IThe New Zealand Government's stance is you need a work
visa or WHV to be in employment. From the immigration site employment
is described as:
What is "Employment"?
Employment includes self employment and means any
activity undertaken for "gain or reward", except for those activities
described below under "What work is not considered to be employment?"
Gain or Reward
'Gain or reward' includes any payment or benefit
that can be valued in terms of money, such as board and lodging, goods
(e.g. food or clothing) and services (e.g. transport). This applies whether
a New Zealand or overseas resident provides the payment or benefit for
the activity.
So although we do not endorse or recommend the options
given below for people who do not have work visas they are seen in New
Zealand as a grey area in terms of employment.
Working in Hostels
One way of working your way around New Zealand wihout
a visa while meeting loads of fellow travellers is to work for board in
hostels. Many of the hostels in New Zealand allow you to work for a few
hours each day in return for free board. 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! Look at the
BBH Hostel Job Section in our JobBrowser.
Farm stays / Wwoofing
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 WOOF 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!
WWoof
- WWOOF allows volunteers to stay on organic farms,
exchanging labour for a bed for the night and food Help
Exchange - Lists work in exchange for
accommodation and food on farms FHINZ
- over 190 farms throughout New Zealand that are
willing to offer food and board in exchange for 4 to 6 hours work a day
