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EnglishAll about the working holiday in New Zealand!
We’ve been recommending Globe WHV since 2005 (medical expenses, hospitalization, repatriation).
Between 18 and 30 years old (35 for some nationalities).
A passport that is valid for 15 months beyond entry date.
At least NZ$4,200 or equivalent in another currency.
This must be your first WHV to New Zealand.
Should cover medical care, hospitalization and repatriation.
Apply before the annual quota is reached (if applicable to your nationality).
01. What is the New Zealand WHV
02. Annual quota for the New Zealand WHV
03. The WHV application process
04. Apply from anywhere in the world
05. Required supporting documents
06. Health and character requirements
07. Visa fee for the New Zealand WHV
08. Application processing times
09. Duration of validity of the WHV
10. Cancellation of a WHV application
11. Going as a couple or as a family
12. Entry and departure rights with the WHV
13. Work restrictions with the WHV
14. Studying while on a working holiday
01. Could a WHV application be rejected?
Rejections are rare and usually for reasons relating to health or character. Applications are reviewed on a case by case basis.
02. If I don't validate my WHV within 12 months of issuance, can I apply for another one?
No. If you miss your first WHV, you will not be allowed to re-apply (Australia is the only destination that allows for re-applications).
03. How much savings do I need?
The minimum amount for the WHV application is NZ$4200, although it never hurts to have more than that. Upon arrival, you will need to find a home, furnish it, pay a security deposit, and other start up expenses. And it might also take you some time to find your first job.
04. Is health insurance mandatory? Which one should I get?
Health insurance is mandatory for all nationalities except for British, Irish, Japanese, and Malaysian citizens. It must cover medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation. Regardless of whether your nationality is exempt or not, it is highly recommended to have insurance, as even small illnesses or injuries can cost thousands of dollars.
Since 2005, we have been recommending Globe WHV. Click here to learn more about them.
05. Do I have to buy a return flight right away?
No. Purchase of a return flight is not required if you can prove that you have extra savings to pay for one later on (this is in addition to the NZ$4,200 minimum).
06. Can I drive with my driver's license from my home country?
If your license is written in English, you can drive with it in New Zealand for the first 12 months. After this period, you need to exchange it for a local license. Learn more.
If your license is not in English, you must get either an official translation or an International Driving Permit.
07. Can I bring my pet with me?
It is possible to bring cats and dogs, but the process is complicated. Animals require an import permit. Read chapter 2 of our guide to learn more.
08. What should I expect upon arrival in New Zealand?
Once you land, you can go to an automatic kiosk to validate your WHV. If the kiosk does not recognize you, you can always go to an immigration agent directly. We detail the steps in chapter 3 of this guide.
Make sure to have your proof of funds and health insurance. Checks are rare but they can happen to anyone.
09. Can I bring camping and hiking equipment with me?
Yes, but they must be declared upon arrival. A agent will also ask you to show the equipment, so that he or she may verify that it is clean. If the equipment has any dirt on it, it will need to undergo decontamination, at your own expense.
10. Can I bring tobacco, alcohol, or food?
The following information is from the official source:
- Tobacco: 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of tobacco
- Alcohol: 4.5L of wine or beer, and up to 3 bottles of spirits or liqueur (1.125L each)
- Food is generally not permitted. If you do have any, you must declare it.
11. Can I work right away?
Before you can start working, you will need to obtain an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number.
12. Can I leave and re-enter New Zealand whenever I want?
Yes, WHV holders can leave and re-enter New Zealand at any time.
13. Can I extend or renew my WHV?
After their initial 23 months in New Zealand, British citizens can apply to extend their stay, for a total of 36 months.
After their initial 12 months in New Zealand, Canadian citizens can apply to extend their stay, for a total of 23 months (not applicable if they were already issued a 23-month WHV).
Other nationalities do not have this option.
Read about the New Zealand WHV, its eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Once you have the visa in hand, it’s time to start preparing for your trip! Plane tickets, administrative tasks, insurance, budgeting… it’s a lot. But we’ve got you covered.
Subscribing to health insurance while on a working holiday in France is not just recommended but required (for most nationalities). Without it, medical bills could be very costly.
How do I get a local phone number and bank account? What is the IRD number and how do I get one?
Working in New Zealand is a way to finance a fun adventure but also a chance for cultural immersion. Read our resources to learn how to land your first job in New Zealand.
The age limit varies by nationality. American, Irish, and German citizens are eligible to apply until the day before their 31 birthday. British and Canadian citizens have until the day before their 36th birthday. Readers of other nationalities can check on the official website.
Regardless of at what age you apply, you will have 12 months to go to New Zealand and start your working holiday.
During your application, you will be asked for your intended departure date to New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least 15 months beyond this date, otherwise you cannot submit your application.
Once you arrive in New Zealand, your passport must still be valid for at least 15 months (12 month WHV + 3 months).
When entering New Zealand, you must use the same passport as the one used in your WHV application. If you lost or renewed your passport, you must alert New Zealand authorities (learn more).
A proof of funds may be requested upon your arrival in New Zealand. In addition to the NZ$4,200, you must also have either a return ticket OR an additional NZ$1,500 to purchase one later on.
If in the past you already obtained a WHV to New Zealand, then you can not apply for another one, even if you didn't end up going.
WHV holders of most nationalities must buy health insurance (those from Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, and the UK are not required to but are still strongly recommended to).
Upon arrival in the country, the immigration agent may ask to see proof of health insurance covering the totality of your stay. Without health insurance, out of pocket costs for healthcare in New Zealand can be very high.
Certain nationalities have an annual quota for the number of WHVs issued. There is no limit for citizens of Canada, Ireland, the US, and Germany. British citizens have a cap of 15,000. Readers of other nationalities can check on the official website.