• Overview
  • Inclusions
  • Details
  • Location
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • FAQ
  • How It Works
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

Limited spots. Earliest available arrival is currently Jun 2023, and closing very soon.

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. 

  • Secure your job (earning $21+ an hour) before you fly with our Guaranteed Interview Before Arrival* + Unlimited Extra Interviews*  - All done virtually & no job fairs.
  • Largest network of partner companies - land a job almost anywhere from small towns to the big city
  • Dedicated Trip Coordinator to save you time, money & stress from arriving unprepared
  • Assistance with flights, travel insurance, accommodation, visa application & more 
  • Join exclusive Global Traveller getaways & meet-up events

Don’t spend 4+ weeks job hunting in a foreign country with no income. Most travellers start planning 6-12 months ahead and dates are flexible, so start planning with just a deposit today!

Inclusions

Guaranteed interview before arrival*

A lot of companies won't hire travellers. We’re partnered with many of the best local businesses that will. *Save time & money with a Guaranteed Interview before you arrive or we’ll extend your initial accommodation until you do.

Unlimited extra interviews*

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 support

If permanent accommodation isn’t provided with your job opportunity, our local team can give you the tools and advice to help you find your perfect home.

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

We know that one of the elements of a successful working holiday is to find local, seasonal employment to use as a means to fund your travels around the country. We also know that only certain businesses and industries will even consider hiring a traveller. We develop and maintain partnerships with hundreds of local businesses that do hire travellers, so you can save yourself time, money and stress with our Guaranteed Interview Before Arrival* and Unlimited Extra Interviews* to make your working holiday the best experience it can be.</span >

Our Working Holiday in New Zealand trip is designed to get you set up abroad as quickly and safely as possible. Our expert team offer assistance with all those stressful essentials you need to get set up overseas, like visa applications, bank accounts, New Zealand job interviews and help finding the perfect place to live. Simply, we’re here to ensure your transition to working abroad in New Zealand is seamless.

Arrive into the country with the confidence that you are many steps ahead of every other traveller starting off on their working holiday in New Zealand journey. You’ll have more time to focus on you and planning your adventures around New Zealand! With the hard work already done, you can relax into your first few days in New Zealand, see the epic sights and meet new friends before starting your first job opportunity. Our dedicated team will support you throughout the entire journey and when it’s time for something new, feel comfortable taking off and exploring this incredible action-packed country knowing we’ve got your back when you need your next job interview.

When you work in New Zealand you become more than just a tourist. Spend more of your time exploring, seeing the breathtaking landscapes and road tripping with mates instead of sweating the logistical stuff. We’re here to save you time, money, stress and even the potential of returning home early! You can only get a New Zealand working holiday visa once, so make your time count. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and work in New Zealand and there will be plenty of ‘pinch me, I’m really here’ moments along the way. 

Requirements

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

What extra costs will I have?

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

Trip itinerary

Day 1

Once you’ve touched down at Auckland Airport, your private transfer will be waiting for you outside. They’ll take you into Auckland to your initial accommodation at a top-rated hostel where we’ll cover the first 4 nights for you. Relax, make some new friends and settle in!

Day 2

Time for your virtual orientation with your Trip Coordinator in Australia. During this session, we’ll help you set up your bank account and Inland Revenue Department number so that you’re all ready to start working. Our team will also give you a New Zealand SIM card loaded with calling credit, loads of data and unlimited texts, so you can easily keep in touch with loved ones back home! We’ll give you your pass for the guided sightseeing bus tour to check out Auckland’s best spots and get a real feel for the city.

Day 3

Choose between one of two epic experience day packages - Thrill Seeker or Explorer. If you prefer to get your adrenaline pumping, enjoy the Auckland Bungy Jump from 40 metres above the harbour, do the outdoor SkyWalk on top of NZ’s highest building, visit Rangitoto Island and get a pass to Sky Tower on the Thrill Seeker. If you’re an adventurer at heart, you’ll love your climb of the Auckland Bridge. Then, with return ferry tickets included, cruise across the bay to enjoy your private transfer around Waiheke Island on a wine-tasting tour, and finish the day by jumping on the hop-on hop-off bus tour to see more on the Explorer.   

Day 4

Most people have their interview before they’ve even left home. If you haven’t received yours within 4 days of arriving, we’ll extend your accommodation for free until we do. That’s how confident we are. And, if you’re not successful in your first interview, we’ll keep trying too! After you’ve had your 4 nights stay in Auckland, it’s generally time to move on to where your new workplace is. If permanent accommodation isn’t provided with your job opportunity, our team can help you find the perfect home.

6 months+

After successfully completing your first 6 months as a New Zealand local, you might want to experience a whole new location, job or just take off and go travelling! We’ll be here when you decide it’s time for something new. When you inevitably go visit Queenstown, make sure you let your Trip Coordinator know. This way they can set up either your Jet Boat experience or trip out to Milford Sound!

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 100 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

Make your decision

Choose your trip style and destination, and confirm your spot with a deposit. Then, open your gWorld account and celebrate, the hardest part is over and the fun is about to begin.

We become friends

You’ll be matched with a personal Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs. They’ll guide you through everything we need to do together, so you can leave your worries behind.

Time to go

We’ll get your tickets in-hand and your transfers ready. Then, our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared for your arrival. It’s now time for the real adventure to start.

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 100 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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