Absolute NZ Jobs - South Island

What's Not Included

8 nights’ accommodation are included on this trip. You will stay in some specially selected, centrally located hostels in mixed-sex rooms of 4-6 people. Below is a list of the places you may stay on this trip; please note that accommodation can be subject to change.

• 1 night in Christchurch at Haka House - comfortable hostel with relaxed ambience and incredible location
• 2 nights at Lake Tekapo at Haka House - lakefront hostel with stunning vistas
• 2 nights in Wanaka at Haka House - cosy, centrally located hostel
• 3 nights in Queenstown at Haka House - well-facilitated hostel right on the lake

Long-term accommodation options

If you’re staying on in New Zealand to live and work, you’ll need to arrange your own accommodation after the 9-day trip is over. You’ll get lots of advice on how to find places to live during the planning sessions. Most travellers who stay in New Zealand either end up sharing an apartment with other travellers that they meet on our trips or extend their stay in a hostel. Renting tends to work out more cost-effectively, and you’ll have your own room, which may not always be the case in a hostel. However, hostels are more flexible if you’re looking to move around more, and lower rates can usually be negotiated for longer-term stays.  

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners are included on this trip. You’ll need to cover the rest of your meals, snacks and drinks yourself. This means you’ve got the flexibility to eat where and when you like, and to try a wide variety of New Zealand’s diverse cuisine. Alternatively, you can prepare meals for yourself in the hostel kitchens if you’re on a tight budget.

Arrival Information:

The trip kicks off on day 1 in Christchurch. Fly into Christchurch Airport (CHC). We recommend arriving before 3 pm. 

For trips departing before 1st October 2025, you will receive an airport shuttle to the starting accommodation. If you arrive in New Zealand before your start date, we can still organise your airport transfer and book you into the hostel from the day you arrive at an extra cost. For trips departing after 1st October 2025, an airport transfer is not included and you will need to make your own way to the starting accommodation. Please contact a travel advisor for more information.

We finish up on day 9 in Queenstown. There are no activities planned for today. You’ll need to arrange your transport to your next stop or extend your stay in Queenstown. Your group leader can help you with all your plans.

Just a reminder that even though your trip is starting in the South Island, you will get 12 months unlimited job support and help finding jobs in every part of New Zealand included with this programme.

Age & Eligibility:

This trip is designed for travellers aged 18-35. 

If you plan to work in New Zealand after the tour is over, you’ll need to be between 18 and 35, due to Working Holiday Visa restrictions. British citizens can select from either a 12 month, 23 month or 36 month visa. You can work for a maximum of 12 months during your time in New Zealand.

To be eligible for a Work Visa, you must:

• Hold a valid passport
• Be aged between 18 and 35 years old
• Have NZD$4200 of funds to support yourself during your trip
• Have a return ticket or sufficient funds to buy a ticket
• Meet health and character requirements
• Not previously have been approved a permit or visa under a Working Holiday scheme
• Your passport should be valid for a minimum of three months from your date of exit

If you don't want to work whilst in New Zealand and instead just enter as a tourist, then check out our New Zealand Adventure trip instead

All visa, passport and entry restrictions are subject to change. Please check the most up to date rules with the embassy before travel.

Want to check the demographics of your start date? Request the demographics here >