Working Holidays

Seasonal work opportunities in New Zealand

Travelling with a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is an easy low-cost way to see more of New Zealand, meet more people, and have more fun.

Skiing in New Zealand

A blue sky day - Cardrona, New Zealand

New Zealand's horticulture and tourism industries have many casual roles available.

Work is available all across New Zealand, all year round. And for most roles, experience is not required. While on-site accommodation is available in some areas.

Advantages of a Working Holiday Visa:

  • Stay for longer - With a WHV you can stay for longer than with a standard visitor visa, meet other travellers and local people
  • Stretch your budget 
  • Leave and return 
  • Start working straight away 
  • See more of New Zealand, and then perhaps use your earnings to see more of the Pacific – and then do it again - because repeat entry to New Zealand is a feature of Working Holiday visas.
New Zealand has some of the best hiking spots

With eight main horticulture regions around the country, you can follow the seasons, stretch your budget, and enjoy some of the best New Zealand has to offer.

Life in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa
1:21
A working holiday story

What you need to need to work

  • The visa - If you are not a current holder of a Working Holiday Visa then you must first apply. If you are current holder then you may plan to work. You can find out more about the visa at Immigration New Zealand's website.
  • A New Zealand bank account - With some banks you can apply for and open a NZ bank account before you arrive.  Find out how on this helpful page from the NZ Pocket Guide.
  • An IRD (tax) number  - The application process is explained simply and clearly here.

Visa information

Apply for a Working Holiday Visa

If you do not have a current Working Holiday Visa, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa on Immigration New Zealand's website. 

Working Holiday Visas | Immigration New Zealand

Seasonal job sites to explore

Horticulture/Viticulture 

Find seasonal work across NZ | PickNZ
Warehouse, fruit packing & vineyard jobs |Backpackerboard

Work and Income

The New Zealand government's main agency supporting employment has resources and information for all seasonal workers.

Seasonal work information | Work and Income

Know your rights at work

New Zealand has laws that help keep workplaces fair. It is important to understand the rules, and your rights and responsibilities. 

Check your employment rights

Minimum rights of employees | Employment New Zealand

Report your employer | Employment New Zealand

Interested in a working holiday in New Zealand?

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