Travel And Work In New Zealand: A Guide

New Zealand is a dream destination for many travellers, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and peaceful countryside. For those who want to extend their stay and work in New Zealand, the Working Holiday Visa is a great option. This visa allows young people, usually aged 18-30 (or 35 in some countries), to travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months for UK and Canadian citizens. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds for a return ticket and, in some cases, for living expenses. The visa is intended for those whose primary purpose is tourism, with work as a secondary activity.

Popular jobs for Working Holiday Visa holders include hospitality, tourism, orchard or vineyard work, and farm work. These jobs offer a great opportunity to meet locals and experience the Kiwi way of life. New Zealand has distinct peak tourism seasons, particularly during the summer (December-February) and ski season (June-September), so it's important to plan ahead when looking for work.

When it comes to accommodation, Working Holiday Visa holders often opt for hostels, van life, or shared houses with other travellers or local students.

Overall, the Working Holiday Visa provides a fantastic opportunity to travel and work in New Zealand, allowing visitors to experience the country without the need for extensive savings.

How to get a Working Holiday Visa

A Working Holiday Visa is a great way to experience life in New Zealand, meet locals, and work to fund your travels. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand.

Check Your Eligibility:

Firstly, you need to ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. Working Holiday Visas are typically available to young people aged 18 to 30, or 35 in some countries. You must be a citizen of one of the countries that have a working holiday visa agreement with New Zealand. These include the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, EU countries, and many others.

Prepare Required Documents:

When applying for the visa, you will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a valid passport with at least 15 months' validity from the date of your arrival in New Zealand. You may also need to demonstrate that you are in good health, with a possible requirement for a medical examination and chest x-ray. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate your good character and genuine intentions to meet the conditions of the visa.

Meet Financial Requirements:

You will need to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand. This includes having enough money to buy a ticket out of New Zealand and a minimum of NZ $4,200 for living expenses.

Apply Online:

All Working Holiday Visa applications must be submitted online. You will need to create an online account and fill out the application form in English. The application process may include answering questions about your character and intentions.

Provide Supporting Evidence:

After submitting your application, you may be asked to provide additional evidence to support your application. This could include proof of funds, medical certificates, or police certificates.

Receive Visa Approval:

Once your application is approved, you will be notified via email. At this point, you will be granted an eVisa, which allows you to enter New Zealand within 12 months of the visa being granted.

It is important to note that you cannot accept a permanent job offer while on a Working Holiday Visa, and you must have a genuine intention to holiday, with work being a secondary intention. Additionally, you cannot apply for a Working Holiday Visa if you have previously held one for New Zealand.

What jobs are available

Working Holiday Visas

New Zealand has agreements with many countries around the world that allow young people to visit and work while travelling. A Working Holiday Visa is valid for much longer than a Visitor Visa and also allows for study. The eligibility criteria vary depending on where you are from, but the visa is generally open to people aged 18-30 years old (up to 35 years old for some countries) and is valid for up to 12 months (or up to 3 years if you are from the UK).

Popular Jobs

• Hospitality
• Tourism
• Orchard work
• Vineyard work
• Farm work
• Labour and construction
• Seasonal fruit picking
• Ski season work

Job Websites and Recruitment Companies

Some popular job websites in New Zealand include TradeMe and Seek. Sector-specific websites include Kiwi Health Jobs, Farm Source Jobs, Education Gazette, Science New Zealand, and Engineering New Zealand.

New Zealand employers often use recruitment companies or agencies to find suitable employees, particularly for specialist and high-level jobs. You can register with more than one recruitment company, and there is no cost to the job seeker as the companies are paid by the employer.

Contacting Employers Directly

Approaching potential employers directly is an accepted and successful approach in New Zealand. Many employers have vacancies that they are not advertising on job websites. It is a good idea to call or email companies to ask about any current or upcoming job opportunities. Showing this sort of initiative impresses New Zealand employers.

Where to live

When it comes to where to live in New Zealand, there are several options to consider, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Here is a detailed overview of some popular places to live and work in New Zealand:

Auckland

Auckland, also known as the "City of Sails", is New Zealand's largest city, with a population of over 1.6 million people. It is located on the North Island and offers a wide range of job opportunities. The city is built around water, with harbours on both sides, providing a beautiful backdrop for residents. While Auckland is known to be expensive, it is possible to find affordable shared accommodation. The city offers a variety of businesses, shops, bars, restaurants, and job opportunities. It is a great base for exploring the surrounding areas.

Hamilton

Hamilton is a lively city located on the Waikato River in the central North Island. It serves as a gateway to the rich agricultural area of the Waikato region and is home to the country's dairy industry and several science research facilities. Hamilton offers a growing economy and is an excellent choice for those seeking rural and agricultural job opportunities. The city also boasts attractions such as the Hamilton Gardens and the nearby glow worms in Waitomo.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a beautiful coastal city and home to New Zealand's largest export port. It is surrounded by agricultural land and has experienced economic growth and transformation in recent years. Tauranga offers a sunny climate and is only two and a half hours away from Auckland. It is an excellent place to live and work, with a mix of businesses and agricultural opportunities.

Wellington

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is located at the southwestern tip of the North Island. It is known for its windy conditions due to its geographical position. Wellington is a cultural hub and the centre of government. The city offers a mix of government-related jobs and service-industry specialities. It is highly walkable, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, museums, and attractions.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a thriving city located on the east coast of the South Island. It has a distinct English feel with its architecture and beautiful gardens. The city has rebuilt itself since the devastating earthquakes of 2011 and has become a tech centre. Christchurch offers a mix of jobs in hospitality, bars, and restaurants. It is also a great base for exploring nearby natural attractions, such as Mount Hutt and the hot pools at Hamner Springs.

Queenstown

Queenstown, known as the "adventure capital of NZ", is a popular destination for backpackers. It offers stunning views of surrounding lakes and mountains, a vibrant nightlife, and plenty of work opportunities. Queenstown is particularly busy during the summer, attracting tourists looking for outdoor activities and a great restaurant scene. There is a high demand for workers in hospitality, and there are also construction jobs available. During the winter, Queenstown becomes a premier ski town, offering ski resort job opportunities.

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is another popular backpacker destination located on a peninsula, offering an abundance of beaches, bars, and restaurants. There are labour jobs available, especially on the docks, and it is a great place for surfing and hiking. Mount Maunganui provides beautiful views and is conveniently located near other top New Zealand destinations.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, located just outside of Auckland, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches. It offers a strong tourist economy, making it easy to find jobs in hospitality, especially during the summer. It is also a great place to save money, as accommodation can be affordable, such as living in a tent near the beach.

Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay is a lesser-known destination located on the west part of the North Island. It is a small beach town that comes alive during the summer, offering jobs in hospitality and agriculture. In the winter, the town becomes quieter, and there are fewer job opportunities. However, Hawke's Bay is still a beautiful place to visit, with awesome cliff diving and a charming atmosphere.

Housing options

Housing in New Zealand is varied, with options including suburban homes, rural living, lifestyle blocks, apartments, flats, and townhouses. New Zealand homes are typically built to maximise light and the outdoors, with a prized "indoor-outdoor flow" that is ideal for summer living and barbecues. While standalone houses have been more traditional, apartments and multiple-unit houses have become more popular in populated cities.

If you are planning to buy a house, it is best to start by renting, allowing you to explore the different areas and types of housing before committing.

Some jobs, especially those at resorts and farms, may include housing or subsidised housing. For example, staff accommodation is often available at a low rate, but these can be snapped up quickly. If your job does not include housing, there are various resources to help you find a place to stay.

In Auckland, for instance, you can expect to pay $160-$200 NZD per week for a shared room in short-term accommodation. If you want your own room, it will be more expensive. Renting an apartment with friends or moving in with locals can be a cheaper option. However, if you are only staying for a short time, it can be difficult to find a short or open lease, so you may need to pay more to stay at a hostel.

There are also programmes to help working New Zealanders own their homes. The Shared Ownership programme allows you to buy a majority share of a home, with the rest bought by the Housing Foundation. Over time, you can buy out their share until you own 100% of the property. The Rent to Own programme is a stepping stone to this approach.

How to get there

New Zealand is 6,000 miles from San Diego and 9,000 miles from New York, so it's quite a journey to get there from the US.

If you're an American under 30, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa, which allows you to work in the country for up to 12 months. You'll need to fill out an online application, pay a fee of 35 NZD ($23 USD), and have a valid passport for at least 15 months beyond your arrival date. With this visa, you can accept casual, temporary, and part-time work.

To enter the country, most Americans will need to obtain an electronic tourist visa, which costs $31 USD and allows you to stay for up to 90 days at a time, for a total of 180 days within a one-year period.

If you're planning to fly, you'll likely need to make a stop along the way. Common layover cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Sydney. The total travel time can range from 14 to 24 hours, depending on your starting point and any layovers.

When booking your flight, consider using a travel search engine or a metasearch website that scans multiple airlines for availability and pricing. You can also look into flights with stopovers that allow you to explore another destination on your way to New Zealand.

In addition to your visa and flight, ensure your passport is up to date and valid for the required duration. It's also a good idea to have a general itinerary and accommodation plans before you depart.

If you're bringing any specialized items or equipment, ensure you comply with customs regulations. Additionally, be mindful of any biosecurity measures New Zealand has in place, as they are known for their strict biosecurity protocols to protect their natural environment.

You can also reach New Zealand by boat, though this is a less common option and may be more suitable for those seeking a longer, more adventurous journey.

Frequently asked questions