USIT Wave V3.png
Profile Image
USIT_Logo_Black.png
Hero_NZ_Ed

The long white cloud

Work and travel in New Zealand

Safe, friendly, drop-dead gorgeous and with good job prospects. No, not our USIT dating profile – but the reasons why you should do a working holiday in New Zealand.

We have hundreds of working holiday jobs in New Zealand to fill right now.

USIT Wave V3.png

Holy sheep!

USIT_Kiwi_Illustration.png

Why work and travel in New Zealand?

Home to snow-capped peaks, golden surf beaches and coolly creative cities, Aeoteroa or New Zealand is a showstopper. And Kiwis know it (the people, not the birds). They’re some of the proudest in the world – protective over their environment and the nation’s rich Māori culture. Inventors of the phrase 'too easy', they're also some of the friendliest and most laidback.

USIT_Mountain_Illustration.png

Need to know before you go

Where to go

When the travel gods were thinking ahead to 2015 #vanlife hashtags, they earmarked New Zealand. The best place on the planet to do a campervan roadtrip, you can get around the best of the North and South Islands in around two months. Giving you the option to pick up casual work to fund your travels, or base yourself in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington or Queenstown doing career or trade jobs – getting on the road at weekends and holidays to explore.

What it pays

New Zealand has one of the highest minimum wages, currently NZD $22.70/hour. The cost of living can be high, so opt for seasonal fruit picking, vineyard work or hospitality work in resorts and hotels which often includes subsidised staff accommodation. If you're looking to do professional or trade work, your earning potential will be much higher – especially as you can work for the same employer for the full year of your New Zealand working holiday visa.

When to go

New Zealand works year-round, with ski season winters and beach barbecue summers. The summer (Dec-Feb) is high season, bringing with it seasonal hospitality and tourism jobs to help with the crowds. By June, it’s gearing up for ski season with resort work on both islands – with Queenstown being the goal for many working holidaymakers. Shoulder season (March-May, Sep-Nov) are great times to explore between jobs – with cheaper digs and fewer campers on the roads.

All new zealand experiences

Upcoming events

Get hired or get the intel

Three girls laughing in the woods at summer camp

In-person camp hiring days | Ireland + UK

28 Jan Dublin | 01 Feb London

Meet Camp Directors face-to-face, connect with others heading to camp, and (fingers crossed) get hired on the day. To register your interest, apply for Summer Camp USA and let us know which city you'd like to attend. We can't wait to see your face, but don't worry if you can't make an in-person event - the quickest way to get hired is in our hiring pool.

Three girls walking across a zebra crossing in evening-wear in New York.

Grad USA | Everything you need to know

Virtual travel talk | 15 Nov @ 17:30 GMT

Final year student or recent grad? Put your academic skill to work, learn from leaders in your field, and get a CV that stands out from the crowd with USIT's 1-year Grad USA program. Get all the intel from our team on what visa you need, what cities you can work in, and what roles you can do. But sign up soon - you only have 12 months from your grad cert date to enter the USA!

View all events

USIT_NewsletterIcon_V2.png

Stay up to date

Good news travels fast

Even faster by email. Sign up for the latest news and promos from the work and travel world

View our Privacy Policy

USIT Wave V3.png
USIT_Logo_Black.png
facebookwhite-.svgxwhite-.svglinkedinwhite-.svginstagramwhite-.svgyoutubewhite-.svgtiktokwhite-.svg

Events

© GenTAO Ltd trading as USIT is a company registered in Dublin, Ireland with Registered Company No. 670958 and registered address at 29-31 South William St, Dublin, Ireland, D02 EY96.