New Zealand Working Holiday Visa Program
Just like Australia, over 100,000 students travel to New Zealand to work and travel every year. Queenstown is the adrenaline capital of New Zealand with bungee jumping, snowboarding and every adrenaline sport imaginable available. A big draw for working holiday makers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Working Holiday Visas to New Zealand
Am I eligible?
You are eligible for a working holiday visa for New Zealand if you are a US resident or a resident of one of the following countries. You must be 18-30 years old when applying. The visa application takes as little as 48 hours and can be even applied for by phone if you have your passport handy.
How can I apply or receive more information?
BootsnAll has partnered with the world’s largest working holiday visa provider, VisaFirst, to provide travelers with everything they need before leaving for New Zealand.
Apply for an information pack or book a visa
Do I need to have work organised before arriving on a working holiday visa in New Zealand?
No. 99.9% of people simply land in a gateway city like Auckland or Christchurch, stay in a hostel until they find an apartment to stay in, go looking for work and begin working in a week or two. Most people will only offer you work after having met you so you will need to check the papers and online job sites when you arrive and call into employers and recruitment companies.
Do I have to work when I arrive?
No, you don’t have to work at all! However, most people will need to work to have funds to party in New Zealand. Most people will bring money over with them to fund their first few weeks partying and until they find work. Setting up a New Zealand bank account before you arrive will allow you to transfer some money over before leaving. Setting up an account is something we can assist you with.
Can you give me an example of how the year typically flows for most working holiday makers?
Before leaving for New Zealand
Book your working holiday visa. It’s also a good idea to set up your New Zealand bank account, apply for a tax file number, and arrange airport pick-up before leaving. Luckily, this can all be done along with your visa application. More information »
On the way to New Zealand
Knowing that you’re going to be working in New Zealand, why not take advantage of stopping in some of the nearby Pacific Islands on the way? How about Hawaii? BootsnAll also has a wide range of small group adventures to choose from whether you’re heading to South East Asia, South America or anywhere inbetween as part of an around the world trip.
Arriving in New Zealand
As part of your working holiday visa package, you’ll receive airport pick-up and 2 nights accommodation in the heart of Auckland. This is very handy as airport pickup is there even if you arrive in from Vietnam at 2am in the morning.
After typically using Auckland of Christchurch as a base, many working holiday makers set off to explore the rest of this amazing country. Perhaps Queenstown for adrenaline seekers, or taking in the scenery that was made so famous in the Lord of the Rings films. Renting or buying a car, or the popular campervans makes all of these places, and indeed both islands, readily accessible.
Is it strange to apply and travel alone?
Although it may seem intimidating, just make the move. As soon as you arrive you’ll be alone only as much as you want to be. Hostels are a great place to meet other travelers and you won’t have trouble finding someone eager to chat about where they’ve been and where they are travelling to next. Don’t let travelling alone stop you going as plenty of working holiday makers do it.
So what are you waiting for?
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