Seasonal jobs in New Zealand are the ones best suited for the Working Holiday Visa (WHV).
Differences betwee New Zealand and Australia
With a working holiday visa, unlike Australia, it is possible in New Zealand:
- Staying with the same employer for only three months instead of six months
- Extend the visa even without having done 88 days of agricultural work in a regional area
- Work for a maximum of 12 months, even if you stay for 23 months
- Serving alcohol without a license (Australian RSA). Anyone can serve alcohol in New Zealand as long as a person at the bar holds an LCQ. Those who want to work as a manager and get a higher salary can get this certificate
Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand – jobs
Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand, Farm Work
In agriculture it is possible to find work during the harvesting season of fruits and vegetables or in sheep shearing, these are physically heavy jobs with demanding working hours. The most interesting places for fruit harvesting are: Blenheim, Christchurch and surroundings, Gisborne, Kerikeri, Motueka, Nelson, Otago, Tauranga, Te Puke and Wairau Valley.
To find work in the agricultural sector you can:
- Working hostels, this is undoubtedly the fastest way to find work on farms. Search the Internet for as many comments about the hostel as possible, because there are many speculators. Also beware of some supervisors who often try to scam you. If you find that a hostel is taking too long without offering you a job, change places immediately.
- Search online through the websites listed below
- Search directly, If you have a car, it will be easier for you because farms are often far from hostels. If you plan to work in this sector for more than a few months, I strongly recommend a car
New Zealand areas for fruit picking:
North Island
Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa
South Island
Marlborough, Nelson and Otago
Working holiday visa in New Zealand, jobs in tourism
There are good opportunities for temporary employment in the tourism industry. New Zealand attracts tourists all year round, especially in summer. Jobs are available in stores, bars, restaurants and on beaches throughout the country. During the rest of the year, the tourism industry focuses mainly on skiing.
To look for work in the tourism sector you can:
- Search for work through the websites mentioned in the article How to work in New Zealand
- Search online through websites for temporary jobs
- Search directly by handing in your resume in person
Working holiday visa in New Zealand, administration jobs
There are some employment agencies that specialize in temporary administrative positions. With a good command of English, experience and qualifications, you have the possibility of finding a well-paid job.
Temporary job search websites:
- Picknz, work on farm
- Frenz, work offers on farms
- SSCO, the Central Otago Workplace, is located in Alexandra, Otago Region, South Island. It provides a service to anyone seeking seasonal employment. They provide advice and assistance with work permits, taxes, IRD and accommodation
- SJS, website for students with job offers
- Backpackerboard, vacancies in the tourism sector
