There are different requirements for a Working Holiday Scheme in New Zealand, depending on which country you’re from.

From the USA

For a working holiday in New Zealand for those on a passport from the United States of America, you’ll need to be between 18 and 30 (or 18 and 35 under the BUNAC scheme).  You can stay for up to a year, working in temporary employment during that time. To be eligible you must: 

• have a passport from the United States of America that‘s valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand 
• be at least 18 and not more than 30 years old.
• not bring children with you 
• hold a return ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket 
• have a minimum of NZ$4,200 available funds to meet your living costs while you’re here 
• meet health and character requirements 
• hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance for the length of your stay
• be coming to New Zealand to holiday, with work being a secondary intention for your visit
• not have been approved a visa or permit under a Working Holiday Scheme before.

For more details of the United States Working Holiday Scheme for people under 30 click here.

People aged 18-35 may qualify for a working holiday through schemes arranged by organisations such as BUNAC
 

From the UK

For a working holiday in New Zealand for anyone on a British passport, you’ll need to be between 18 and 30 and you can stay for up to 23 months, working for a maximum of 12 months in that time. To be eligible you must:

• usually be permanently living in the United Kingdom – this means you can be temporarily visiting another country when you lodge your application
• have a British passport that‘s valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand
• be at least 18 and not more than 30 years old
• not bring children with you
• hold a return ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket
• have a minimum of NZ$350 per month of stay available funds to meet your living costs while you’re here
• meet our health and character requirements
• be coming to New Zealand to holiday, with work being a secondary intention for your visit 
• not have been approved a visa or permit under a Working Holiday Scheme before.

For more details of the United Kingdom Working Holiday Scheme click here. 
 

From other countries

For a list of Working Holiday Schemes from other countries and their conditions click here.