Important steps upon landing in New Zealand (IRD, bank, phone…)

The New Zealand government requires working holiday makers to have proof of funds of at least NZ$4,200 or the equivalent in another currency (not including the extra funds necessary for a return flight). It is not advisable to arrive with less than this, as your savings can run out quickly, especially during periods without employment.

If you don’t have lots of savings, consider volunteering with WWOOF, Workaway, or HelpX. You won’t receive paychecks, but accommodation and meals are provided by the host. It can also act as local work experience for your subsequent job search.

What are some of the inevitable expenses upon arrival?

Upon arrival you will likely take a taxi, shuttle, or bus from the airport to wherever you will be staying. Plan to spend NZ$15-50 depending on the distance travelled.

You will also need to budget for your first few nights of accommodation. On average, dorms in hostels cost around NZ$20-40 per person per night.

Once you find an apartment, you will likely need to pay several weeks of rent upfront. It depends on the location and the property, but plan to pay NZ$100-250 per week.

Keep in mind the public transportation or car/petrol fees involved in getting around the country.

You’ll probably also want to have a budget for going out and having fun. All the more reason to plan ahead and save!

Read our departure preparation guide for more tips on how to budget, book accommodation, exchange money, and more.

Note that international money transfers from traditional banks can take several business days to complete.

If you opt for a money transfer via Wise (which offers more competitive rates and fees than traditional banks), it will take 3-4 days. Via pvtistes.net, your first transfer with Wise is free of charge.

ATM withdrawals are sometimes capped or restricted when abroad, so consider bringing some cash with you as backup. Some banks have partnering institutions in New Zealand that do not assess additional fees (for example, customers of BNP in France or Westpac in the UK can use Westpac in New Zealand). Check whether your home bank has any such partnerships.