Kind to backpackers, drop dead gorgeous and with good job prospects. No, not our JENZA dating profile – but the reasons why you should do a New Zealand working holiday.
Holy sheep!
Home to giant-carved landscapes, laid-back surf beaches and arty cities, Aeoteroa (New Zealand) is a show stealer. And Kiwis know it (the people, not the birds). New Zealanders belong to one of the proudest nations in the world – fiercely protective over their environment, their Māori culture and their beloved rugby team. Inventors of the phrase 'too easy', they're also some of the friendliest to working holidaymakers – making it an all-round win for travellers wanting to build real ‘home away from home’ connections on their working holiday.
Need to know before you go
Where to go
When the travel gods were thinking ahead to #vanlife hashtags, they were thinking of New Zealand. Small and manageable but with scenery that will blow up your Insta, it’s our number one place in the world to roadtrip. On a straight run, you can see both the North and South Islands of New Zealand in around 6-8 weeks. Giving you the option to travel the country before settling down to do casual, career or trade jobs in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington or Queenstown. Or buy a car, van or hop-on hop-off bus pass, and pick up casual and seasonal work on the go to fund your time out there.
What it pays
New Zealand has one of the highest minimum wages, currently NZD $23.15/hour. The cost of living can be high, especially in the cities. So if you’re needing to save, it’s a good idea to target seasonal fruit picking, vineyard or hospitality jobs – such as working in resorts, hotels, camp grounds and hostels as these often include subsidised staff accommodation. If you're looking to do professional or trade work, your earning potential will be much higher – especially as you can work for the same employer for the whole time and extend your visa to three years if you’re a UK passport holder.
When to go
New Zealand is the ultimate year rounder, with ski season winters and surf beach summers. The summer (Dec-Feb) is high season, bringing hospitality jobs to help with the crowds. By May, it’s gearing up for ski season (mid-Jun to Oct give or take on the conditions) - with work on both islands going fast if you’re wanting to work in Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt Ruapehu or any of New Zealand's 30+ ski resorts. Shoulder season (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) are also good times to explore between jobs – with cheaper accommodation and fewer campers on the roads and DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites.
Get hired or get the intel
Meet Camp Directors face-to-face, connect with others heading to camp, and (fingers crossed) get hired on the day. To register your interest, apply for Summer Camp USA over on our BUNAC camp page and let us know which city you'd like to attend. We can't wait to see your face, but don't worry if you can't make an in-person event - the quickest way to get hired is in our hiring pool.
Looking for a fresh start? The most liveable cities and the coolest ski resorts, Canada is the ultimate working holiday visa. Join our Canada Crew for all the intel on who can go, when you need to apply, and what types of jobs you can do. Plus, that age old question - summer or winter in Canada? (Both being the correct answer!).
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JENZA Travel International Ltd, trading as JENZA, is a company registered in Dublin, Ireland with Registered Company No. 707281 and registered address at 29-31 South William St, Dublin, Ireland, D02 EY96.
