The sprawling, peaceful country of new Zeland is known for numerous things. It’s home to the indigenous Maori population, a world-renowned rugby team, and lovable flightless birds. Not to mention that the landscape is so breathtaking that it’s been the backdrop for numerous Hollywood blockbusters, including the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, and the Chronicles of Narnia.
And yes, there are tons of sheep; in fact, there are much more sheep than people in new Zealand!
For these reasons, it’s easy to see why new Zealand is a desirable destination for the working holiday program. Travellers have the freedom to explore the country’s natural charm while soaking in its dynamic culture — and all while earning some extra cash on the side.
If you’ve ever wanted to visit new Zealand on a working holiday visa, then look no further. This guide will tell you how to apply for a visa, land a great job, and have the supreme time of your life in new Zealand!
Jump To:
What is a working holiday in new Zealand?
Who is eligible?
How to apply for a working holiday in NZ
How to start working once you have a visa
Types of jobs available
Where to find working holiday jobs in new Zealand
Downsides to the program
Top suggestions for working abroad in new Zealand
Final thoughts
What Is A working holiday In new Zealand?
With a new Zealand working holiday visa, young people from all over the world are allowed to live, work, and travel around new Zealand. Not only do they get to experience a new culture and country, but they can also make extra income that allows them to fund their travels in NZ.
The length of the visa will depend on your home country.
For example, Canadian and UK citizens are allowed to apply for a 23-month visa. If you’re indecisive about how long you want to stay, you can apply for a 12-month visa and extend it another 11 months during your stay.
All other countries, including citizens from the United States, can apply for a 12-month visa.
While numerous people come to new Zealand to travel and work, you are also allowed to study. On the visa, you can study for up to six months, and/or work up to 12 months.
Who is Eligible For a new Zealand working holiday Visa?
New Zealand has a reciprocal working holiday agreement with 45 countries, including Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. However, the terms of the agreement will vary depending on your nationality.
If you are an Australian citizen, you are not required to obtain this visa to stay in new Zealand. thanks to the Trans-Tasman travel Arrangement, Australians (of any age or education) are allowed to enter, live, and work in new Zealand without a pre-arranged visa.
To apply for a working holiday from one of the other 45 countries, you’ll need to be between the age of 18 – 30 (or for some countries like Canada, between 18 – 35). This age of eligibility will depend on your nationality.
It’s essential to note that some countries are only provided a certain number of visas per year. In these cases, the application period opens and visas are distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until the quota is filled. You can find out if your country has an allowance and when the quota opening time is online on the new Zealand working holiday Visa website.
You should also have medical insurance for the entire duration, along with NZ $4,200 in savings. and your passport should be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave new Zeland.
How To apply For a working holiday in new Zealand
The application process for obtaining a working holiday visa NZ is fairly easy and straightforward. The entire application can be completed online and ought to only take around 30 minutes.
Register for an Account
To start the application process, you will first need to create an account with the new Zealand Ministry of Immigration. After you create a username and password, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to proceed with your application.
Apply for the Visa
The next step is the most detailed, as you’ll need to complete the online application form. Here, you’ll enter your personal information such as country of origin, age, and passport details.
The application also includes questions related to your health and character. If you have any major medical conditions or have been convicted of any crimes or charges, you will need to submit this information as part of your application.
Receive Confirmation
Depending on your nationality, there are two possible next steps.
If you come from a country with an limitless visa quota, then you can submit payment and complete the application process. If you do not need to offer any even more documentation (such as medical exams or police certificates), then your application will be processed, and your visa ought to be ready within 30 days.
If you come from a country with a limited quota for visas, then your application will only be processed if the quota has not been reached. If there are no much more visas left, you will get a notification that the quota has been filled. This implies you will need to apply next year when the quota for your home country reopens.
Once you have your visa, you’ll be one step closer to a fantastic working holiday experience in new Zealand!
How To start working once You have The Visa
Working abroad in new Zealand can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. but before you get settled, there are a few extra steps you’ll need to take in purchase to start working for a company.
Write a new Zealand style CV (Resume)
With dozens of tasks and checkboxes to tick on your arrival in new Zealand, crafting your CV might be one of the last things you think about. However, it’s one of the most important files that will help you land the job of your dreams. and depending on your home country, you might find out that CVs are written a little differently than what you’re used to!
While your current, up-to-date CV might work, re-writing it in a new Zealand format couldn’t hurt. It shows that you’ve done the research and put in extra effort to adhere to their standards.
Open a bank Account
If you plan to work in new Zealand, you will need to open a new Zealand based bank account to get paid by your company. Fortunately, numerous bank accounts allow you to apply and open a bank account before you arrive. However, you will need to set up an appointment directly with the bank in purchase to access your funds.
Apply for an IRD Number
Once you have a bank account up and running, you will need to apply for the Inland income department (IRD) number to start working legally. This IRD number assures the new Zealand government that you are paying the best amount of taxes.
You can apply for the IRD number at your nearest post office or online. Make sure to keep this number at hand, because you’ll be required to give this to your future employer to start working.
Apply for the 18+ ID card
Unless you plan to carry your passport all over you go, it’s in your best interests to obtain an 18+ card. This card will act as your form of identification and is an official file that allows you to purchase alcohol or cigarettes.
Jobs available On a working holiday in new Zealand
With a new Zealand working holiday visa, you can apply and work for any job. You are not restricted to only working part-time or in a particular field. This implies you can even more your profession and get experience abroad without sacrificing the line of work you’re in.
While securing a job before you arrive in new Zealand makes things easier, it’s not required. You can land, get settled, and then start applying for jobs once you are in the area.
Hospitality
New Zealand is a desirable destination for families, backpackers, and couples, as well as working holiday participants! and because it attracts millions of visitors each year, there are plenty of hospitality jobs available.
Depending on your skills, you can work front desk at a hotel, do house cleaning in a hostel, or be a chef in a 5-star resort.
While you might have an simpler time finding a hospitality job in a large city like Auckland or Wellington, numerous visitors also come to explore the new Zealand countryside. This implies you will also find hostel and hotel jobs in smaller cities, and probably with less competition compared to the city.
Horticulture
Horticulture is one of the most significant industries in new Zealand. With hundreds of fruit orchards, farms, and vineyards around, it’s easy to see why!
There are numerous entry-level jobs in the horticulture and farming industry, either with large companies or small, family-run businesses. You can pick apples, landscape the garden, or help lay seeds during planting season. If working with animals sounds appealing, numerous farms need help tending to their sheep and cattle.
☞ See Also: Make money and travel The world As A Grape Harvester On Vineyards
Service Industry
Jobs in the service industry are some of the most common jobs for working holiday participants. Whether you’re waiting tables in a restaurant or working the cash register in the mall, there is a large variety of service related jobs waiting for you.
Best of all, many of the working hours are flexible. You’re not confined to working a certain schedule, which is a great option if you want the freedom to travel and explore new Zealand.
Outdoor Tourism
Since new Zealand is teeming with mountains, beaches, and fjords, it’s an outstanding place for finding work outdoors.
During the ski season, you can work as an instructor at one of the numerous resorts, such as Mt Ruapehu, Coronet Peak, or The Remarkables. but if you lack the experience, there are still plenty of hospitality and ski operator jobs available!
There are also numerous trip operators that are eager to hire guides across all cities in new Zealand. If you have the skills (and the knowledge), you can easily lead walking tours, bus tours, or other guided trips for tourists.
Office Work
While landing an office role is considered much more challenging than other jobs, it’s still possible with the best level of education and the best skill set. The only setback is finding a company that is prepared to employ you temporarily, as numerous companies strive to hire full-time, long-term employees.
However, the working holiday visa NZ lets you work any type of job you would like. Therefore, you’re able to work an office job if a company or company hires you.
Where To find working holiday jobs in NZ
Finding a job in a new country can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure where to look. but with a little dedication and patience, you too can land the job of your dreams by finding a position in one of the following ways:
Aggregate job Sites
While there is a seemingly unlimited amount of online job sites, it might be overwhelming to narrow down the best position. There are numerous online job sites like Indeed.com, Linkedin.com, and Glassdoor.com that collect and display open positions from all over new Zealand.
To apply for work through these websites, you will need to have a formal CV and a cover letter. The much more detail and information you have, the higher the chance that you’ll be called for an interview!
Seek.co.nz
New Zealand based Seek.co.nz is a great resource. You can filter by the line of work and your expected amount of pay. best of all, you can simply type in “working holiday visa jobs” in the search bar and find a variety of short-term jobs available only to visa holders!
Apply in Person
While it’s easy to apply for jobs online, some positions are simply not displayed on the company website. If you are trying to work in a cafe, a restaurant, or a bar, your best bet is to look for “Help Wanted” signs and apply in person.
Make sure to carry your cover letter and CV, and if possible, ask to speak directly to the manager. Not only will you show your face, but you’ll also be able to ask any questions relating to the position.
Downsides Of The new Zealand working holiday Visa Program
To many, having the opportunity to travel to a new country seems like a no-brainer. Although there are numerous benefits to the work and travel NZ program, there are a few drawbacks you ought to be aware of.
For one, the application process can be competitive, depending on your nationality. While some countries offer limitless visas, others only have a certain number to hand out. That implies you need to pay attention to the quota opening times and apply as soon as possible. If you miss out, you will have to wait and apply the following year.
Even if you can get the visa, you’ll still need to look for a company that is prepared to hire you. new Zealand is one of the most desirable places for travellers to have a working holiday. While there are numerous entry-level and short-term jobs available, you are still competing against everyone else, which implies that employment is not guaranteed.
Finally, if