By: Luke Baum
Above: Aerial view of Auckland, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
If you're a United States citizen planning a Working Holiday in New Zealand, there're a few things you might like to know. Firstly: "What is a Working Holiday Visa?" It's basically a pass that allows you to live and work in another country. Now, I'm not a search engine, so if you want to know more, click the link before we move on!
I went to New Zealand in July 2023. Here is what I recommend you are educated on before you go on this ride too!
Work
Follow the trail of links throughout for reference.
Above: Crossing through a Maori gate into Auckland International Airport, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
Working Holiday Visa
You must obtain a Working Holiday Visa in order to enter New Zealand without a return ticket. As US citizens, we don't usually think about acquiring a visa to go on vacation - we just fill it out in transit. A visa application is required to stay in New Zealand for a longer period of time. Apply here before moving forward.
IMPORTANT: A Working Holiday Visa is but one of several documents you need to receive employment in New Zealand.
Hostel Address
Above: Mexican culture night at YHA in Auckland, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
Book a stay at a hostel for a week so you can get your feet on the ground. You'll need a "home base" to conduct your business from. Be friendly with the staff; they might be your roommates!
NZ Phone#
To contact anyone in New Zealand, you often need a New Zealand phone number. 2 Degree phone company has an affordable deal for a sim and loadable minutes. This might be inconvenient, but trust me. Get a New Zealand sim; you only have to use it when making calls to potential employers, banks, or the NZ government. Getting a sim ASAP is highly recommended.
IRD#
To get a job, you need a bank account. To get a bank account, you need an IRD#. To get an IRD#, you need a "home base". Click here for the application before we move forward.
Bank Account
Acquiring a bank account is important to get paid by your employer. Search chat boards or ask at the hostel for recommendations of which bank to choose.
Work
There are plenty of jobs to choose from in New Zealand, but unless you find a gig with accommodations, many rustic jobs require you to provide your own vehicle. Luckily, a thriving lifestyle in New Zealand is backpacker/van life. Check this site here for potential backpacker job opportunities.
Vehicle Investment
You'll want to set $3000-$9000USD aside before you arrive in New Zealand to invest in a vehicle when you get there. FaceBook is an excellent resource to find a vehicle in New Zealand! The backpacker community is especially helpful. Search for backpacker communities in New Zealand on Facebook, and you'll find a deal for a vehicle to use during your stay. Remember: you'll want to set some time aside to sell the vehicle and get your money back by the time your visa expires.
Above: Traveling by bus over Manukau Ward near Auckland, New Zealand. 2023 by Luke Baum
Parting Words
Nothing comes easy, but if you take your time, these pieces will fall into place and transition you into your Working Holiday life with ease! I had a tough time figuring this out on my own, so hopefully you can follow this roadmap to good times in New Zealand.
If you're interested in hearing personal entires from my time in New Zealand, click the link here for my Auckland Adventures!
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