All about the Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand!
We’ve been recommending Globe WHV since 2005 (medical expenses, hospitalisation, repatriation).
Contents
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 participation
Must cover medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation
Apply before the annual quota is reached
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.
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 may need to find a home, furnish it, pay a security deposit, and consider other start up expenses. And it might also take you some time to find your first job.
See our chapter on budgeting for an idea of how much more savings you should have for a working holiday.
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, hospitalisation 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 licence from my home country?
If your licence 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 licence. Learn more.
If your licence 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 recognise 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 ready. 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. An agent will also ask you to show them the equipment, so that they can 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: 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 your application is approved, you will have plenty of things to take care of. Some of them are more urgent than others, so this list breaks down your to-dos, starting with the most urgent to the least. It may seem like a lot, but don’t worry, one step at a time!
As mentioned earlier, many citizenships applying for a WHV in New Zealand must have comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their stay. Even if you are exempt from this rule, you should consider purchasing insurance that covers medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation to avoid paying expensive medical costs out of pocket.
We’ve been recommending Globe WHV since 2005. They meet the requirements and have covered thousands of working holiday makers over the years.
- Chapter 5: Getting WHV health insurance
- Everything You Need to Know About Insurance for Working Holiday and Other Adventures Abroad
- What to have in your Working Holiday adventure first-aid kit
As you prepare for your WHV adventure, check out our library of free articles and guides. Everyone on the pvtistes.net team has done (or is currently on) a working holiday, and so everything we write is from personal experience. We have articles that talk you through getting set up in New Zealand, including how to get your IRD number, local phone number, bank account and more!
Once your application is approved, you will need to think about where to live, especially in the first few days and weeks. If you are planning on renting long term housing, we recommend you wait until you arrive in New Zealand before paying a deposit or signing anything. Never send money to anyone without seeing the place in person.
For your first couple of weeks, you could consider Airbnb or hotels. But the most affordable option is going to be youth hostels. You can find some great ones on Hostelworld.
You can also consult our helpful resources on finding and securing accommodation in NZ.
- How to find housing in New Zealand, from hostels to flatmates
- 7 Tips for finding housing during your working holiday abroad
- Chapter 6: Booking housing for your arrival
- Settling down or Van Life: How to live your Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand?
- Common scams to avoid during your working holiday abroad
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.
As your working holiday comes to an end, you might be experiencing some bittersweet emotions. But the adventure doesn’t have to end here. Read the following articles to get inspiration about how to best manage a potential return to your home country.
The age limit varies by nationality.
- Belgian: 30
- British: 35
- Canadian: 35
- French: 30
- German: 30
- Irish: 30
For all other eligible nationalities, consult the official website.
Regardless of what age you are when you apply, you will have 12 months from the date your WHV is granted 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).
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.
This must be your first participation. If you have already been in New Zealand on a working holiday, then you cannot apply again.
Depending on your citizenship, you may be required to buy health insurance that covers medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation for the duration of your stay. WHV holders from Ireland, Japan, Malaysia and the UK are not required to, but purchasing health insurance is still highly recommended.
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.
- Belgium: no limit
- Canada: no limit
- France: no limit
- Germany: no limit
- Ireland: no limit
- United Kingdom: 15,000
Readers of other nationalities can check on the official website.