New Zealand Working Holiday: What to Know Before You Go

Posted on June 24, 2024 | Last Updated on September 20, 2024

Want to live and work in New Zealand? We’ve got some pointers to help you get set up

Many people choose a New Zealand working holiday and it’s no surprise considering the stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and vibrant culture.

But before the fun begins, there are a couple of things you need to know about planning for your working holiday.

And of course, we’re here to help!! In this article, you will learn about:

How to settle in New Zealand as a working holidaymaker?

Being a working holidaymaker in New Zealand offers a unique and enriching experience.

However, it may also be a new experience for you and can take you some time to settle into the new environment in New Zealand.

Some things to know that will help you settle into New Zealand include:

Learning about the culture!

There’s plenty to learn from New Zealand’s rich culture and interacting with locals can be a great way to learn more. You can learn about the Māori heritage and participate in cultural events and festivals to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s traditions. That way you can connect more with the people in New Zealand.

Get to know New Zealand’s outdoors!

There are stunning landscapes to see and great outdoor activities for you to experience. You can explore breathtaking national parks, go hiking in the mountains, try thrilling adventure sports like bungee jumping or skydiving, enjoy water activities such as kayaking or surfing, and relax on pristine beaches. This will help you embrace New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle.

Meet other fellow travellers!

New Zealand is a popular destination for working holidaymakers from all over the world, which gives you the opportunity to meet other travellers like yourself and form friendships. You may meet these people at hostels, social events, or online platforms. This is sure to help you settle quicker in New Zealand.

Although everyone’s working holiday may differ, for a great experience it’s important that you embrace the adventure, make the most of the opportunities, and enjoy the journey as a working holidaymaker in New Zealand!

What local communities can working holidaymakers in New Zealand join?

As a working holidaymaker in New Zealand, there are plenty of local communities you can join and be a part of. Some of which you can consider are:

Hostel communities – since many working holidaymakers stay in hostels, it’s a great way to meet other travellers. You can engage in social activities organized by the hostel, such as group outings, movie nights, or game tournaments which is a great way to connect with a community of people that you have things in common with.

Join online communities – look for online communities and forums dedicated to working holidaymakers in New Zealand. You can find these communities on platforms like Facebook groups e.g. ‘New Zealand Travel Forum’. These spaces can help you to connect, seek advice, share experiences, and meet up with other travellers in your area.

Volunteer – volunteering is always a great way to get involved in the local community, and it’s no different in New Zealand. You could volunteer for organizations focused on conservation, wildlife protection, community development, and social causes as they often welcome working holidaymakers. With these organizations you could be doing things like beach clean-ups, tree planting, assisting in community centres, or working with local charities.

Go to events and festivals – keep an eye out for local events and festivals happening in the area where you’re staying. You can look for things like cultural festivals, food markets, music concerts, and art exhibitions. This way you can experience the local culture, meet residents, and feel a sense of belonging.

Remember, that if you want to integrate into local communities, putting in the effort is key. After all, involving yourself in the community spirit can enhance your working holiday experience in New Zealand and create lasting connections!

How to find accommodation in New Zealand?

When you’re planning your working holiday in New Zealand, accommodation is a huge part.

Some types of accommodations you can consider for your working holiday include:

• Shared houses/apartments – a room in a house or apartment with other people
• Hostels – dormitory-style rooms with shared kitchens/ bathrooms/ common areas
• Short-term rentals – furnished apartments/ houses
• Homestays – living with a local family in their home
• Camping – parking your camper van or pitching a tent in caravan parks/ camping grounds
• Farm stays – living and working on a farm in exchange for accommodation

When choosing accommodation consider your:

• Budget
• Location preferences
• Personal needs

How do I go about finding accommodation?

Start by researching online. Look through popular real estate and accommodation websites such as Trade Me, Airbnb, Booking.com, or other similar platforms. You can find things like long-term rentals, short-term stays, and shared accommodations

Join Facebook groups and online communities. By looking for Facebook groups or online communities dedicated to finding accommodation in New Zealand you could find other people looking for roommates or people that have available rooms for rent. You can join these groups on Facebook by searching “Flatmates Wanted in [City Name]”

Check hostel notice boards. Many hostels in New Zealand have notice boards where people can post advertisements for rooms to rent. You can also ask the hostel staff if they know of any accommodations

Contact local real estate agents. Sometimes real estate agents can help you to find suitable New Zealand accommodation

Consider house-sitting or farm-stay opportunities. This can be a great low-cost accommodation option. Check out websites like Kiwi House Sitters or HelpX

Tips

• Ensure that when you are searching for working holiday accommodation in New Zealand, you consider the different options you have
• Have documents ready to go to ensure you secure your accommodation as soon as possible. Including documents like proof of identification, proof of income, and references
• Remember to consider factors like location, cost, safety, and proximity to amenities when choosing accommodation

How to get a job in New Zealand as a working holidaymaker?

Think of the type of work you’d like to do

Before getting your CV ready and applying for jobs, it’s good to think about the types of jobs you’d like to apply for.

There are plenty of jobs you could do on your working holiday in New Zealand, just to name a few:

• Horticulture
• Hostel work
• Retail work
• Hospitality
• Tourism
• Ski resorts
• Au Pair

Get your CV ready in advance

Thought about the type of job/s you’d like to apply for?

First things first, before looking for work in New Zealand, be sure to get your CV ready.

Your CV is where you want to highlight your skills, qualification/s and experience. The CV length should be between one to two pages long.

Some key elements to include are:

Personal Details

Here you add your full name, phone number, email address, etc.

Profile summary

Tailor this section depending on the job you are applying for, emphasizing your skills, experience, and what you can bring to the role.

Education

List your educational background, including the name of the institution, dates attended, and qualifications earned.

You can also highlight any relevant certifications or courses that might be beneficial for the types of jobs you want to apply for.

Previous work experience

Include information on your previous work experience, emphasizing positions relevant to the jobs you want to apply for in New Zealand.

Include things like the company name, job title, dates of employment, and a description of your responsibilities and achievements.

Also, highlight skills you have like customer service, teamwork, problem-solving, and any experience relevant to the industries you’re interested in.

Skills

Have a separate section to outline your skills. Here you can mention any language abilities, computer proficiency, specific software knowledge, or other relevant skills that could be valuable.

Volunteer Work or Extracurricular Activities

In this section include any volunteer work, internships, or involvement in community organizations that demonstrate your commitment, teamwork, and adaptability.

Interests and Hobbies

Briefly mention your hobbies and interests to provide a glimpse of your personality and potential cultural fit.

References

Provide the names and contact information of 2-3 references who can vouch for your character and work ethic. Ideally, these should be individuals who have supervised you in previous jobs or can speak to your skills and qualifications.

Note that if you’d like to apply for different types of jobs, you could always have two or three CV variations.

Remember to have your CV organized well, using clear headings and bullet points to make it easy to read.

Where to look for jobs in New Zealand

Ready to start applying for jobs in New Zealand?

A great place to start looking for working holiday jobs in New Zealand is at your fingertips – online!

Some websites to look for jobs in New Zealand include:

Backpacker board

This website is specifically designed for working holidaymakers, backpackers, and travellers in New Zealand.

You can find suitable temporary or seasonal work here in different sectors like hospitality, agriculture, tourism, and more.

The website also provides resources and forums where users can seek advice and connect with fellow travellers.

Jora

This is an online job search engine where you’ll find jobs from various sources, including company websites, job boards, and recruitment agencies.

You can search for jobs by location and keywords, and filter results based on specific criteria.

You can also create a profile and upload your resume to apply for jobs.

Seek

This job portal in New Zealand offers a range of jobs across different sectors.

You can create your profile, upload your resume, and apply for jobs directly through the website.

Indeed

This is a global job search engine where you can look for job opportunities across different industries.

You can create a profile, upload your CV, and apply for jobs directly through the platform.

Trade Me Jobs

This one is actually an online marketplace in New Zealand that also features a section on jobs.

You can find a wide range of job opportunities across different regions and industries. Again you can create profiles, set job alerts, and apply for positions through the platform.

LinkedIn

You can also use LinkedIn to network with people in New Zealand.

By reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn, it can lead to potential job opportunities or some guidance in your field of interest.

Do you have to find a job before arriving in New Zealand?

It’s not necessary to find a job before arriving in New Zealand as a working holidaymaker. In fact, many people prefer to find work opportunities in New Zealand in person, that way you can see what the job market is like firsthand, and search for jobs not only online but also in person on job boards in hostels, etc.

However, you can try to secure a job prior to arriving if you feel it gives you a sense of stability upon arrival. That’s where online job portals like the ones listed above come in. Recruitment agencies are also a good option. With this approach, ensure that you clearly communicate your availability and start date to the employer.

Places to look for jobs in person in New Zealand

You don’t only have to search for jobs online for your working holiday. Let’s take a look at some other ways you can job hunt…

Note that a lot of these other options require you to be physically present in New Zealand.

You’ve got local job boards

You can find these in popular tourist destinations such as community centres, hostels, and tourist information centres.

Visit the business you want to work for directly

Getting a job the old-fashioned way can work out.

In this case, you’d have to take the initiative to visit businesses that you’d be interested in working for and ask if they have any job openings and if they’d consider hiring a Working Holiday Visa holder.

We’re talking restaurants, hotels, farms, or adventure tourism companies.

Contact recruitment agencies specializing in temporary or seasonal work

They can assist in finding suitable working holiday opportunities based on your skills and preferences.

This is an option not only when you are in New Zealand but also before arriving there.

Read also:
Best Working Holiday Jobs to Consider in New Zealand

Should I buy my plane ticket before or after applying for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

It’s not recommended that you buy your plane ticket before your visa is approved.

The reason is that you are not guaranteed that you will obtain a visa just by simply applying. Receiving a Working Holiday Visa is instead based on personal circumstances and eligibility.

Therefore, if your visa application is rejected for whatever reason, the last thing you want is to end up with a non-refundable plane ticket.

But once you have received confirmation of your visa approval, you can go ahead and purchase your plane ticket.

Your New Zealand Working Holiday Budget

You will need a budget to be able to sustain yourself on your working holiday in New Zealand and you may have to show proof of this to New Zealand’s authorities.

The amount you need to have saved can vary, however, the rough amount you need is either $350 for a month or $4,200 for 12 months.

You can show evidence of these funds by providing a bank statement to New Zealand’s Immigration on arrival.

Do I have to pay taxes on my working holiday in New Zealand? Am I entitled to tax back?

When you work in New Zealand you will most likely have to pay tax on the income you earn during your working holiday. Therefore, when you file your tax return you could be due tax back!

The tax year in New Zealand runs from 1 April to 31 March and you can file your tax refund after 31 March 2023.

The New Zealand tax deadline is 7 July, meaning it’s the last day you can file your tax return otherwise there can be penalties for late filing.

Read also:
How to Claim my NZ Tax Back After a Working Holiday?

The subject of taxes alone can be daunting, even more so when you’re on a working holiday in a foreign country, that’s why there are tax agents like Taxback.

At Taxback you can sit back and relax while knowing that you are tax compliant with New Zealand’s tax authorities.

Their team of tax experts are dedicated to helping you file fully compliant returns, while checking that you’re getting all the available deductions and reliefs.

Why apply with Taxback?

• Your maximum tax refund guaranteed
• 24/7 Live Chat support
• Fast and Secure Services
• No complicated forms

Apply for your New Zealand tax refund today!

Read also:
Your Bullsh*t-Free Guide to New Zealand Tax for Working Holidaymakers

Do I need travel insurance for a New Zealand working holiday?

One of the things you have to think of for your working holiday in New Zealand is travel insurance.

In fact, if you want to participate in the working holiday New Zealand program you will have to obtain travel insurance.

The purpose of travel insurance is to cover you if you have an accident, are sick or get injured while you are away.

Note that you can be asked to show evidence of your travel insurance when arriving in New Zealand and without it, you may not be issued your Working Holiday Visa.

There are insurances that cover different things, some of these include medical expenses, trip cancellation, loss of belongings, and personal liability.

Whatever you do, make sure to read the terms and conditions of the insurance policy carefully so that you can understand what is covered, what the exclusions are, the claim process, and any deductibles or excesses you may need to pay.

Read also:
The Importance of Travel Insurance

Exploring New Zealand during your days off

New Zealand is full of things to do during your working holiday, from fun activities like kayaking to wine tasting on gorgeous islands like Waiheke Island and going on hiking trips to places like Mount Cook.

It’s truly an adventure!

But note you’ll have to plan your travels in New Zealand based on the work you’ll be doing and where you are planning to stay.

Not to worry though, in most places where you’ll be staying, you’re bound to find things to do and places to explore.

Here are some examples:

• Auckland – Sky Tower and Waiheke Island
• Queenstown, the ‘adventure capital’ – bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and Lake Wakatipu
• Christchurch – Botanic Gardens and Avon River

Tips for newcomers in New Zealand

Safety

New Zealand is a safe country to live in, in fact, the Global Peace Index reported New Zealand is the second safest country to live in worldwide.

However, like any country, it’s always good to take care of your belongings and make sure you keep your documents and passport safe.

What should newcomers be aware of?

The sun’s rays – New Zealand’s UV radiation levels can be high, so protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by using sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, a hat, and protective clothing.

Is there anything I need to know about the culture and traditions in New Zealand?

As a working holidaymaker in New Zealand, it’s important to respect and appreciate the local culture and traditions. Some aspects to be aware of include:

• Māori culture – Māori people are indigenous people of New Zealand and they are an integral part of New Zealand’s identity. Therefore, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with Māori customs and ensure you show respect for sacred sites
• Greetings – people in New Zealand typically greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. In Māori culture, a hongi (pressing of noses) is a traditional greeting, but it is typically reserved for more formal or intimate settings
• Punctuality – being punctual is highly valued in New Zealand as it shows respect for others’ time. So make sure to arrive on time for work, meetings, or social events!
• Kiwi slang – like most places, New Zealand has its unique slang and colloquial language. Of course, it will take time before you become familiar with these terms, but once you do, it can help you connect with locals and better understand the culture
• Outdoor Etiquette – natural environments are greatly appreciated in New Zealand. When engaging in outdoor activities, follow the “Leave No Trace” principles, which include not littering, respecting wildlife, and staying on designated tracks

Have you secured your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

You can apply for a New Zealand working holiday visa yourself, but why not do it the easy way with Visa First?

We will make sure your application is submitted correctly and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Why choose Visa First?

• We’ve organised visas for travellers worldwide for 20 years!
• We ensure your application is prepared correctly
• Easy online process
• A visa expert will guide you through the entire application process