Working Holiday Visas

New Zealand has working holiday scheme agreements with many countries, allowing you to work in and explore our great country.

There are many reasons why New Zealand is favourite destination for young travellers. The landscape is beautiful, our urban centers are generally safe and the Kiwi people are friendly and welcoming. We’re travellers ourselves so know what it’s like to immerse yourself in a new country and culture.

Every year hundreds of young people apply for New Zealand working holiday visas, and spend a year or two working in New Zealand.

Eligibility and criteria

Working holiday visas are available to young people, usually aged 18-30, but 18-35 in a select few countries. They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you’re from the UK or Canada. You need to have a return ticket, or enough money to pay for one, and be coming mainly to holiday, with work being a secondary intention.

Available schemes

This page is only a summary. Read more about working holiday schemes for the following countries:

Other visa options

If you're looking to work or stay longer, or come to New Zealand for a purpose other than a working holiday, there may be a more relevant visa you should consider:

Explore other visit visas
Explore work visas
Explore study visas

Start planning your trip

Once you have applied for your working holiday visa, it’s time to start planning your trip. Explore these two useful Government websites to learn more about visiting, working and living in New Zealand.

100% Pure New Zealand – the official travel website
New Zealand Now – a guide to living and working in New Zealand