All about the Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand!
We’ve been recommending Globe WHV since 2005 (medical expenses, hospitalisation, 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 participation
Must cover medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation
Apply before the annual quota is reached
01. What is the Working Holiday Visa?
WHVs are bilateral accords signed between governments to promote youth mobility and cultural exchange. Participating countries allow young adults to spend a set period of time (usually one year) living and working abroad. Most of the accords are signed between countries in Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and East Asia. A WHV encourages cultural exchange alongside the chance to gain valuable work experience, though participants are not obligated to work.
WHV holders in New Zealand can stay for up to a year (or longer for Canadian and British citizens), and can freely travel and work in New Zealand during this period.
02. Which nationalities are eligible?
The New Zealand WHV is available to young adults from 40+ countries, including Canada, Germany, Ireland and the UK. Find out if you are eligible here.
03. How long is the visa good for?
Once you enter New Zealand (within 12 months of visa issuance), the WHV will be valid for 12 months from the date you enter the country.
Exception: Canadian citizens can stay for up to 23 months on a WHV. British citizens can stay for up to 36 months on a WHV.
04. What documents are required for the application?
There are no supporting documents to submit for your New Zealand WHV (with the exception of those who are asked to do a medical exam).
However, when submitting your application, you need to have ready your passport and a second piece of ID: driver’s license, birth certificate or ID card. You will also need a bank card (Visa or Mastercard only).
05. What are the quotas?
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 the official website.
The quota for each country (where applicable) usually does not change significantly year to year. If you are in a country with a competitively limited quota, it may be advantageous to apply early in the year for the best chances.
06. What is the application fee?
The visa fee is NZ$455.
07. Can I leave and re-enter New Zealand?
Once you have entered New Zealand and validated your WHV, you can leave and re-enter as many times as you want, whenever you want. However, keep in mind that time spent outside New Zealand still counts towards your WHV period of validity.
For example, if you have a 12-month WHV and spend three months travelling Australia, you will only have nine months left to spend in New Zealand.
08. Do I need to buy health insurance?
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.
09. If I don't use my WHV within 12 months of it being issued, can I apply again?
No. Unlike some other WHV countries, New Zealand considers your WHV as used if you let it expire, even if you never actually entered the country.
You must enter New Zealand within 12 months of your visa being issued, otherwise you will never be able to take part in the WHV again.
10. Can I start work right away?
Before you can start working, you will need to obtain an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number.
11. Can I bring my spouse and/or children?
If you want to go to New Zealand on a working holiday as a couple, you must both submit your own application. All applications will be processed independently.
You cannot bring children on a New Zealand WHV.
12. Where can I apply?
The application must be done online on New Zealand’s immigration website. Once you create an account, you fill out the form, pay the visa fee and submit your application. Depending on your situation, you might be asked to do a medical exam.
For more information on how to apply, read our full New Zealand tutorial: How to apply for your Working Holiday Visa.
13. What is pvtistes.net and how can it help me?
We are a team of current and former working holiday makers dedicated to providing free information and resources about the working holiday in New Zealand and other destinations. Read our helpful articles, leave comments if you have questions, and check out our special deals.
We don’t ask for any money, and neither should anyone else in your application process (besides the embassy/consulate and their official partners). Be very careful of online scams where someone might ask you for an exorbitant amount to help you get your visa. Working Holiday Visas are designed to be relatively easy to obtain yourself, so there is absolutely no need to pay any professional service to do it on your behalf.
Read about the New Zealand WHV, its eligibility criteria, and the application process.
After you get your visa, 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.
- FAQs about working holiday travel insurance
- What to have in your Working Holiday adventure first-aid kit
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
- Five ways to get free accommodation when travelling
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 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 life in New Zealand, including how to get your IRD number, local phone number, bank account and more!
Take a look at some of our great deals for working holiday makers. Benefit from preferential airfare from your home country to New Zealand and back when booking your flight with Ulysse.
Plus, check our other offers on insurance, car rentals, language courses and more!
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.
– British: 35
– Canadian: 35
– 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.
– Canada: no limit
– Germany: no limit
– Ireland: no limit
– United Kingdom: 15,000
Readers of other nationalities can check on the official website.