How to choose a bank and open an account in New Zealand

It’s best to choose a bank with a physical presence throughout the country. Here are the main financial institutions that are most likely to fit your needs as a working holiday maker.

Kiwibank

Kiwibank is (mostly) owned by New Zealand Post. You will find Kiwibank services in all New Zealand post offices. Post office = Kiwibank.

BNZ (Bank of New Zealand)

This is one of New Zealand’s largest banks and it has a nationwide presence.

ANZ

ANZ has branches throughout most of New Zealand. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular with working holiday makers—they offer zero monthly fee packages, only an easy-to-get proof of address is required, and you can sometimes start the account opening process before arriving in New Zealand.

Westpac

Westpac is a member of the Global ATM Alliance. If you already use one of their partnership banks in your home country, you can make use of benefits such as withdrawing cash without extra charges at Westpac ATMs. You can still open your own Westpac account for more convenience.

ASB

ASB has branches in most New Zealand cities and the bank seems to be making it increasingly easy to open an account as a working holiday maker.

Summary

The last three banks listed above also have branches in Australia, which is a perk if you want to start or finish your WHV adventure in Australia. You can open an account with any Australian bank if you’re moving on with a Working Holiday in Australia, but with these banks, transferring your money from New Zealand to Australia may be easier or cheaper.