite and Canva.
3. Offer your services to small businesses or influencers who are looking to grow their presence.
4. Create content calendars, engage with the audience, and run social media ads.
5. Use case studies and past results to build credibility and expand your client base.

This career can be fulfilling and lucrative, especially if you enjoy working on multiple platforms and staying current with trends.

9. YouTube Content Creation

Creating a YouTube channel is a fun way to make money online if you’re comfortable on camera and have ideas you want to share. Whether you focus on tutorials, product reviews, or entertainment, YouTube allows you to generate income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

How to Start:

1. Choose a niche you enjoy and are knowledgeable about (tech reviews, beauty, fitness).
2. Record and upload high-quality, engaging videos consistently.
3. Once you reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, apply for YouTube’s Partner Program to start earning from ads.
4. Include affiliate links in your video descriptions or seek out sponsorships.
5. Promote your videos on social media or a blog to grow your audience.

Over time, YouTube can become a significant source of income as your channel grows.

10. Online Surveys

Filling out online surveys is a straightforward way to make extra money online in New Zealand. Companies are always looking for consumer opinions to help shape their products and services and are willing to pay for your time and feedback. While it may not make you rich, online surveys can be a convenient side hustle to earn money in your free time.

How to Start:

1. Sign up for reputable survey websites like Swagbucks, Toluna, or Valued Opinions.
2. Complete your profile to ensure you’re matched with relevant surveys.
3. Log in daily to check for available surveys, which can fill up quickly.
4. Earn points or cash rewards for each survey you complete.
5. Cash-out once you reach the minimum withdrawal amount, which can be through PayPal, gift cards, or bank transfers.

While it’s unlikely to replace a full-time income, filling out surveys can be a simple way to earn extra cash in your spare time.

11. Stock Photography

If you have a passion for photography, selling stock photos is a great way to make money online. Businesses, bloggers, and advertisers always look for high-quality images for their projects. Websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock allow you to upload your photos and earn royalties each time one is downloaded.

How to Start:

1. Invest in a good camera or smartphone with high resolution.
2. Start taking high-quality images that cover a wide range of topics, such as nature, technology, or lifestyle.
3. Sign up as a contributor on stock photography websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
4. Upload and tag your photos so they’re easily searchable.
5. Keep adding to your portfolio regularly to increase your chances of earning royalties.

With time, your photos can generate a passive income stream as businesses continue to download them.

12. Print on Demand

Print-on-demand allows you to design custom products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases without having to handle inventory or shipping. When someone buys your design, the product is printed and shipped by a third-party supplier. This makes it a low-risk way to start an eCommerce business and make money online in NZ.

How to Start:

1. Choose a print-on-demand platform like Printful, Redbubble, or Teespring.
2. Design custom artwork or graphics that can be printed on products.
3. Upload your designs to the platform and select the products you want to sell.
4. Set your prices and create an online store to market your products.
5. Use social media and other marketing strategies to drive traffic to your store.

Each time someone makes a purchase, the platform handles production and shipping, allowing you to focus on promoting your designs.

13. Become an Online Tutor

If you have expertise in subjects like math, science, languages, or even music, becoming an online tutor is a rewarding way to make money online. With the rise of e-learning, more students are seeking virtual tutoring services to help them excel in their studies. Online tutoring platforms allow you to connect with students and offer one-on-one sessions.

How to Start:

1. Identify the subjects you’re qualified to teach and have a passion for.
2. Sign up on tutoring platforms like Chegg, Preply, or Tutor.com.
3. Create a profile that highlights your skills and experience.
4. Set your rates and availability for sessions.
5. Build relationships with students and provide high-quality tutoring to ensure they keep coming back.

Tutoring online offers flexibility, and you can scale your business by teaching more students or offering group sessions.

14. Sell Handmade Goods

If you’re crafty or enjoy making unique, handmade items, platforms like Etsy or Trade Me allow you to sell your creations to a global audience. From jewelry to home decor, people love purchasing handmade, one-of-a-kind items. This is an excellent option for creative individuals wanting to turn their hobbies into income.

How to Start:

1. Decide what handmade products you want to sell (e.g., jewelry, candles, art).
2. Set up an Etsy or Trade Me store and add professional photos of your products.
3. Write detailed descriptions that highlight the uniqueness of your items.
4. Price your products to reflect the time and materials involved.
5. Promote your shop through social media and word-of-mouth to drive traffic and sales.

You can grow a handmade goods business that generates consistent income with creativity and dedication.

15. Investing in Stocks or Cryptocurrencies

Investing in the stock market or cryptocurrencies is a potential way to build wealth online, but it requires research and a long-term mindset. Platforms like Sharesies and Hatch make it easy for New Zealanders to start investing in stocks with as little as $5. Similarly, platforms like Binance or Coinbase allow you to invest in cryptocurrencies. While the market can be volatile, many people have succeeded with careful investments.

How to Start:

1. Choose a platform like Sharesies or Hatch to start investing in stocks or Binance and Coinbase for cryptocurrencies.
2. Research the market and identify stocks or coins that align with your risk tolerance.
3. Start with small amounts to test the waters and learn how the market works.
4. Diversify your portfolio to spread risk and invest in a mix of stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies.
5. Monitor your investments and reinvest dividends or profits to grow your portfolio.

Investing online can be a powerful tool for financial growth. Each of these methods has the potential to bring in income, and with the right mindset, you can turn any of these into a successful venture. 

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Conclusion

Making money online in New Zealand doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're interested in freelancing, eCommerce, or even online tutoring, there’s a method here that can work for you. 

The key is to choose a path that aligns with your skills and interests and then commit to taking the first step. If you're looking for a partner to bring your digital ideas to life, Take2 Elevate will help you start your journey today. 

How to Make Money Online NZ FAQs

Is building an online business difficult?

Building an online business can be challenging, but it's achievable with the right approach. The key is patience, consistency, and learning from both successes and setbacks. Start by researching your target market, developing a product or service, and building your online presence through websites or social media platforms. The more effort you put in, the more rewarding it will be.

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How can I make money from home in New Zealand?

There are numerous ways to make money from home in New Zealand. You could start freelancing, create an online store, become an online tutor, or even participate in paid online surveys. The opportunities range from offering digital services to selling products. Pick something that matches your skill set and start with platforms that make it easy to work remotely.

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How can I make $1,000 fast in New Zealand?

To make $1,000 quickly in New Zealand, you can try several methods like freelancing for short-term projects, selling unused items online, or offering services such as tutoring or consulting. You could also participate in the gig economy by driving for rideshare services or doing delivery work. The key is to leverage your existing skills or resources to bring in fast cash.

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