Thinking of moving to New Zealand or just looking to take a gap year? Sweet as, bro! New Zealand makes it easy for citizens of many countries to stay and enjoy its majestic scenery and thriving cities (places that are often ranked at the top of the World’s Most Liveable Cities lists!), so living in New Zealand for a year is not just a dream...it’s 100% possible.
It’s not just the stunning natural beauty that draws in people from all over the world—it’s also the great work-life balance, higher wages, accessible health care, and travel-focused culture. Despite NZ being an isolated island nation just about as far as possible from any other country, Kiwis are a very well-traveled bunch!
Many travelers view Oceania as a magical, mystical area (ahem, Lord of the Rings filming locations really are EVERYWHERE) that is just too out of reach due to long travel times or expensive flights. However, it’s possible to brave the tight leg room and find a good deal, and if so, you will be well rewarded.
For anyone wondering how to live in New Zealand for a year, read on for your “how-to” list.
How do I move to New Zealand?
1. Look into visa options
Your first question is probably, how do I even move to New Zealand? You’re in luck because NZ has great visa agreements with many countries. One of the best options for those under 30 years old who are looking to travel and work in New Zealand for a year is the Working Holiday Visa (WHV).
For most nationalities, this visa allows you to stay up to a year (sometimes longer in other cases) and work, study part-time, and travel around as much as you want! Check out the easy-to-use NZ immigration website for specific details about your case and other visa options.
2. Save money! NZ is dear
One of the requirements of the WHV (and most likely other visas, too) is that you have some evidence of funds to support yourself for when you get to NZ. As of right now, for people from the US, this amount is $4,200 NZD.
This may sound like a big sum, but NZ is very expensive (dear as Kiwis would say) and you’d be surprised how quickly it will all disappear! If at all possible, bring a bit more money and think of this as the bare minimum for your travels.
3. Get your plane ticket
Once you’ve decided on living in New Zealand for a year and have applied for your visa, (which could be approved super quickly), it's time to get your plane ticket. Your visa will let you enter the country within a certain time frame, but it’s usually a pretty generous amount of time (like a year) so you’ll have lots of flexibility to get a good fare and save up before you go.
One other thing you’ll need is a plane ticket out of NZ at the end of your visa. This could be as many as 12 months away, and doesn’t need to be to your home country, but just to another country where you can either go visa-free or you have met the visa requirements to stay.
It’s understood that you may not have made those plans yet, so as long as you can provide proof of additional funds (read, more $$) to purchase a ticket at the end of your stay, you’ll be fine! Again, see step 2—time to save, save, save!
4. Get medical insurance and medical checks beforehand
Depending on where you’ve traveled or lived before, you may need to get certain medical checks before your visa is approved. It’s also not a bad idea to get some general check-ups out of the way before a big trip.
While medical care in NZ is probably cheaper than what you’re used to if you’re from North America, you will still be stuck paying higher prices than Kiwis as you are not a resident/citizen.
Another requirement of the WHV is that you get medical insurance to cover your whole stay in NZ. Border Patrol could ask for proof of this when you arrive. Generally, this insurance covers big emergency expenses, but not routine check-ups and one-off doctor visits for things like the flu; so again, it may be cheaper to get all your routine exams done in your home country before you go.
5. Pick your location
When you fly to NZ, you’ll probably find that the cheapest flight is to Auckland, the country’s biggest city and major airport, but don’t feel that you have to stay there. You’ll find that Kiwis have mixed feelings about Auckland—they either love it or hate it.
Keep in mind that NZ is a small country that is rather sparsely populated, so many Kiwis feel more at home in small towns or cities and in rural environments. Auckland is a great hub of culture, shopping, nightlife and cheaper flights, so it definitely has its advantages, especially if you’re used to and like big city life in your home country.
If you want to try something else out, there are lots of other smaller NZ cities like Wellington, the coolest little capital, or Christchurch. There are tourist and backpacker capitals, like Queenstown and Taupo, and university towns, like Dunedin. Plus plenty of farming work-exchange options in rural areas!
If you have the savings and time to travel around a bit before deciding on where to stay, why not explore and get a feel for the country and your favorite place! There are so many things you can do during your gap year. The sky’s the limit!
6. Pack up your things
Take a look at all of your stuff and then be prepared to say goodbye to at least half of it. You’ve got a long journey ahead and it’s only going to feel that much longer if you are lugging around a few suitcases.
If you want to travel both within NZ as well as internationally, think about what you’d be comfortable carrying around on your travels. Baggage allowances on flights tend to be lower than what we are used to North America, and overweight fees are often charged per kilo, so you could be charged some hefty fees if you bring too much on your journeys.
Inevitably, despite your best efforts, you will pick up stuff while living in New Zealand for a year, so it’s pretty much a fact that you will leave with more than you came with—another reason to pack light! You can buy anything you need there, and while some prices might be higher than you are used to, it won’t be nearly as bad as those overweight fees.
7. Make the journey to the Land of the Long White Cloud
So you’ve got your plane ticket booked and your bag packed (hopefully just one reasonable one!), now it’s time to catch that flight. As New Zealand is far from just about everywhere, you may even have the opportunity to take a stopover and break up the long journey somewhere along the way. See a new place while you’re at it! If you’re coming from North America, Hawaii or Southeast Asia are common options.
8. Connect with fellow backpackers and students
Once you arrive, plug into the local backpacker or student scene in your city. The WHV does not seem to have gained a ton of popularity among Americans, but you’d be surprised how many Canadians, Germans, and other Europeans flood the country to live and work in New Zealand.
Pretty much no matter where you go there will be others doing the same thing as you. There are also some big university towns in NZ, like Dunedin, where there are sure to be lots of young people and fun activities for you to join in on.
9. Become outdoorsy
In New Zealand, what many of us consider a hike, they would consider a mere walk. Even if you don’t consider yourself outdoorsy now, it’s time to embrace the great outdoors because New Zealand has stunning natural scenery that you will not want to miss, even if it’s a three-hour uphill hike in the rain.
NZ may test your limits but the rewards (and postcard-worthy, make-all-your-friends-back-home-jealous pics) will be worth it! Even the most unathletic can manage some of NZ’s great walks with just a little practice, so no worries, mate!
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You’re ready to work in New Zealand for a year!
Before reading this checklist, you may have been wondering how to live in New Zealand for a year, but with just a few easy steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying all that Aotearoa has to offer.
The process of moving abroad, especially to a far away country that you may have not visited before, may seem overwhelming, but take this list and try it just one step at a time.
Those nervous feelings will disappear when you land in magical New Zealand and take that first majestic hike and soak in the natural beauty that is unlike anywhere else in the world. Once you're settled, you can get a job and earn some money to continue to fund your travels throughout NZ and the world!
Still thinking of moving to New Zealand? Stop thinking and do it!
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