How to find housing in New Zealand, from hostels to flatmates

Chapter 4 of 4

Trying to save money? You may be able to work for free accommodation (and sometimes free meals). Otherwise, you can try to couch surf your way through both islands!

Couchsurfing in New Zealand

Couchsurfing is a service connecting hosts offering a sofa, bed, or a spare room and travellers looking for a chance to meet locals and stay for free for a night or two. 

To join, you must register and pay a monthly or annual fee. Once you’ve become a member with an active paid subscription, you can create a profile and browse profiles of people willing to host travellers. Once you’ve found a potential host, request a stay and wait for the reply.

Agree on the conditions of your stay (duration, access, activities, etc.). You will not be charged for your stay; however, you’re expected to be friendly and respect both your host and their rules—this is not a hotel, you’re sharing someone’s house.

Guests and hosts are free to leave positive, neutral or negative feedback about their experience. The reviews are public on members’ profiles.

Some Facebook groups, such as Host a Sister, also offer couchsurfing opportunities. 

Learn more in Couchsurfing abroad: a way to meet friendly locals and save money and My experience with couchsurfing (as both guest and host).

Volunteering (WWOOFing, HelpX and Workaway)

WWOOF, HelpX and Workaway are networks that connect hosts who need some work done (usually around their house or garden) with travellers willing to offer free labour a few hours a day for room and board.

You can find everything from farms to individual homeowners, from B&Bs to boats.

HelpX and Workaway are international networks where membership gives you access to hosts all over the world. WWOOF, on the other hand, is a series of national networks, so your membership will only cover one country.

Beyond the free accommodation, a volunteering experience can be very fulfilling. You will dive into the Kiwi way of life, gain new professional experience, meet people from all walks of life, etc.

For more info, read our complete guide on volunteering with WWOOF, Workaway, or HelpX.

Working for accommodation in hostels

Long-term hostel guests may ask for a lower rate or free accommodation in exchange for a few hours of work. Hostels mainly ask for help with cleaning, reception duties, and sometimes maintenance or gardening. The minimum stay is generally two or three weeks.

This is only a few hours commitment a day—two on average—so you’ll have plenty of time to look for other work at the same time.

You can ask directly in hostels if they’d be interested in such a deal.