New Zealand Working Holiday

The government requires you to have at least $4,200 NZD in savings when you arrive in New Zealand to support yourself until you secure a job and gain steady income. However, if you plan to travel and explore immediately after arrival, the more you can save the better! New Zealand is full of adventure activities, and if you arrive with as much funds as possible, you can use your first few weeks to experience the country before deciding which part you’d like to settle in and begin looking for work.

The literal translation is ‘Have Life’ or ‘Be Healthy’, but Kiwis use the phrase to say hello – or on occasion, goodbye. This is a traditional Te Reo term that comes from the native Māori people of New Zealand. The frequent use of this term in modern culture is a beautiful acknowledgment of the island’s ancestors.

While there are many options for getting around New Zealand, purchasing your own vehicle will give you more flexibility to control your own timeline and route. Most Canadians with a full license will be allowed to drive in New Zealand, although getting used to the other side of the road can be intimidating. We will discuss the various options for exploring both islands thoroughly in your pre-departure orientation so that you can choose the best option for you.

As an isolated island, New Zealand has developed its own unique ecosystem with the minimum threat from pests. The lack of large predators has led to birdlife flourishing, and their antique forests have been kept pristine by preventing the spread of invasive plant species. As a result, New Zealand takes the health of their ecosystem seriously, so you should take care to clean any outdoor equipment thoroughly before your flight. You may need to declare any hiking gear at customs, but if your cleaning is not up to scratch the border agents will help to sterilize your gear before returning it to you. This helps to prevent non-native parasites or plant seeds from accidentally sneaking into New Zealand through the grips in your shoes.