10 reasons to choose New Zealand for your Working Holiday Visa

In my opinion, a Working Holiday Visa is one of the best things you can do in your life. It challenges us, amazes us, opens our minds and teaches us about ourselves. In short, there are a million reasons do a WHV.

As well as the incredible experience of a WHV, you’ll also have the choose among a wide range of destinations. Among so many countries, so many possibilities, why New Zealand? Here are 10 reasons to choose New Zealand for your Working Holiday Visa.

1. Explore the other side of the world

This reason alone is more than enough to convince most travellers. New Zealand is isolated and a world away from most backpackers’ lives. If you’ve decided to travel, why not go as far away from home as possible? You can’t get much further than New Zealand!

2. Travel made easy

New Zealand is a fairly small country. But it’s also a country of incredible richness and diversity. In fact, it’s the ideal size for a WHV. In one year, you’ll be able to explore most of what the North and South Islands have to offer. Despite its size, New Zealand will never fail to surprise you again and again, as there are always new corners to explore and treasures to find.

What’s more, New Zealand has the advantage of a wide variety of landscapes (more on this below). In just a few hours, you can go from New Zealand’s highest mountain to the Pacific Ocean. And while those few hours may seem like a long time, the roads themselves are picturesque and will offer you plenty of opportunities to marvel.

3. Plenty of jobs

New Zealand offers an abundance of seasonal jobs. This makes it super easy for backpackers to find a job for a few weeks (or more), build up their savings and then continue their travels. The tourism, horticulture, and hospitality sectors are always looking for motivated and positive people. Even without experience, you can land a dream job in an idyllic landscape if you have a fun attitude. Don’t hesitate to apply for unusual jobs if they appeal to you, and don’t let your lack of experience stop you.

What’s more, New Zealand is renowned for its work-life balance. You can work hard and save money, while enjoying the scenery, the activities and the people you meet. And if you don’t like the job, you can easily leave and find another one. Easy as.

4. A great network of backpackers

As the country is small, so despite the number of backpackers in the country, it’s easy to get to know friends of friends of friends. It’s quite incredible actually. I have the impression that in New Zealand you never see a person just once. You always bump into them again at one point or another. There are also lots of festivals all over the country and there too you might see friends you’ve met elsewhere.

Having a network can be comforting. We talk about our problems as backpackers, about homesickness. We give each other advice, we find each other in one job or another. In short, it’s a great way to build strong friendships.

5. Kiwis’ friendliness

Kiwi culture is fairly relaxed. In New Zealand, you don’t have to think too hard, and there are solutions to everything. In fact, you’ll often hear the expression ‘she’ll be right,’ which is the equivalent of ‘Hakuna Matata.’ (Just to clarify, even though we say ‘she,’ it doesn’t mean that we only say it to refer to a woman; it’s an expression).

On top of that, New Zealanders are always ready to give you a helping hand. I remember staying for a whole week with a couple I’d met on a hiking trip. They knew we were living on the road and wanted to offer us a bit of comfort for a week.

The locals love their country and will be more than happy to give you tips on things to do in the area. So don’t hesitate to make friends with people you don’t know—you could really discover some incredible people.

6. The culture

The Haka is now world-famous. But Maori culture is much more than that. In New Zealand, there are plenty of places (more or less touristy) to learn about their culture. However, in my opinion, the best way to get to know this culture is to meet the locals. Living with a Maori family was an amazing experience. We were able to discuss the issues that affect them and become part of their daily lives. These people really welcomed us into their whenua (land) and treated us as members of their whanau (family). They brought us to a marae (sacred place) to take part in a ceremony. We greeted everyone with a hongi (touching another person’s nose and forehead to greet them) and listened to traditional waiata (songs). We made a hangi (cooking style) and had traditional kai (food/meal). Before eating, we did a karakia (prayer) to thank people and honour the day. And if all goes well, everything is ka pai.

7. Opportunities for adventure

Sliding down sand dunes, throwing yourself out of a plane, swinging through a canyon, diving headfirst into the void, tumbling down a river, climbing a volcano…

Whatever your definition of adventure, New Zealand will not disappoint.

If you’re more of a nature enthusiast, you can go rafting, canyoning, rock-climbing or caving just about anywhere in the country. As for extreme activities, New Zealand offers skydiving, canyon swinging, bungee jumping and paragliding, to name but a few.

A WHV in New Zealand means taking on challenges and having fun at the same time.

8. Relaxing environments

If New Zealand is perfect for adventurers, it’s also perfect for those looking to relax. The country is full of perfect environments in which to unwind: secluded beaches, hiking trails and peaceful forests. As well as the scenery, there are numerous natural hot springs throughout the two islands, such as Ngawha Springs. Relax to the sound of birdsong or the torrent of waterfalls. Watch the sunrise or sunset. Take a dip in a hot spring. Walk barefoot through the forest. Fall asleep under the Milky Way.

What better way to feel at peace?

9. Unique nature

New Zealand’s landscapes are among the most beautiful and breathtaking in the world. It’s as simple as that. You’ll find, among other things:

• heavenly beaches
• glaciers
• mountains
• cliffs
• lakes
• caves
• waterfalls
• geysers
• volcanoes
• subtropical forests
• fjords and sounds.

What’s more, Kiwis love the outdoors, so nature is very accessible to everyone. You don’t need to be an expert hiker to feel connected to this wonderful world. Kiwis also love to go barefoot. Don’t hesitate to try out this new habit, which can do you a world of good.

Nature also means flora and fauna. Here too, New Zealand is bound to surprise you with the many types of animals who call this amazing country home. New Zealand is, above all, a land of birds. You’ll find fantails, robins, tui, weka, kaka and kea, but also blue and yellow-eyed penguins. And, if you’re lucky, you might even spot kiwi (known as kiwibirds, so as not to confuse them with kiwifruits or New Zealanders). By the sea and ocean, you’re likely to come across seals, sea lions and perhaps even leopard seals. Finally, New Zealand’s waters are also home to whales of all kinds, dolphins (including the hector and maui dolphins, the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world, endemic to New Zealand), and my personal favourites, orcas.

10. Perfect for a solo trip, a romantic getaway or a trip with friends

If all these reasons weren’t enough to convince you, let me add that New Zealand is the ideal place to travel solo, with your partner or with friends.

In New Zealand, you can travel and find work easily. The locals are friendly and there’s a great backpacker community. You can have fun and relax. There are plenty of things to do, and plenty of wonderful things to see. And, above all, you can connect with the stunning nature that New Zealand has to offer.

So, what are you waiting for?