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!

Couch surfing 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(around US$3 a month or US$14.99 a year, charged in your local currency). 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.

The host and you will agree on the conditions of your stay (duration, access, activities, etc.). You will not be charged as a guest, however, you’re expected to be friendly and respect both your host and their rules—this is not a hotel, you’re at someone’s place.

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. 

Volunteering (WWOOFing, HelpX et Workaway)

WWOOFing, HelpX and Workaway are networks that connect hosts who need some work done with travellers willing to offer free labour a few hours a day for room and board.

Initially, WWOOF was a network of organic farms and HelpX listed accommodation owners, such as B&Bs. Now, both networks have now opened up to all types of hosts so you can find both farms and individuals, from B&Bs to boats. WWOOF is still very much organic-oriented.

HelpX is an international network. Membership (€20 for two years) gives you access to hosts all over the world. Workaway is also an international network. Membership costs €45 a year if you sign up alone, and €54 a year if you sign up with a friend. WWOOF, on the other hand, is a series of national networks, so you only sign up for one country (NZ$25 for 18 months for New Zealand).

Beyond the free accommodation, a volunteering experience can be very fulfilling. You will dive into the Kiwi way of life, gain new professional experiences, 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 take another job if needed.

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