Gap Year in New Zealand: Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip

Do you dream of taking a gap year in New Zealand? It’s the perfect destination to experience a year of freedom, adventure, and discovery! Between its breathtaking landscapes, relaxed atmosphere, and countless job opportunities, young travelers have many possibilities.

In this article, discover everything you need to know to best organize your project and enjoy this adventure!

 

New Zealand for your gap year, the ideal setting

New Zealand is known for its hospitality and the kindness of its inhabitants, nicknamed the "Kiwis." It is also one of the safest countries in the world, providing an ideal environment for a worry-free gap year.

Furthermore, the Working Holiday Visa allows young people aged 18 to 30 to live and work in New Zealand for one year, making the experience more accessible.

Although the cost of living can be high, especially in cities like Auckland, there are many job opportunities to fund your stay and fully enjoy the adventure.

Japan is also a popular destination for a gap year.

Funding your trip while learning

For young people wanting to improve their English and earn money, the program Courses and job on a Working Holiday in New Zealand is an excellent option. It offers:

 

• English courses to improve your level and ease integration over 3 weeks.
• Assistance in finding paid employment plus support to boost your applications.
• Administrative support to open a bank account, get a SIM card, and other procedures.

 

It is a comprehensive professional experience, combined with an exciting cultural immersion!

An immersion in nature: working on a farm in New Zealand

Agriculture and livestock are at the heart of New Zealand’s economy. For those seeking an authentic experience for their gap year in New Zealand, the program Farm experience in New Zealand allows you to:

 

• Work on a farm with tasks such as feeding animals, milking cows, shearing sheep, participating in renovation work, and supporting the host family.
• Enjoy accommodation and meals included, helping to save on living costs and discover local life.
• Discover rural life and the country’s exceptional natural environment.
• Improve your English with 4 weeks of courses in Auckland (optional).

 

This program is a unique opportunity to live at the pace of locals and experience an authentic lifestyle, fully immersed in New Zealand culture. Beyond an enriching human adventure, it also allows you to gain real professional, personal, and language experience that will be valuable for the future.

Explore New Zealand during your gap year

Starting your gap year in New Zealand in Auckland

One of the country’s major advantages is the ability to combine work and travel, and what better place to start than Auckland? It is the largest city in the country and an ideal starting point to explore New Zealand. Enjoy its vibrant urban life, visit the Sky Tower, discover the islands of the Hauraki Gulf or Rangitoto for volcanic landscapes. The beaches of Piha and Muriwai, just a few kilometers from the city, also offer beautiful spots for surfing and hiking.

Nature experiences and immersion in rural areas

Outside of the big cities, New Zealand is full of perfect places for total immersion. You can stay with host families who will let you live at the local pace, away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, for a refreshing trip.

 

Practical tips for preparing your gap year in New Zealand

Good practices in New Zealand

It is essential to adopt certain good practices to fully enjoy your experience in New Zealand. Respecting nature is important because the country is home to fragile ecosystems, and it is crucial to do your best to preserve this environment.

Before working, it is important to inform yourself about local rules to ensure you have legal employment and a proper contract.

A well-prepared budget is also necessary, as living can be expensive, especially in big cities.

Finally, travel insurance is essential to cover medical emergencies and other incidents.

Mistakes to avoid

Conversely, some mistakes should be avoided to have the best possible gap year in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s weather is changeable, so don’t underestimate the weather conditions.

Also, don’t rely solely on finding work on site to fund your stay: it can be difficult to find a job depending on the season, so it’s better to have some savings in reserve.

Finally, make sure to respect the conditions of your visa, especially concerning work and stay limits.

 

In conclusion, whether you choose to study and work in the city or live fully immersed in nature, this country will offer you unforgettable memories.

Our team looks forward to helping you organize your gap year in New Zealand!