Thinking about taking off to New Zealand to work and play for a while?

You'll find all the information you need to know right here. Most of our Working Holiday Schemes will give you a New Zealand visa for 12 months – or 23 months if you're from the UK – so all you need to do is find out if you're eligible and apply.

Australian? You do not require a visa to visit or work in New Zealand if you're an Australian citizen, or the holder of a current Australian permanent residence visa (including a current Australian resident return visa).

Sorting out a job, place to live and other important stuff. 

Finding a Job

The great advantage of a Working Holiday Scheme visa is that you can work, so you have the funds to do all the things you want during your time in New Zealand. You could work in a range of jobs, including hospitality, fruit picking in the sun or even a professional career job. It's your choice.

For some job suggestions and helpful links, check out our temporary jobs page.

Or try these related links:

Want to pursue a professional career?  Check out our Finding a Job page to find out more about how to find and market yourself to employers in New Zealand.

Already have a job in New Zealand, and need an IRD number?  Click here to find out how to apply.  With a working holiday scheme visa, you are entitled to an IRD number, so the process is easy.

Finding a place to live. 

The hardest part will be deciding where you want to live! In one of our lively cities? Perhaps out by the beach? Or in the rugged countryside we're so famous for?

You'll find links to all kinds of accommodation options on our temporary housing page.

For general housing information, click here.

Getting around the place.

Once you're here, you'll want to explore. There are many ways to do so – but if you want to set your own pace and destinations, you can't get much better than a rental car or campervan.

Check out:

Jucy Rentals: http://www.jucy.co.nz/
Wicked: http://www.wicked-campers.co.nz/
New Zealand Campers: http://www.nzcampers.co.nz/
NZ Backpackers Rentals: http://www.nzbackpackerrentals.co.nz
Thrifty: http://www.thrifty.co.nz/
Ace Rental Cars: http://www.acerentalcars.co.nz/

Health services while you're here.

Although New Zealand has a great public health care system, Working holidaymakers are generally not eligible for publicly funded health care.  You will need to hold medical insurance for your time in New Zealand. 

If you are injured in an accident while you are in New Zealand, you may be entitled to ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) coverage. To find more, click here.

For general healthcare information, click here.

For a complete guide to health service eligibility, check out the Ministry of Health.

How much money you'll need.

Don't forget, you need at least NZ $4,200 available (and up to NZ $7000 for some schemes) to get your Working Holiday Scheme visa. This is to make sure you can meet your living costs while you get on your feet with a job.

Sort out what to explore first!

Now to the really important stuff -- why you want to visit New Zealand: our unique Kiwi brand of action and adventure. From bungy jumping to snowboarding or touring our best wineries, there's no end to the new experiences you'll have.

Find out about all the things to do here on our lifestyle and recreation page, on our New Zealand map and on our "What's On" page in the Jobs and Events section of NewZealandNow.