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Global Exclusive

Working Holiday in New Zealand

4.9(47 reviews)
Experience
Working Holiday
Destination
New Zealand
Duration
6 to 24 months
Ages
18 to 35

Extremely high demand. 1,000+ views since yesterday already! Don’t miss out by starting today.

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 2 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've spent over 10 years working on the solution that over 75,000 others before you have chosen, as the world's leaders in working holidays. What if you could instead:

  • Have your job in New Zealand sorted before you arrive* – year-round & all-done virtually from home (with no job fairs to travel to, unlike our competitors) + unlimited extra job matches.
  • Land a job almost anywhere, from coastal towns to mountain resorts, with the largest network of partner companies loaded with perks like free or discounted staff accommodation, ski passes + more!
  • Meet others before you go through our exclusive app. Join Global Traveller side-trips & meet-up events too.
  • Save time, money, and stress with your own dedicated Trip Coordinator.
  • Get help with flights, travel insurance, accommodation, visa applications & more.
  • Experience awesome tours & activities when you arrive to help you settle in.

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.

Inclusions

Guaranteed job match pre-arrival*

A lot of companies don’t hire travellers, but we partner with many of the best that do. This means you will be pre-matched with an open position before you even arrive (or in your first couple days). And we're so sure of it, that you can get your trip refunded if we don’t. (*TCs apply)

Unlimited extra job matches*

When it’s time for somewhere new, tap into our national database of Partner Organisations to keep funding your travels. *No limit on interviews when you’ve given required notice to leave & remained professional.

Dedicated Trip Coordinator

Handpicked from an experienced team who’ve been there, done that and are ready to guide you through your entire journey and leave no question unanswered.

Working holiday visa guidance

Get your working holiday visa approved as cheap and easy as possible with our step-by-step instructions and personal guidance by your Trip Coordinator.

Personal Travel Concierge

You'll get a personal Travel Concierge to plan your flights, insurance or any add-ons to synchronise perfectly with your trip. Deal with a real human and get a personalised booking experience that ticks all your boxes.

Private airport transfer

Start your trip off right and roll up like a VIP! When your plane lands a private chauffeur will be waiting to whisk you straight to your included hostel accommodation in style.

4 nights of hostel accommodation

Meet other Global Travellers in the heart of Auckland. A 4-6 person dorm makes it the ultimate lodging for jet-lag recovery, or treat yourself and upgrade!

"Welcome to NZ" virtual orientation

Our virtual orientation will get you up to date with everything you need to know about living and working in New Zealand. You’ll be a Kiwi in no time!

Local life essentials

We'll give you a New Zealand mobile number & SIM with loads of data & credit for your first month, and help set up your New Zealand bank account and Inland Revenue Department number which you’ll need to work in New Zealand.

Auckland sightseeing tour

Discover Auckland your way on a guided bus tour! Check out some of Auckland’s main attractions and learn some of the history of your new home as you’re taken through all of the most iconic and picturesque locations this amazing place has to offer.

NZ experience day

In your first few days, enjoy one of two epic activity packages jam-packed with the best local experiences. Option 1: Thrill Seeker - Get your adrenaline pumping on a bungy jump and visit to Rangitoto Island, plus passes to the SkyWalk & SkyTower. Option 2: Explorer - If you love adventure, the Auckland Bridge climb, Waiheke Island Wine Tour and hop-on-hop-off island bus tour is for you.

Queenstown adventure

At some point during your trip, you’re going to end up in Queenstown! The place is not just the adventure capital of New Zealand, but also remarkably beautiful. When you’re there, you’ll have the choice between two activities. Option 1: Milford Sound Cruise - embark on a full day trip to the stunning fjords & glaciers of the South Island to see Milford Sound. Option 2: Canyon Jet Boating - have a guided half-day tour through beautiful Queenstown Canyons before speeding through them on a Jet Boat.

Permanent accommodation resources

If permanent accommodation isn’t provided with your job opportunity, our local team can provide you with links and advice to find a place to stay. 

Ongoing local team support

Think of us as your family away from home. Whether you need advice or a shoulder to lean on, or you’re looking for your next job opportunity, our team in Australia will provide you with unlimited support.

24/7 Global Emergency Line

Feel confident knowing we have a worldwide emergency team on standby, 24/7/365, so you can feel safe and secure throughout your whole trip no matter where you are in the world.

gWorld access

Stay organised with your personalised portal where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global.
NEW

Social

Travel alone but never lonely with Social! An exclusive social network inside our gWorld app to talk, share & meet-up with other Global Travellers in your region, with a dedicated Community Manager.

NEW

Global Academy

Gain access to an ever-growing range of skills & languages to learn before & whilst you travel.

NEW

Marketplace deals

Get exclusive access to deals and discounts through our online Marketplace. Save big on a huge range of products and services from our brand partners worldwide.

$250 off your next trip

The “Travel Bug” is a very real thing! Once you catch it, it really doesn’t go away! Book any other trip with us later and save $250. Why would you ever stop travelling?

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

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

Ask a question

Chat with us online now, or we can call you back for free, 24 hours Mon-Fri.

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).

When it’s time for a change of scenery during or after your initial job, book a cheap flight up to the Philippines to get your scuba diving license and lifetime fix of delicious cheep food and cocktails.

And while you're island-hopping around the Pacific, you’re not worried about finding a new job or running out of money. Why?

Because you told your dedicated Trip Coordinator about your plans and that you’d like to secure your next job opportunity, in a completely new and interesting part of New Zealand before you left. 

Our team gets to work and the North and South Islands stretch out in front of you. Will your next job be at a winery in Hawke's Bay, or a tour operator in Queenstown?

We’ll leave it up to you. And with the largest network of partner companies – you could land a job almost anywhere in New Zealand, usually loaded with staff perks.

You’ll have an instant friend group wherever you end up, too – even if you decide to take a job in a small town where there are more local sheep than people. 

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, or just talk to someone with the same accent as you.

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

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 24/7 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 4 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 4 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 virtual orientation! Your Trip Coordinator will help you get your bearings with this virtual orientation. 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. You’ll also get your passes to a guided sightseeing bus tour so you can see all the highlights of Auckland.

Day 3 & 4

Time for some local experiences! You have two options: The Thrill Seeker or the Adventurer.  The Trill Seeker: Go 40 metres above the harbour so you can bungee jump down in this iconic location. Next, do the outdoor SkyWalk on the top of NZ’s tallest building before visiting the SkyPass on Rangitoto Island. This is the option to get your adrenaline pumping.  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

Our team will always keep in touch with you throughout your stay. If at any point during your trip you need advice or support, our team are here to answer all your questions. Don’t forget you can jump on our social media pages too or buzz our 24/7 emergency support line for urgent matters. Head home with some extra money at the end of your trip. We’ve partnered with a company that specializes in tax returns for working holidaymakers and you can easily lodge it online from anywhere in the world. Get in touch with our team when it’s nearly time to head home to get some cash back from your travels.

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
  • Farming (exc. animal agriculture)
  • Hotels & Lodges
  • Labour & Construction
  • Sales
  • + More

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

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

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Frequently asked questions

Why go with Global Work & Travel?

As the world’s leading gap-year and “work & travel” company, we offer you the ability to not only choose from a number of awesome experiences all over the world but, we'll be your support system from the very first moment you become a Global Traveller! We provide a premium service that allows you to pick the destination of your dreams, get our visa & pre-departure assistance, book great flights and organise the perfect travel insurance or tours for when you arrive. Plus, we’ll back it all up with some cool and exclusive tech features that are with you the entire time.

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 for discounts with our brand partners, a unique social network to connect you with other Global Travellers when you’re overseas, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages to learn as you travel, invites to bucket-list side trips with other travellers, local meet-ups and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better?

And it doesn't even stop there. We continue to be there from the moment you land with a dedicated 24/7 emergency team, over 90 staff and ongoing support ensuring that you have the tools you need to feel like a local. That’s why 65,000+ Global Travellers from all over the world have chosen to turn their travel dream into reality with us and we can proudly brag that we’ve got the most & best reviews in the biz!

Why should I book now?

Covid-19 threw us a curve ball and pretty much halted all travel. This means that we have a backlog of travellers, just like you, who are desperate to get out and explore the world! 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?

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!

What happens if COVID affects my trip?

If you have to make any changes to your departure date, you’re protected with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee and our Ultimate Corona Booking Flexibility. With this, we will change your trip dates for free. If this doesn’t fit around you and you can’t go on your trip anymore, we will give you a 100% refund in the form of a Trip Credit with us (See terms). If you’re unable to use it, you can also transfer that credit to someone else for them to put towards any trip too.

If you’re affected by Covid-19 while you’re overseas, you will have all the support you need from our team or partners in-country as well as have access to our 24/7 Global Emergency Line. We recommend travellers purchase Global Travel Cover travel insurance that provides Covid-19 medical protection too.

Do I need to be vaccinated to book?

As border restrictions for countries begin to ease, being fully vaccinated will maximise the number of locations you can visit. So while you are not legally required to be vaccinated, and it’s also not a requirement to travel with us, it will limit some of the countries that you can visit and may make it harder to travel through over the next 12-18 months. We highly recommend our travellers look at the current travel restrictions of their destination, speak with a medical professional or get in touch with our team for travel advice.

What happens if I want to cancel my trip?

Our Ultimate Corona Booking Flexibility means you can change your trip’s start date up to 84* days before departure without incurring any charges when you rebook it for any time (or even any other trip) in the next 2 years from your original start date.

In the event that you want to cancel your booking altogether, if you give us over 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 towards booking absolutely anything travel related with your Travel Concierge within the next 2 years!

*Some select trips excluded, including Teach (Spain, Italy & Czech Republic) and USA (Summer Camp, Working Holiday and Hotel Professional), and others as listed in Booking Conditions.

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. 24/7 support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support and check-ins. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24/7.

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, 24/7.

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.

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