Dreaming of an adventure in New Zealand? If you're a British citizen aged 18-35, the Working Holiday Visa could be your ticket to explore, work, and immerse yourself in a new culture! Here’s what you need to know: - Eligibility is straightforward: Just be within the age limit and hold a valid British passport. - Visa durations vary: Choose from 12, 23, or 36 months, with the possibility to extend if you start with a shorter visa. - Application essentials: Ensure your passport is valid for three months beyond your visa’s expiry, and you'll need around NZ$5,700 for fees and living costs. - Activate your visa on time: Once approved, enter New Zealand within 12 months to activate your visa. Curious about how to make the most of your working holiday or how to start the application process? Dive into the full details and get inspired by others’ experiences on Pvtistes.net!Show more
Every year, thousands of young people from the United Kingdom set off for the adventure of a lifetime in New Zealand, made possible by the Working Holiday Visa.
If you’re between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive) and hold a valid British passport, you could be next—whether you travel solo or with friends!
Although New Zealand is one of the top working holiday destinations for Brits, it’s not the only one. To discover all the countries with a Working Holiday Visa agreement with the United Kingdom, click here.
The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa was established through an agreement between the governments of the United Kingdom and New Zealand (official website) to allow young Brits to live, travel, and work in New Zealand. In return, young New Zealanders can also explore the UK.
As a British passport holder, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa to New Zealand lasting 12, 23, or 36 months. If you first obtain a 12- or 23-month visa and later decide to extend your stay, you can apply for the remaining balance, up to a total of 36 months.
This visa functions as an open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer. However, the programme stipulates that main motivation of your stay should be travel and cultural exchange rather full time employment. That’s why most participants choose short-term or part-time positions.
2. Eligibility criteria
The conditions for eligibility are straightforward. You must:
Be aged 18–35 (inclusive).
Hold a valid British passport.
Usually reside in the United Kingdom or in the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
If you meet these requirements, you’re eligible to apply for the visa.
3. Application overview
The entire process can be completed online and is fairly straightforward. Still, keep the following in mind before applying:
When you enter New Zealand, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your Working Holiday Visa’s expiry date.
You must have at least NZ$350 per month in personal savings (i.e. $4,200 for one year), plus an extra NZ$1,500 to cover the cost of a return flight (unless already purchased).
Once approved, you must activate your visa by entering New Zealand within 12 months; otherwise, it will expire.
Wise offers pvtistes.net readers their first international transfer—up to £3,000 or the equivalent—free of charge. A Wise account lets you easily send, receive, and pay in GBP, NZD, and many other currencies.
British Working Holiday Visa applicants don’t need to show proof of travel medical insurance. The UK and New Zealand have a reciprocal health care agreement, which provides coverage for medically necessary and urgent care. However, repatriation, routine monitoring of pre-existing conditions, dental treatment (except for those under 19), and prescribed medication are not covered (source).
Because of these exclusions, it’s smart to consider additional travel medical insurance. We’ve been recommending Globe WHV insurance since 2005—they’ve supported thousands of working holiday makers travelling to New Zealand and beyond.
Yes. Each year, 15,000 visas are available for British nationals. This quota is usually not filled, so applications are typically open throughout most of the year.
Every participant creates their own experience! You’re in full control (possibly behind the wheel if you go on a road trip). For inspiration, check out these interviews with current and former working holiday makers in New Zealand.
Relocating abroad can be intimidating—but we’ve got you covered. We offer free articles and guides on finding housing, work, and more. Everyone on the pvtistes.net team has done a working holiday, so our advice is based on real experience.
Pvtistes.net has a special partnership with Ulysse travel agency. Booking your flight to New Zealand or Australia through them gives you access to preferential fares, a free checked bag of up to 40 kg, and other perks. Find out more.
I'm a web writer at pvtistes.net. In February 2023 I moved from Vancouver to Paris. Adventures await.
Je suis rédacteur web chez pvtistes.net. En février 2023 j’ai déménagé de Vancouver à Paris. Des aventures m’attendent.
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