New Zealand Working Holiday Visa: Ultimate Guide for 2025

Ever wondered what it would be like to travel, work and live in New Zealand? Here is our ultimate guide to making this dream a reality on a New Zealand Working Holiday visa, covering everything you need to know from the types of jobs you can do to eligibility requirements, how to apply and more.

What Is a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

A NZ Working Holiday visa allows young travellers between the ages of 18 to 35* to live and work abroad in New Zealand for an extended period of time. UK citizens can apply for a 12-month, 23-month or 36-month visa.

If you are interested in travelling the world or want to try something new, a NZ Working Holiday visa may be just what you need. This visa is multiple-entry, so you can always tick more countries off your bucket list when you are between jobs or in your time off from work.

*18 to 35 is the age bracket for New Zealand Working Holiday visa UK applicants.

Why Should I Do a Working Holiday in New Zealand?

First of all… have you seen New Zealand? The country of Aotearoa, translating to 'Land of the Long White Cloud' from the Māori language, promises some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet. While the North Island is where you can find thermal hot springs, tropical beaches and vibrant culture, the South is all about snow-capped mountain peaks, unspoilt fjords and frozen glaciers. We would say it is like something out of a movie, but it actually is (Lord of the Rings fans, IYKYK 🧝)!

New Zealand is one of those places that instantly makes you feel at home. The culture and people are among some of the friendliest in the world. With no language barrier, this destination is far enough to push you outside of your comfort zone, while still feeling familiar and exciting. If you are looking to move abroad, living in New Zealand may just be the dream.

Here is what Dani, one of our expert travel coordinators, had to say about her experience of doing a NZ Working Holiday:

I loved New Zealand! It’s stunning, lots of culture and the nicest people I’ve ever met. I would love to go back one day!

What Can I Do on a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

A New Zealand Working Holiday visa allows you to work in temporary jobs. There is no specific timeframe for how long you can stay at a job; however, please note that this visa prohibits you from taking permanent work positions.

The New Zealand Working Holiday visa is multiple-entry, so you can travel in and out of the country as many times as you like! So if you fancy exploring Australia’s East Coast, doing some South Pacific island-hopping or heading over to Southeast Asia, the choice is all yours as part of your move abroad.

You can even study or train for up to 6 months on an NZ Working Holiday visa. Some popular classes include hospitality and tourism training. So if you are looking to learn a new skill or build up your CV while you are in New Zealand, this is a fantastic opportunity to do so.

Am I Eligible for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

To apply for a NZ Working Holiday visa from the UK, you must meet the following criteria. Please note that applicants can only apply for themselves. If you plan on travelling with anyone, they will need to organise their own visas. You cannot bring children with you.

• Aged 18 to 35
• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand
• Fulfil the health and character requirements
• Sufficient funds to purchase a return air ticket, or hold one
• Come to New Zealand for travel, with work being the second reason for your visit
• Have not previously visited New Zealand on a working holiday, or have already been approved for one
• Only applying for yourself (cannot bring children with you)

These are the eligibility requirements for UK citizens. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration website for a full list of all the countries eligible to apply, or consult an immigration expert for advice.

How Long Can I Stay in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa?

For UK citizens, a New Zealand Working Holiday visa lasts for 12, 23 or 36 months. This depends on the length of the visa you apply for. 

Unlike the Working Holiday Visa for Australia (where, if eligible each time, you can apply for up to 3 consecutive WHV visas), your visa can only be applied for once for New Zealand. However, if you have applied for a 12 or 23-month visa and would like to stay for longer, there may be the possibility of applying for an extension while your visa is still active through immigration services. You will need to meet the following additional requirements:

• You are in New Zealand on a valid visa
• Have NZD $350 a month for the remainder of your stay
• A medical examination, provided that you did not submit one when applying for your current visa

Applicants for a Working Holiday visa in New Zealand are required to have a chest x-ray and general medical exam if they plan on staying for longer than 12 months. This includes time spent in the country on an additional visa, such as a general visitor for tourism purposes.

Can I apply without a job offer?

Yes! The New Zealand Working Holiday visa allows you to move and start finding work once you are out there, provided that you meet all the eligibility requirements outlined above. When you choose one of our New Zealand jobs programmes, you will receive full support from a fantastic career team based locally who can provide expert advice, suggestions and resources to help you start job-searching as soon as you’re ready.

Applying for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa

Check out our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a NZ Working Holiday visa below.

Step 1: Ensure That You Meet The Eligibility Requirements

Before you start the application process for your visa, be sure to check over the eligibility criteria above, as well as the New Zealand immigration website.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You’re almost ready to apply, but first, make sure you have all the necessary documents in front of you to begin your application. This includes:

• Valid passport (expiry date must be at least 3 months after your final departure from NZ)
• Health requirements (see ‘How Long Can I Stay…’ section above)
• Proof of funds (at least NZD $4,200)
• Return flight ticket or proof of funds to purchase one
• Medical insurance
• Travel insurance
• Police certificate* (*depending on your personal record)

If you are applying whilst in New Zealand, you will need to provide a local postal address. This can include a hostel if you are searching for accommodation.

Step 3: Begin Your Application

Ready to start? First, you will need to create an account through the New Zealand immigration website. Once you have set up your profile, the next step is to fill out your application. Make sure you have all your supporting documents scanned and uploaded to your electronic device, so they can easily be attached to your application.

After filling in all the details, the last thing you need to do is pay the application fee. This usually needs to be done by credit card (a Mastercard, Visa or UnionPay). Please only submit your visa application directly through the official immigration website.

Step 4: After You’ve Applied

Check over your application to make sure that you have everything. While you wait to hear back, now’s a great time to start getting inspired and plan out your dream travel itinerary. Why not have a chat with one of our friendly travel advisors?

Step 5: Visa Decision

If your visa application is successful, you typically have 12 months from the date of approval to enter New Zealand. Your visa will become active upon the day that you arrive in the country. There is no pause period for your visa once it is activated.

For unsuccessful applicants, you are usually welcome to try again. Equally, it may be worth considering an alternative visa and contacting an immigration expert.

Please note that the visa application fee is non-refundable.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand?

How long it takes for your NZ Working Holiday visa to be processed can vary depending on a variety of factors. Generally, you can expect to hear back on your application within 20 working days; however, this can take longer. For this reason, we recommend applying for your visa a few months in advance of when you plan to visit New Zealand.

How Much Does a Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand Cost?

Application fees for a NZ Working Holiday visa can vary. Generally, UK applicants can expect to pay around NZD $840 for their visa application if they are applying from the UK. This fee is non-refundable.

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa Jobs

The most popular types of work on a New Zealand WHV are hospitality, retail and tourism. Other common job types include construction and farmwork. Office work is also possible; however, this is less advertised and often competitive. 

So long as you do not apply for permanent employment positions, there is no limit on how long you can stay in a job. You can also hold multiple jobs at the same time; however, we strongly recommend that you make your employers aware of this, in case of any conflict of interest or scheduling.

New Zealand’s Minimum Wage

New Zealand offers a fantastic minimum wage rate to all employees, which can help to support your working holiday. The minimum wage for adults is currently set at NZD $23.50 an hour (before tax). For a 40-hour work week, this equals NZD $940 (before tax). On your NZ Working Holiday visa, you are entitled to the same minimum employment rights as permanent country residents. 

Please make sure you have applied for an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number once you have arrived in New Zealand to ensure you are on the ‘Pay As You Earn’ tax system. When you book a New Zealand Working Holiday package through us, we’ll set this up for you.

Why Choose Us for Your New Zealand Working Holiday

• Skip the paperwork: all your bank account and tax essentials organised by our local team
• Up to 12 months’ support from our incredible local team, plus exclusive access to job postings
• Attend career workshops and 1-to-1 advice sessions to help build your CV and interview skills
• Decide where to live after exploring the best of New Zealand’s North or South Island (or both!)
• Make new friends for life while travelling - who knows, you may become future roommates!

Our Best-Selling New Zealand Working Holiday Packages

 

Discover the best of New Zealand on this 17-day adventure around the North and South Islands. Begin your trip in Auckland and finish in Queenstown as you tick Hobbiton, Lake Tekapo and Milford Sound all off your NZ bucket list!

Spend 9 days exploring the North Island’s highlights all the way from Auckland to Wellington. Explore the Waitomo Caves, Rotorua hot springs, Hobbiton movie sets and so much more as part of this working holiday package.

Fall in love with New Zealand’s South Island on this 9-day active adventure, as you start in Christchurch and finish up in Queenstown. From kayaking to stunning hikes and adrenaline activities, everything you’ve ever dreamed of right here.

Any Questions?

We’ve just about covered everything - yet if you have any more questions, our travel advisors are the best people to ask! They can talk you through everything you need to know before travelling to New Zealand for a working holiday. It is super easy to start up a conversation. All you need to do is press the live chat button, or check out our contact us page to set up a phone or video call today.

Interested in travel and work abroad, and not sure if New Zealand is for you? Check out our guides to the Australia Working Holiday Visa and the Canada Working Holiday Visa instead!

Frequently Asked Questions