Many people come to New Zealand for a few months as part of a world tour or may just want to come on a short holiday. However there is an option to work and travel in New Zealand and many backpackers come each year to spend a year living like a Kiwi! Working allows you to meet and live with Kiwis and experience even more New Zealand culture. With the working holiday visa its even easier!
What you need to work...
Working Holiday Visa
The most common visa used by travellers to allow them to work in New Zealand is the Working Holiday Visa (WHV). This is a reciprocal agreement between governments to allow residents of another country to work and travel in New Zealand for between 1-2 years. There are currently 25 schemes for the following countries: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Hong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom. USA, Uruguay
Each scheme has its own specific requirements as well as the following general requirements. In order to successfully apply for a WHV you must:
- Be between 18 and 30 years of age
- Be able to show you have access to sufficient funds to support yourself in New Zealand ( evidence of access to NZ$4200 plus airfare)
- Not have any dependent children with you in NZ
- Not have been on a working holiday to New Zealand before
- Evidence of adequate medical insurance for the duration of your trip (click here for our insurance guide)
- Evidence of a return flight ticket to money to puchase one
To work in New Zealand you will also need an IRD number from New Zealand Inland Revenue. If you don't get one you will be taxed on an emergency tax code at a much hihger rate than you should be. To obtain an IRD Number you need to download and complete the application form from the IRD website and then post it to the Inland Revenue office in New Zealand. This can be done in New Zealand or from overseas. For more details on this click here.
Bank Account
Some employers may want to pay you directly into a bank account so it may be worth opening one in New Zealand and you’ll get the extra benefits of an EFTPOS card and cash card. Remember that to open a bank account you will need a permanent New Zealand address. If you don't have one you can sign up for our mail service. Although the banks are wary of opening bank accounts to travellers if you explain that you are here for a year with a visa you should be ok. Have a look at our banks page for details.
Check that your travel insurance policy covers you while you are working. For more information and companies that do cover you see our Travel Insurance Guide
What to do before you leave home...
Before setting off to New Zealand it's worth getting your CV together and getting a few copies printed out together with some company references and putting them into a presentation folder. Also make sure you can get at the version of your CV so you can print out more copies in an internet café if needs be. Emailing it to yourself or having a disk available is recommended.
If the trip is part of a year out its worth producing a cover letter explaining to employers why you decided to take this gap year and what you hope to achieve etc. If you are looking to work in a profession it may be worth getting in contact with the appropriate agencies in New Zealand before you set off. You can apply to agencies before leaving in our recruitment agencies directory.
Remember to also bring a smart set of clothes in case of interviews or alternatively you can buy a cheap tie/shirt or similar when you get to New Zealand (The Warehouse is a good bet!) It’s also good to be aware of the work seasons for the work you wish to undertake in New Zealand. For retail Nov/Dec is a good time to pick up a Christmas job, for Hospitality/Tourism the main summer season is Nov-March and June-Sept for the winter season (ski resorts etc. - for more information see our guide ). There are various seasons for fruit picking for a full list see http://www.backpack-newzealand.com/working_newzealand.html
Types of work for backpackers...
Working in Hostels
One way of working your way around New Zealand while meeting loads of fellow travellers is to work in hostels. Many of the hostels in New Zealand allow you to work for a few hours each day in return for board and maybe a bit of extra cash on the side. It may be worth ringing ahead and seeing if there are any jobs available although most backpackers just turn up and enquire. This can be a very cost effective way to travel New Zealand and meet loads of fellow travellers in the process!
Farm stays
Another great way to really experience New Zealand life and live with some Kiwis is to go on a farm stay. There are various groups such as WWOOF which provide you with a book containing loads of farms that will take workers in exchange for accommodation and food. If you want to try something completely different like herding cows then this is for you!
Within New Zealand there are a few Backpacker specific recruitment agencies which will assist you in finding work once in New Zealand. NZ Job Search ( www.nzjs.co.nz ) offer a comprehensive package which includes obtaining your tax number, opening a bank account and 6 months of assistance finding work - see their website for full details. TCP ( www.travellersnz.com ) will also assist you in finding work - just pop into their office in Fat Camel Hostel in Auckland. For other agencies see our recruitment directory.
Teaching English in New Zealand
There are various English Schools throughout New Zealand who take on people to help them teach. It's a benefit to have a TEFL qualification but you can obtain this whilst in NZ.
For more information on work and jobs in New Zealand have a look round our work and jobs section of the site which has info on visas, professional bodies, agencies, visa free work, tax issues, job websites and even has job listings so you can see what you're in for!!
Many people come to New Zealand for a few months as part of a world tour or may just want to come on a short holiday. However there is an option to work and travel in New Zealand and many backpackers come each year to spend a year living like a Kiwi! Working allows you to meet and live with Kiwis and experience even more New Zealand culture. With the 
