generic avatar 2
generic avatar 3
generic avatar 4

98,460+ dreams turned into reality

global work and travel logo
What should I book?!
Global Exclusive

Working Holiday in New Zealand (Plus)

4.4(91 reviews)
Experience
Working Holiday
Destination
New Zealand
Duration
6 to 24 months
Ages
18 to 35

290 others looking at this too. Next opening is Feb 2025, with limited spots.

Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Trip overview

If you love the outdoors, then you must travel to the natural playground that is New Zealand! From rafting down raging rapids to world-renowned ski resorts, you’ll never run out of thrills and stunning wilderness. 

And when you go on a Working Holiday in New Zealand, you can live and work for up to 3 years. 

You could wing it and try to do everything yourself. Sure, some people do, but more often than not, it’ll be confusing, expensive, anxiety-inducing and time-consuming heading to a land unknown for the first time.

This is an experience you’ll likely only do once, and the last thing you'd want is to be returning home with your tail between your legs just after you had your going away party (& blown all your savings).

But, luckily, we have the solution that close to 90,000 others before you have chosen since 2008, as the world's leaders in working holidays. What if you could instead:

  • With our Money-Back Guarantee in place, receive a New Zealand Job Match before you even arrive* – year-round & all-done virtually from home (with no job fairs to travel to & compete at, unlike our competitors).
  • Land a job almost anywhere, from coastal towns to mountain resorts, with the largest network of partner companies loaded with perks like staff accommodation, ski passes + more!
  • Keep the adventure going with a second country job match included in another destination for the ultimate work & travel experience around the globe!
  • Meet others before you go through our exclusive app. Join Global Traveller side-trips & meet-up events too.
  • Get help with flights, travel insurance, accommodation, visa applications & more.

The ultimate way to have a hassle-free working holiday. Working to live (and not living to work), meeting other travellers, waking up every day to a new adventure, and making everyone back home severely jealous of all your stories.

Land in New Zealand prepared & excited, not anxious and scared - life’s too short for that. Don’t spend 4+ weeks job hunting in a foreign country alone with no income. Travel smart, and prepared.

For a similar trip with the essentials only, check out this Working Holiday in New Zealand package. Keep a very careful eye on dates though, as capacity for both these trips are limited.

Inclusions

Tap to expand

Guaranteed job match pre-arrival*
2nd country job match*
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Working holiday visa guidance
Personal Travel Concierge
Private airport transfer
3 nights of hostel accommodation
"Welcome to NZ" virtual orientation
Local life essentials
NZ experience day
Queenstown adventure
Permanent accommodation resources
Ongoing local team support
Global Emergency Line
gWorld access
Social
Global Academy
Marketplace deals
$250 off your next trip

Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. Read more

Working Holiday jobs & locations in New Zealand

Land an entry to mid-level job in New Zealand which will be fun and social, so you can make friends, learn new skills and have the freedom to explore new places. Located all across the country, you can expect to find a job in New Zealand in various industries, as we have a wide range of Partner Organisations. 

  • Hospitality like bars, cafés & restaurants
  • Tourism
  • Ski Resorts
  • Summer Resorts
  • Hotels & Lodges
  • Labour & Construction
  • Sales
  • + More

Important to remember: The host company decides who they hire and for what, so you need to be flexible & open minded. You’ll be matched with something you are suitable for.

 

From seaside towns to world-renowned mountain resorts and bustling cities in between, we’ve got connections to host companies dotted all over New Zealand, so you could find yourself working in any of these destinations. 

  • Auckland
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Dunedin
  • Mount Cook
  • Waiheke Island
  • Hawkes Bay
  • Hamilton
  • Nelson
  • + More

We'll try for your preferences, but locations are subject to availability at your time of arrival.

Qualification

To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18-35 years of age
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country
  • Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

Get more info!

Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mo-Fr.

Trip details

Can you picture it? You just finished your shift at the ski rental shop and time to squeeze one last shred down the mountain. Then it's off to your favourite après bar to meet up with your new international besties you met at your staff accommodation. Your bank accounts are topped up so you decide to book some cheap flights over to Australia for a long weekend surf trip, followed by a round of kiwi beers to celebrate!

And all this sorted without potentially spending over a month or longer hunting for a job in a foreign country with no income and your savings dwindling by the hour!

Get a job sorted before you land with our Guaranteed Job Match Pre-Arrival*, the ultimate way to explore another country without having to chew through your savings like most people who decide to wing it generally do.

Our robust trip planning process, perfected after serving tens of thousands of Global Travellers since 2008, includes visa guidance and a virtual interview you can do from the comfort of home. Our team will be in your corner to answer any questions you or your family may have too, so you can exchange most of those nerves with pure excitement about the adventure of a lifetime ahead.

Accommodation? We can help with that as well. Your first 4 nights are covered at a top-rated hostel in Auckland. After that, most jobs provide staff housing at a really low rate (but these ones can go quick). If your job doesn’t, our team will provide you all the guidance and tips you need to find something suitable - yet another reason why going with Global means you get the best of the best with access to our offices in Australia in the same timezone (unlike our competitors).

As for the solo traveller side of things, you’ll have an instant friend group wherever you end up, too. How? 

Because our social network app – gWorld – connects you with other Global Travellers in your area. So you can go on a hike, meet at the pub, talk to someone with the same accent as you.

We take care of pretty much everything so you don’t have to. 

And when it’s time for a change of scenery during or after your initial job, book a short and cheap flight over to Fiji or to another bucket-list location!

And lucky you – you’re earning more than enough in full-time positions where you get 100% of your earnings (unlike some recruitment agencies), with New Zealand paying around NZ$23/hr or more, to thrive and still have some left over for spontaneous trips or general shenanigans. 

As you embark on this side trip, you can rest assured knowing that the thrill of exploration won't be dampened by worries of your adventure overseas coming to an end. Why?

Because you've shared your aspirations with your dedicated Trip Coordinator, expressing your desire to pursue your included second country job match, in a fresh and captivating corner of the globe. We know that after this first experience you probably won’t want to go home just yet, so with your newfound work & travel confidence and know-how, head somewhere new to keep on exploring.

Our team springs into action, mapping out the vast possibilities across borders. Will your next endeavor lead you to working at a tropical island resort Australia? Perhaps as an English Tutor for a summer in the south of France? You decide. All backed up with our support and app. Work, travel, rinse & repeat!

BUT! There’s a catch….

Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance, or more! Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited, and intakes are closing off regularly without much notice. So if you’re serious about living in New Zealand, check dates & prices now to get things started before you’re too late, or too old.

With our Book Now, Decide Later option, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take up to a full year to choose your dates. 

We’ll take over from there, helping you with visas, flights, accommodation, and matching you with a job opportunity before you go*. 

If you’re after the ultimate, and the best, working holiday to New Zealand out there, complete with everything you need and 24/5 worldwide support, click the red box and follow the quick & easy steps to secure your spot. You, your parents and your bank account should thank us later. 

Requirements

To qualify for this trip you must meet the visa requirements, and have 6 months of paid work experience by time of arrival.

What extra costs will I have?

Flights, travel insurance, visa, criminal background check, souvenirs & spending money.

 

Trip itinerary

Before you leave

We’re on your side from the moment you get started. You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time, and in your hands well before you leave.  Your personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here.  Most travellers have their job match before they’ve left home. If you haven’t had yours within 3 days of arriving, we’ll extend your accommodation for free until you do. And if you’re not successful with your first interview - no biggy! We’ll just keep trying (*see TCs for details).

Arrival

Once you arrive to Auckland, there’ll be a private car & driver waiting to take you to your accommodation to avoid getting lost, stuck or ripped off by a taxi.  Your included accommodation is 3 nights at one of the best hostels in the city. You can spend your evening getting to know fellow Global Travellers while you relax in the hostel or getting out to enjoy the awesome sights, pubs, bars & restaurants all within walking distance.

Day 2

Time for your 'Welcome to New Zealand' orientation! You'll learn valuable information about your trip, important local resources, and can access this anytime throughout your entire trip! We’ll help you set up your bank account and Inland Revenue Department number so you can start working in New Zealand. You’ll get a local SIM card with loads of data and unlimited talk & text so you can phone home.   

Day 3 & 4

Time for some local experiences! You have two options: The Thrill Seeker or the Adventurer.  The Thrill Seeker: Go 40 metres above the harbour so you can bungee jump down in this iconic location, then it's over to Rangitoto Island! The Adventurer: Start with a climb up the Auckland Bridge. Then hop on a ferry (return tickets included) for your private transfer around Waiheke Island on a wine tour. And finish off with a hop-on hop-off bus tour to see all the main attractions. 

Ongoing

We’ll constantly keep in touch with you throughout your stay. If at any point during your trip you need advice or support, our team will be on hand to answer all your questions.  Stay connected with Social, where you can reach out to your Community Manager, stay updated with events happening in the country and chat with Global Travellers near you. You will also be invited to traveller meet-ups and exclusive Global Getaways, giving you access to short bucket-list side trips to awesome locations so you can continue to make new friends and see the world together. And once you wrap up your trip in New Zealand, get ready for your next big adventure! You'll have the chance to land another Working Holiday gig or mix it up as an Au Pair or Tutor in any other country we offer (except USA, Germany & South Korea). We've got your back with visa help and virtual orientation too!

Reviews

Imogen R
Calum was amazing at answering all of my questions. He was super helpful and very friendly:) Thank you Calum
Ashley E
Stacey has been so helpful and kind through all the processes with getting me to New Zealand. She is very friendly and I love how everyone who I have spoken to is just so welcoming and it instantly feels like I have already made friends. Everyone really lightens the mood and really makes it all about you and your experience. I have been overwhelmingly excited about this and can’t wait to finally go through with it!
James F
Amazing service and amazing staff, Cohen really helped me get set up with my trip to New Zealand and as a local himself had a more in depth chat with me!
Jack C
Really personal and friendly people to talk to. Easy as ever.
Serena W
My travel agent was amazing! She was so sweet and kind, she cared and made talking about this fun. She gave me ideas and is so good at what she does! She made me feel very comfortable and we laughed a lot and had fun. My experience was so awesome. I feel like i want to know her in person. I loved her!

New on the 'gram

Frequently asked questions

Why are you the best company to choose?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

How does accommodation work?

When it comes to accommodation, we have some great options available for you. Many of our partner organisations offer staff accommodation as a fantastic perk. This usually entails a shared apartment or house with other like-minded travelers, conveniently located near your job. The best part is that these accommodations are often available at a subsidised rate, allowing you to save more toward side trips and fun! In the event that staff accommodation is not included with your job match, don't worry. Your Arrival Coordinator will be there to provide you with valuable resources and helpful tips on finding a suitable place to stay.

What's the difference between your standard Working Holiday and Plus?

The Standard and Plus Working Holiday trips offer similar features, such as our comprehensive job matching process. However, there are a couple key differences between the two: Standard: With the Standard trip, you will receive a guaranteed job match prior to your arrival*. Plus: The Plus trip includes a guaranteed job match prior to your arrival*, just like the Standard trip. In addition, it offers the unique benefit of a 2nd job match in an entirely new country! This includes any Working Holiday, Au Pair or Tutor trip we offer, except USA, Germany & South Korea. Visa guidance will also be provided, TCs apply. Along with this, the Plus trip also provides additional tours and a side trip to enhance your experience. If you like the idea of working and travelling in more than one country, the Plus option is best suited for you. It provides the opportunity for ongoing exploration and variety during your time abroad. No need to make a decision right away on which option to choose. If you initially book the Standard trip, you can always upgrade to the Plus trip after getting registered and connecting with your dedicated Trip Coordinator.

Do I get to choose where I work?

While we strive to take your preferences into account, it's important to note that we are not a recruitment agency. Therefore, we cannot guarantee job matches in specific professions, fields, or locations. As a foreign worker on a temporary visa, it can be challenging to compete with locals for more specialised positions. Employers often prioritise candidates they can train and retain in the long term, rather than taking a risk on someone who may leave in a year or two, or less. However, the jobs we help organise on your working holiday will offer a fantastic experience. They will be enjoyable and social, allowing you to make new friends, acquire new skills, and have the freedom to explore exciting new places. Our aim is to provide you with an amazing working holiday experience, where you can embrace adventure and create unforgettable memories.

What is a job match, does this mean a guaranteed job?

A job match is a seamless process designed to help you secure a suitable job opportunity. Here's how it works: First, we arrange an interview for you, taking into consideration your preferences whenever possible. The interviews are typically conducted virtually over platforms like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime, making it convenient for you to participate from the comfort of your home before you embark on your trip. The key to a successful job match is simple: attend the interview on time and approach it just like any other professional interview. By demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm, you'll increase your chances of securing a job offer without any complications. In the unlikely chance you are unsuccessful with your initial interview, our team will get to work organising you another interview. You can rest assured we are committed to finding the right opportunity for you and guiding you through each and every step of the job matching process to ensure success. For more details, please refer to your booking conditions.

Will I have any free time to travel?

Absolutely! While the jobs we help you land usually provide full-time hours, they often come with flexibility that will allow you to take time off for side trips, exploring, and fun. We understand the importance of travel experiences, and our aim is to provide opportunities that balance work and leisure. While the level of flexibility can vary based on the specific job and employer, we strive to match you with positions that provide allowances or arrangements for time off. This way, you can plan and enjoy additional adventures before, during, or after your work placement!

What job opportunities do you offer?

Ever since our inception in 2008, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional job opportunities to our travellers. We take pride in having built the largest network of partner organisations across the country, all vetted and perfectly suited to host a working holidayer. One of the greatest advantages of going Global is that we streamline the entire process for you, meaning, you won't need to go through the hassle of attending job fairs (like our competitors make you do) or spending countless hours job hunting. We take care of the hard work by understanding your job and location preferences, then connect you with one of our awesome partner organisations. We then ensure you are well-prepared for the interview, to help you land a job before you leave home*. To explore all the amazing options available, we invite you to check out our Working Holiday jobs & locations section located above.

Why do a working holiday?

The benefits of doing a Working Holiday trip are numerous. It offers you the opportunity to experience a new country, immerse yourself in a different culture, gain international work experience, develop new skills, make lifelong connections, and create unforgettable memories. It is a chance to combine travel and work while exploring a new destination.

What support is provided by Global Work & Travel during my Working Holiday trip?

We provide comprehensive support throughout your Working Holiday trip, from the initial planning stages until your return home. Our team is available to assist you with visa applications, job placements, accommodation options, and ongoing support from our worldwide offices while you are overseas, including a 24/5 emergency line. We also provide pre-departure guidance and resources to help you prepare for your adventure.

Will I earn enough to support myself?

Absolutely! While the earning potential may vary based on your destination and job type, the income you'll receive is more than sufficient to support you comfortably while abroad. It can cover all your living expenses, accommodation, transportation, and even allows for savings to explore your new home or continue travelling afterward. Additionally, many of our partner organisations offer fantastic perks like discounted staff housing, food and beverage, ski passes, and more, helping you save money and make the most of your Working Holiday experience.

Why should I book now?

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend or partner?

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

How it works

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. Global support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.

Still have questions?

Why go Global

Flexible trips

The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Worldwide support

Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

Check out these similar trips

Home
Working Holiday
Working Holiday in New Zealand (Plus)