1st Contact New Zealand Visas

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa

This visa gives young people aged between 18 and 30 the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and work during their stay.

The scheme allows individuals the right to work in New Zealand on a casual basis as a way to supplement their travel. This means that the work carried out must be incidental and meet the conditions stipulated on the visa.

Most participants in the scheme are allowed to remain in New Zealand for a period of up to 12 months, although this is extended to 23 months if you are from the United Kingdom.

From 26 November 2007 onwards, working holidaymakers who are able to show they have worked in the horticulture or viticulture industries for at least 3 months could be eligible to obtain an extra 3 month stay in New Zealand.

The scheme is available to participants from the following countries:

In some cases, a certain number of places are available each year depending on which country the individual is from.

To qualify for this scheme you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that has a Working Holiday Scheme agreement with New Zealand
• Hold a valid passport for the country you normally reside in as a permanent resident or citizen
• Meet basic requirements for Health, Character, and Age
• Have sufficient funds to support you during your time in New Zealand
• Have onward travel booked or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket
• Not bring children with you
• Have not applied for and being granted a working holiday visa before.

Please call 1st Contact Migration on 0800 039 3074 for a free assessment over the phone.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by any of the terminology in this section of the site, please see the glossary.

Download the Working Holiday Visa application pack to get started or call the 1st Contact team for further details.