Are you a British or Australian who loves to travel across the globe? Are you planning to visit New Zealand but are not 100% sure if you want to completely stop working while exploring the country? Then, a work and holiday visa for New Zealand will be the right fit for you.
Endless travel around the globe requires money. So, getting a New Zealand work and holiday visa is a great option. This has the perfect blend of work and travel, giving travelers the perfect chance to make money while exploring the beautiful country.
Designed for young travelers seeking a blend of work, travel, and cultural immersion, this visa is applied for by many travelers each year. However, most of those people fail to make the most out of their visa. Thus, it results in a lost chance.
So, it is important that travelers understand how they can maximise both work opportunities and travel experiences with this online visa. This way, it will be easier to have a successful experience.
Understanding the Work and Holiday Visa in NZ
Here are all the necessary details about a New Zealand work and holiday visa. Understanding the basics will help in the easy application and utilization of the visa.
What is the Work and Holiday Visa?
A work and holiday visa for New Zealand is a special travel permit that allows individuals to work and explore the country for a set period of time. This is a blend of a work visa and a tourist visa.
General Conditions and Requirements
This New Zealand online visa has the following conditions:
- This comes with a validity of 12 months for most countries and 23 or 36 months for UK citizens.
- This visa offers multiple entries during the validity of the visa, given that the passport used for the application remains valid.
- Individuals who are between 18 and 35 years are the only ones eligible for the visa.
- One can work under an employer only for 3 months, and taking a permanent job on this visa is not allowed.
- A job offer isn’t mandatory for applying for this visa.
- One can study or train for a total of 6 months using the visa.
- Extensions are available for this kind of New Zealand visa; most countries can apply for an 11-month extension, while UK citizens can get an extension that covers their total balance of 36 months (which is the maximum duration).
- Most individuals can apply for this visa only once during their lifetime, and there are no second chances.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Before you start your journey with a work and holiday visa for New Zealand, you will have to carry out a few preparatory steps. This includes:
Securing Your Visa
The first step in this whole process is to apply for the visa. This is a New Zealand online visa and includes the following steps:
- Visit the online portal for visa application.
- Fill out the application form for the New Zealand work and holiday visa.
- Add scanned copies of necessary documents like a valid passport (one that stays valid during the span of the visa), a recent passport-sized photograph, bank statements, flight tickets, and other documents required by the authority.
- Pay the fee for your visa with the help of a debit or credit card.
- Wait around 72 to 120 hours to get the application approved.
- Receive the approval letter in the email ID that you added during the application.
- Get a few printed copies of the letter and bring them for immigration.
- Contact the Helpdesk if you do not get the visa approval letter in time.
Budgeting Before You Go
Budgeting plays an important part of any trip. However, it is more essential during this trip because you will be staying in the country for a longer period. The best way to budget for this trip is to create a plan of where you will be staying, the type of accommodation, the area, and other things.
Start your financial planning as soon as you decide to apply for the visa. The initial accommodation and job-hunting expenses differ based on the location, so check that during planning.
Finding the Right Job
Although getting a work and holiday visa for New Zealand is not tough, landing good job opportunities can sometimes be a little challenging. The market can be a little competitive; however, you can ace it with a little preparation.
Popular Industries for Visa Holders
Some of the popular industries among foreign travelers are hospitality, agriculture, seasonal fruit picking, and retail. However, many also opt for tourism as it creates the perfect opportunity for work and exploration.
Tips for Quick Employment
Here are a few tips that help in landing a good temporary job in New Zealand.
- Create a resume that aligns with New Zealand’s job market.
- Network with recruiters on sites like LinkedIn.
- Understand the seasonal job timing.
- Apply at multiple places to get the best opportunities.
- Start applying for the job before you reach the country.
Making the Most of Your Travels
After visiting the country with a work and holiday New Zealand online visa, one might sometimes find it difficult to find time to properly explore the country. However, with a little planning, things can be easier.
Maintaining the Balance
Maintaining a good balance between work and exploration is very easy and involves little understanding. You must try to find a job near the areas that you want to explore. This way, you can work on weekdays and explore on the weekend.
Other than that, you must explore job opportunities in different parts of the country during your visit. This way, it will be easier to explore the country as a whole.
Must-Visit Destinations in NZ
Here are some of the places that you must visit when traveling with a work and holiday visa.
- Auckland, Rotorua, and the Bay of Islands in the North Island.
- Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Abel Tasman in the South Island.
Budget-Friendly Travel Tips
Here are some budget-friendly tips that will help you save some money while exploring the country.
- Rent campervans if you want to explore while still having a roof over your head.
- Opt for hostels over expensive hotels or Airbnb.
- Get bus passes to travel around the place on a budget.
- Look for work-for-accommodation programs.
Staying Healthy and Safe
While you enjoy immersing yourself in the local culture, it is important for you to remember that you must ensure your health and safety. So, make sure you stay while you work and explore the country of New Zealand.
Healthcare Access for Visa Holders
Work and holiday visa holders in New Zealand typically do not have automatic access to fully subsidized public healthcare. However, if your visa is valid for two years or more than you will be able to access.
Healthcare access is limited to free Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) cover for personal injuries for most work and holiday visa holders. This is why it is best to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy before arriving in New Zealand. This will help in covering any other medical needs.
Safety Tips for Work and Travel
Here are a few safety tips that you must know when you travel to the country with a work and holiday visa for New Zealand.
- Keep your belongings safe during travel.
- Avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers.
- Carry necessary things and first aid medication when hiking.
- Stay aware of the workplace safety laws.
- Verify the job offer to understand its legitimacy.
- Stay in touch with your family back in your home country and notify them about any emergency.
- Dial 111 for all types of emergencies.
Confident to Make the Most Out of Your Work and Holiday Visa?
New Zealand offers incredible work, travel, and cultural experiences under the Work and Holiday Visa. This New Zealand online visa helps you make money while keeping the travel junkie in you alive.
Just remember to plan ahead for the trip and do the necessary research. You should try to work smart, travel widely, and immerse yourself in Kiwi life.
