Work in New Zealand

Home to mountains, golden surf beaches and arty cities, New Zealand is a perfect choice for a working holiday

Age 18-35
Visa Length Up to 23 Months
Cost $1,400.00

About

Boasting vast beaches and lush rainforests in the north, and towering fjords and glacial lakes in the south, New Zealand is a roadtripper's paradise! This tiny country of only 4.5 million people (and some 30 million sheep) packs a big punch - with diverse landscapes and so much natural beauty spread across two islands, this place is interesting at every turn but a breeze to explore. So, why not take your time?

Whether you're looking for Middle Earth, an adrenaline rush, rich Māori culture, vibrant Auckland or outdoorsy Queenstown, Kiwis (New Zealanders) are a laid-back bunch and ridiculously friendly, so you'll feel right at home in no time!

Join our 4-day Auckland Welcome Week so we can make your working holiday a breeze with work and travel workshops, city walks, local support, and ready-made travel mates. Say goodbye ordinary life and kia ora to extraordinary New Zealand!

What's included

Expert guidance and SWAP support to have your New Zealand visa approved 

Your GO SWAP kit, which includes helpful visa information and pre-departure tips

12-month New Zealand Working Holiday visa (with the possibility to extend to 23-months when in New Zealand), allowing for multiple entries into the country

Airport pick-up and transfer to your pre-arranged accommodation

3 nights of the hostel accommodation in Auckland (additional nights can be arranged)

Arrival mail holding and forwarding services

Arrival orientation with our local staff: learn vital information on red-tape issues, how to find work and accommodation, and what to expect while living in New Zealand

Detailed job-hunting and travel planning workshop

Devonport ferry ticket

Welcome dinner and drink

What's not included

Flights | We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved

Payment breakdown (2 stages)

  • Deposit - $100
  • Final payment - $1300

Am I eligible?

Hoping to become an honourary Kiwi? Check these conditions to see if you qualify!

  • Age
    You need to be 18-35 years old (you must apply after your 18th birthday and be issued your visa prior to your 36th birthday)
  • Required Savings
    You must have the amount of $4,200 NZD saved in your account as of the day you submit your application. These are called support funds and are a requirement of the New Zealand government.

  • Duration
    You can stay in New Zealand for up to 23 months.
  • Nationality
    These adventures are open to Canadians only.
  • Health Insurance
    Health insurance is required for the duration of your stay.

  • Start Date
    You can start at any time of the year, but we recommend that you plan your arrival around the Welcome Week start dates.
  • Criminal Check
    Must have no criminal record.
  • Registration Timeline
    Register on this program at least 3 months prior to your planned arrival in New Zealand.

What you'll do

Day 1:

Welcome to Auckland

Kia ora! Today is your official arrival day. You'll be transferred from Auckland International airport directly to your arrival accommodation. No need to navigate which stop to get off, you'll be transferred door to door. Use this day to unwind after your long journey, catch up on sleep or hit up the group chat to connect with other working holiday makers starting their New Zealand adventure this week.

Day 2:

Meet our New Zealand team + Pub Night

You’ll be meeting our New Zealand team at the hostel. During this time, we’ll check that you’ve got everything you need to get the essentials sorted and you're ready to dive into your working holiday - from setting up your IRD (tax number) to your Kiwi bank account. Afterwards, you'll have a free afternoon and then we'll wrap up with drinks at the hostel, where the fun really begins!

Day 3:

Work and Travel Workshop + Ferry Trip

Today is all about working and travelling in New Zealand. We'll get your CV Kiwi employer ready, run over what type of work is available, and start to assist you in finding employment - that's if you are ready to start looking straight away. Next, we'll dive into housing details and go over the do’s and don’ts of renting in NZ. We'll finish up the day by taking a ferry over to Devonport: a relaxed bayside village in Auckland with lots to explore. We'll head for dinner at a local restaurant with the group.

Day 4:

One-on-One Session with our New Zealand team

After a fun dinner last night, enjoy a lazy morning. We suggest grabbing breakfast and coffee at Commercial Bay and taking a walk down to Wynyard Quarter to take in the sights before getting ready for an informative day on all things working and travelling in New Zealand. Today is all about finalizing your New Zealand Working Holiday plans. Attend a drop-in session with the Work New Zealand team who will be on hand to provide any additional assistance or guidance that you need. The 4th night of accommodation is not provided as part of the package. If you would like to book additional nights, please contact your SWAP Coordinator.

Where you'll stay

3 nights of hostel accommodation are included in this package. If you're planning to arrive in Auckland a few days prior to your Welcome Week or wish to extend your stay after, our team is here to make it happen.

Reach out to our team and we'll be happy to arrange additional nights for you.

When to go

Our welcome weeks run all year around so you're bound to find a time that works for your plans.

  • 7 December, 2025
  • January 11, 25
  • February 15
  • March 1
  • April 12
  • May 3
  • June 7

  • July 19
  • August 2, 16, 23, 30
  • September 6, 13, 20, 27
  • October 4, 11, 18
  • November 1, 8, 15, 22
  • December 6

How to apply

Working and living in New Zealand with SWAP is easy! Feel free to contact us with any questions you have as you get ready to take the first step.

$1,400.00
$1,400.00
Sale

FAQs

What is the best time of year to go to New Zealand?

When considering the best time to embark on a 1-2 year working holiday experience in New Zealand, it all comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you relish warm weather and outdoor adventures, the summer months from December to February are ideal, offering beach escapades and hiking opportunities. Autumn, spanning from March to May, boasts pleasant weather and vibrant fall foliage, often with a more relaxed atmosphere as tourist crowds dwindle. For winter sports enthusiasts, the months of June to August promise exceptional ski experiences. Spring, from September to November, brings blossoming flora and returning wildlife. Ultimately, your choice should align with your interests and the job opportunities you're seeking – our Auckland team is ready to greet you at any time of the year!

What types of jobs are available?

In New Zealand, a realm of exciting possibilities awaits your working holiday journey, tailored to your passions and prior work experiences. This experience grants you the chance to delve into captivating job roles that might not be readily available back home—think wildlife sanctuary helper, Maori cultural guide, or skydiving instructor! Many of our SWAP participants find roles in vibrant sectors such as hospitality, retail, and tourism, offering flexible schedules that allow ample room for travel and exploration. After all, when you work abroad the last thing you'd desire is to relocate to a new country only to be confined within office walls all day long!

Guiding you through this exhilarating journey, our dedicated support team stationed in Auckland is here to back you every step of the way. They are poised to assist you in sculpting an impressive resume, provide valuable job leads and networking contacts, and equip you with comprehensive listings. Furthermore, they'll navigate you through crucial tasks like setting up a local bank account, obtaining a tax number, securing a fixed address, and more—meeting the expectations of New Zealand employers. With their seasoned guidance, you'll be fully prepared to venture into your working holiday experience with unwavering confidence.

Can I find a job or apartment before I arrive?

We recommend waiting until you arrive in your new city before launching your job and apartment hunt. This approach allows you to get acquainted with your surroundings, meet our expert job specialists, and personally explore flats and potential employers. It's a safer approach, as online listings can sometimes be unreliable or even fraudulent. Plus, with our support, the majority of SWAP participants find work within just 1-2 weeks after arrival, ensuring a smooth and successful start to your adventure.

Can I travel with a friend?

Absolutely! You're more than welcome to embark on your Working Holiday adventure with a friend; it's an amazing journey to share. When you sign up for the program, please make sure to inform us about your travel companion so that we can ensure both of you are enrolled in the same Welcome Week. This way, you can kickstart your adventure together!

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