Where should you start your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

Chapter 6 of 7

So far, we’ve given you an overview of New Zealand’s main cities. However, if many working holiday makers choose to go to New Zealand, it’s rarely with the aim of settling in a city. In fact, many tend to flee the crowds to be in the heart of nature. And while it may be strange for many to imagine yourself in a small town lost in the middle of nowhere before going on a WHV, it’s often these places that will leave an imprint on your heart.

In my opinion, living in small towns (or small villages) will allow you to immerse yourself in New Zealand culture. Backpacker hostels are family-run and you’ll soon feel right at home. There are often more locals than travellers and you’ll soon be able to experience the Kiwi way of life. If you like a region, get into a routine: have a coffee in the same place every Saturday, go to the quiz night at the bar every Thursday. The staff will remember you and it’s the perfect opportunity to integrate into a community.

New Zealand is also the land of the vanlife, or at least the land of the nomads. So you can easily roam the regions and settle in several small towns during your WHV. Starting your WHV in one place does not necessarily mean that you will stay there for the duration of your trip. So don’t hesitate to follow your desires and discover the different ways of life that New Zealand’s many regions have to offer.

Here’s a look at some of the small towns that are popular with working holiday makers (and locals!).

Paihia and Kerikeri (Northland)

Paihia, a small paradise town by the sea, has captured the hearts of many working holiday makers over the years. It is particularly popular with working holiday makers wishing to work in tourism (especially marine tourism) and hospitality. In winter, it also welcomes working holiday makers wishing to escape the slightly cooler temperatures of southern New Zealand.

A little further north, Kerikeri is popular with working in horticulture working in horticulture.

Raglan (Waikato)

A small town by the sea, Raglan is a prime surf town. With its warm, hipster vibe, you’re bound to feel right at home here. You’ll also find some nice walks here, and you’re not far from Auckland if you fancy a night out in the city.

Mount Maunganui (Bay of Plenty)

Once again, we present you with another small town by the sea (it’s not our fault, New Zealand’s coastline is over 15,000 km long). Mount Maunganui is a warm, colourful and vibrant town. You’ll find lots of little cafés and restaurants on its main street, which runs alongside the beach.

Taupo (Waikato)

Located in the centre of the North Island, Taupo is best known for its incredible lake of the same name (in fact, the lake is actually a volcano!). However, the region is close to some incredible places such as the Huka Falls, the Putaruru Blue Springs and the magnificent Tongariro.

Napier and Hastings (Hawke’s Bay)

Then we’re back to the ocean with Napier. Destroyed in the 1930s by an earthquake, the city has been rebuilt in the Art Deco style. So it’s not hard to fall in love with Napier, with its pastel colours transporting you to a new world.

Napier and Hastings are also at the heart of a rich wine-growing region. Wine lovers will be able to discover a wide range of New Zealand wines.

Motueka and Nelson (Tasman et Nelson)

Situated in the north of the South Island, Motueka is a simple little town with a lot of character. Those who spend ten days or so here often end up staying a little longer. And it’s easy to see why!

The town is warm, welcoming and young. In summer, beach parties (particularly at Marahau) are often organised here. Influenced by the hippie culture of Golden Bay, you’ll also find full moon rituals and ceremonies.

Motueka is also perfect for adventurers, with Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes just a short drive away, giving you the chance to get out into nature at the weekend.

Located in a micro-climate zone, the Nelson – Tasman regions offer numerous employment opportunities in horticulture, hospitality and tourism.

Wanaka (Otago)

Nestling deep in the mountains, Wanaka is a favourite with hikers and winter sports enthusiasts. Located not far from Queenstown, many people prefer Wanaka to Queenstown because it is less touristy. However, it has the same advantages as Queenstown and offers you almost direct access to nature.

But also…

Thames (Coromandel)
Te Puke (Bay of Plenty)
Gisborne (Gisborne)
Palmerston North (Manawatu-Whanganui)
Blenheim (Marlborough)
Takaka (Golden Bay)
Cromwell (Otago)
Dunedin (Otago)
Te Anau (Southland)
Oban (Stewart Island)