Going to work in New Zealand is a fantastic way to gain new experiences, see new places, live abroad and earn money while you do it. It gives you the flexibility to fund your trip while you explore the country and in the process make some great mates!
It may sound scary but it’s not as hard as you think. The visa process is really simple, great value compared to other countries and there are lots of companies that can help you every step of the way. The experience of working in New Zealand is invaluable.
Here’s what you can get out of living and working in one of the most beautiful countries in the world:
1. Make New Friends
Kiwis are the friendliest people in the world, no they really are! I know everyone says that but it’s true.
From bar-tenders to hostel workers, even people walking down the street you’re sure to hear a friendly *kia ora! It’s the small things that make moving to another country that little bit easier and in New Zealand you’ll feel genuinely welcome.
The people you’ll meet while working will feel like family and become some of your closest friends. There’s nothing like a hard-day’s work, out in the sun, picking fruit for money – the bond with your fellow pickers is a strong one! Lots of people will be in the same boat as you, just get stuck in and put your best smile on.
You’ll make new mates easy, that’s a guarantee from me.
2. Improve Your CV
“As New Zealand has a high percentage of small businesses, you could end up getting a broader range of work experience.” – Immigration NZ
A Working Holiday in New Zealand isn’t a waste of time like your parents might think. Ignore them when they say “you should be focusing on your career” because in fact working abroad can seriously improve your CV and career prospects.
Here’s a few reasons why:
Employers will see you as resourceful and resilient. By working in New Zealand, you prove to employers that you can overcome the challenges of living and working abroad; by dealing with different working situations and coping without your family and mates around you.
Working abroad widens your skill set. You’ll pick up skills without even realizing such as leadership, team-work, budgeting, negotiating, even determination and patience. Many skills will be transferrable to the work place when you come back home.
Working in New Zealand will push you out of your comfort zone. It proves to employers that you are more mature and well adapted. While you’re over there make sure you get references, note down your achievements and success stories at work.
Your future employer is going to love ya!
3. Do A Job You Never Thought You Would!
There are loads of jobs in New Zealand you can’t do anywhere else, gap year jobs that don’t feel like jobs, jobs that feel like an adventure!
Here’s a few to get you feeling inspired:
Hospitality – One of the most social jobs you can do in New Zealand, whether its waiting tables or working behind a bar, you’re guaranteed to meet loads of fun, sociable people.
Ski field staff – The dream job. Take your pick from chalet staff, chef jobs, ski guides, ski resort hotel staff and spend all winter swooshing down the slopes in the adventure-capital of the world with your free ski pass. Not to mention the après-ski parties!
Tourism Industry Job – A great way to grab free activity passes! Steer people through rapids while white-water rafting or push them off bridges bungy jumping. Sounds like fun.
WWOOFing – No you’re not barking your way around New Zealand for money. WWOOFing means working for food and accommodation about 3-6 hours a day, on organic properties such as farms and ranches. It’s an awesome way to immerse yourself properly into kiwi culture and another way of completing your 3 months agricultural work. You won’t regret WWOOFing around NZ.
Fruit and veggie picking – Get fit, make loads of mates as you bond over thousands of gallons of fruit, earn loads of cash, especially if you’re paid per piece AND you’ll be able to extend your working holiday for 3 months because of it. How? If you’re already in New Zealand on a working holiday, completing 3 months agricultural and horticultural work grants you the opportunity to stay longer!
4. Experience New Things
Skydiving on the weekend? Bungy jumping on a Monday night after work? White-water rafting on a Wednesday? Take your pick!
New Zealand being the adventure capital of the world will open the door to hundreds of new experiences. What about sand-boarding down the giant dunes in the Bay of Islands? You literally surf down the sand. But that’s just a taster of what you can do, check out more amazing experiences to do while you live in New Zealand.
But it’s not all adrenaline-pumping activities, New Zealand has an impressive brunch culture. You’ll spend lazy weekends enjoying fluffy pancakes, sweet French toast and creamy poached eggs smothered in delicious hollandaise sauce. Yum.
Not to mention the weekends (or weekdays) spent wine tasting, New Zealand is famous for its wine. Escape to Waiheke Island and take a wine tasting tour around the beautiful vineyards. You could also mix up your experience and travel to Australia too.
Need some more convincing? Check out my New Zealand travel guide and get ready to say cheers to your life in NZ!
5. Live Somewhere Beautiful
Your home could be the set of the Lord of the Rings, how cool is that? But you don’t need to be a fan of the film to appreciate the sheer beauty of New Zealand. No matter where you are in NZ you’re always 15 minutes away from; snow-capped mountains, spectacular coastlines, alpine forests and oceans filled with Whales!
Just imagine every morning, opening your door to white-sandy beaches and breathing in fresh mountain air, beats having to get the bus every day! New Zealand is for the outdoor-loving adventurer. Actually, it’s for anyone who wants to live somewhere beautiful.
New Zealand Working Holiday Packages
Some companies offer job starter packs which help to get you sorted as soon as you arrive in New Zealand!
With this pack you’ll be assured of a place to stay – a great opportunity to get your social life spinning into exciting oblivion!
• 2, 4 or 7 nights accommodation, breakfast and airport transfers
• Comprehensive work and travel pack
• Job Search membership & Sim Card
• Mail holding and forwarding service
• Luggage storage for 1 month
• Work NZ info on a handy USB stick
You’ll receive a 12 month NZ Job Search registration, NZ work info on a handy USB and a mobile SIM card. You’ll also get all the relevant bits to apply for a tax number and bank account.
It’s a great chance to meet people in exactly the same position as you and take advantage of heaps of discounts on travel.
How to Apply
To get started check out this websites:
• Seasonal Jobs in New Zealand
• New Zealand Gap Year
• Work in New Zealand
Right, I hope I have convinced you to work in NZ! Take the plunge and do it – you won’t regret it, I promise. You might also like to view my guide to working holidays in Australia.
