Updated on September 8, 2017.
Kia Ora. Thanks heaps for checking out my blog. After you read this post, please head on over to my latest project – Planit NZ. Planit NZ is my New Zealand travel guide and booking website. You can research all things travel in New Zealand on the website, and you can also book hop on, hop off backpacker bus passes, small group tours or activities. Booking any aspect of your trip through Planit NZ supports my work and is most appreciated.
The Land of the Long White Cloud is a destination well worn onto the backpacker trail. And for all the right reasons. An epic combination of stunning scenery, adventure sports, and friendly locals combine to make New Zealand one hell of a place to travel to.
Not only is New Zealand beautiful, New Zealand is easy to travel around. In fact, New Zealand is arguably one of the most backpacker or independent budget traveler friendly countries in the world.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a better spot to break into the world of long term travel.
New Zealand is addictive. Trust me. I originally came for a 12 month working holiday, yet nearly seven years later I’m still living in New Zealand.
Be it the quality of life, the miles and miles of untouched, remote and spectacular scenery, or the laid-back no-worries outlook on life, something about New Zealand will grab you and not let you leave.
So you’re considering a trip backpacking in New Zealand? Sweet as (as we say). While New Zealand is welcoming and easy to get around, you might have some questions about your trip here. Consider these:
15 Tips for Your First Experience Backpacking in New Zealand
1 ) Travel North to South
Almost daily I get emails from backpackers planning their trip to New Zealand. One of the most common questions I get is:
Should I start on the North Island or the South Island?
While the North Island is stunning (be sure to check out the Bay of Islands and definitely don’t miss the chilled out Coromandel Region), the South Island is where it’s at. As it will be the highlight of your trip, it’s the logical place to finish.
The mountains are taller, the drives are more spectacular, the Great Walks are greater, and the beer is better so finish on New Zealand’s South Island.
2 ) Avoid the Chain Hostels
There is no shortage of budget accommodation throughout New Zealand. From hostels, to budget motels to holiday parks with self contained accommodation, you won’t have a problem finding a place to lay your head at night.
As New Zealand is frequented by thousands of young backpackers each year, the big chain hostels are present throughout the North and South Islands. Many of the major backpacking destinations have Nomads or Base Backpacker hostels that are filled with younger party hard backpackers.
While many of these are adequate – and some quite flash (I’m talking about you Nomads Queenstown) – there are heaps of character filled, independently owned hostels that will compliment your trip to this small island nation.
Check out the BBH backpackers (Budget Backpacker Hostels) and get to know their quirky owners, settle down with a glass of New Zealand wine next to their wood burners, or listen to the sea from their gardens.
Also growing in popularity in New Zealand, like many places around the world, is AirBNB. I was in Oamaru recently had grabbed an entire home with sea views, walking distance to town, for about the same price as a basic motel. If you haven’t used AirBNB before, you can get $29 NZD free credit when signing up via this link.
3 ) Arriving to New Zealand
Chances are your flight to New Zealand will arrive in Auckland. A city that often gets a bad rap amongst travellers into the country. It’s not my favorite city in the world, but there are plenty of funky neighborhoods and stunning beaches nearby to explore. If you have a couple days, be sure to head over to Waiheke Island ($36 return). Or, if you’re looking for a day tour this Zip, Wine, Dine package is a perfect mix of adventure and New Zealand wine, and is a great way to experience the island.
Before you travel to New Zealand, take care of your mailbox in advance. Choose the best virtual mailbox service for business and travelers at getnewmailbox.com.
The SkyBus Express will be your best choice for the quick, 45 minute trip to the Auckland CBD. Tickets are only $28 round trip and can be booked online so you’re set to go when you land.
Consider these Auckland budget travel tips for your first couple days in the city – and most importantly, don’t stay too long – there is too much to see outside of NZ’s largest city.
4 ) Consider Buying a Car or Campervan
New Zealand absolutely begs to be explored behind the steering wheel of your very own car or campervan.
You won’t realize how many of these converted, backpacker-filled vans flock New Zealand’s roads until you’re here yourself. If falling asleep to the sound of the surf and waking to the sunrise sounds appealing to you, then a campervan just might be the right mode of transportation for trip.
Traveling New Zealand by campervan gives you loads of flexibility, allows you to get off the beaten path, and you will ultimately save you heaps on accommodation costs.
Many backpackers in New Zealand buy a van when they arrive and sell it prior to their departure. Surprisingly, buying a campervan in New Zealand is a simple and straightforward process; however, do be aware that a certain amount of risk is involved and not all of the campvervans in New Zealand are good investment. I suggest you take your van to the VTNZ, and have them perform a pre-vehicle inspection on it. It’ll cost you $110, but might save you thousands if you buy a lemon. If you have anything less than 3 months, buying a van is a bad idea as you’ll waste too much time trying to buy / sell the van.
Freedom camping is possible in New Zealand, however over the past couple years this has become much more strictly regulated. Sadly, too many inconsiderate backpackers have created a bad name for all of us – disrespecting the countryside by leaving rubbish or worse behind. So, if you’re going to freedom camp, do it respectfully – more on this post here.
In areas where freedom camping is not allowing, the Department of Conservation runs basic campsites that are as little as $5/night.
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5 ) If Not, take the Hop-on, Hop-Off Backpacker Bus
If you’re not comfortable driving on the left side on New Zealand’s roads, then your next best bet is going on a hop on, hop off backpacker bus tour.
A hop-on, hop-off bus pass is the perfect balance between a fully-guided, small group tour and a self-guided trip that sees you creating your own itinerary and driving yourself around NZ. These buses run on set routes around the country, and that allows you to pick a pass that goes to the places YOU want to see most. You can organize your own activities or accommodation, but the driver-guide on board the bus can help you out if you wish. They’re an awesome way to meet other travellers, and a great way to get to some lesser known destinations in New Zealand.
I recommend Stray, and you can see their most popular passes on Planit NZ. I can offer an exclusive Stray discount code of 5% if you book your New Zealand trip through Planit NZ. Contact me to find out more.
6 ) Get a 2Degrees Sim Card
If you’re traveling with an unlocked cell phone, you’ll be able to pick up a sim card when you get into New Zealand. While there are a couple different providers to choose from, your best bet is undoubtedly 2Degrees.
They offer cheap, international calls back home to Mom & Dad as well as cheap calls throughout New Zealand – for $19 you can get unlimited calls, unlimited texts and 1GB of data.
7 ) 3…2…1 Bungy! Do it.
New Zealand is an adrenaline junkies’ paradise. If you can dream it, chances are you can do it in New Zealand.
You can jump off bridges or out of planes. You can roll down hills in giant, water filled balls. You can run off cliffs with parachutes strapped to your back. You can cruise down rivers narrowly missing canyon walls in a jet boat. Or you can go black water rafting deep below the earth’s surface. You can even learn to paraglide. By yourself. Really, you can do it all.
Whatever you do, make sure you do a bungy jump
AJ Hackett established the world’s first permanent, commercial bungy jumping operation in Queenstown in 1982. Today, there are three in Queenstown alone for you to choose from (K Bridge, Nevis Highwire Bungy, & The Ledge Bungy). You can also bungy on the North Island at the fantastic Taupo Bungy.
It’s a terrifying experience – arguably, one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to do, yet it’s an absolute rush and a must for your trip to New Zealand.
8 ) Don’t Try to Fit Too Much In
Planning a trip to New Zealand isn’t an easy process. In fact, it’s bloody difficult. Why?
There is such a wide variety of things to do, landscapes to see, and experiences to be had, that you’ll not know how you can fit it all in.
To be honest, you probably can’t. Unless you’re committing two or three months to New Zealand, it’s impossible to see it all in one go. The biggest mistake you can make when coming to New Zealand is attempting to do too much in too little time.
You’ll enjoy your experience backpacking in New Zealand heaps more if you have time to relax and spend a little longer in those untouched little corners of New Zealand you’ll inevitably find.
9 ) Experience a Great Walk
A road trip around New Zealand will reveal a country considerably untouched by the human hand. Sure, tourism is big business in many of New Zealand’s destinations, yet a huge part of the country is as remote and untouched as it is stunning.
Almost 30% of land in New Zealand is publicly owned and much of this has been converted to National Parks.
There are a series of multi-day Great Walks throughout New Zealand and you should experience at least part of one on your trip here. Check out the Routeburn Track near Queenstown, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track near Nelson, or one of the other seven Great Walks.
10 ) Try WWOOFing
If you’ll be staying in New Zealand for more than a couple months, you might want to consider WWOOFING (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) for part of your trip.
Wwoofing is a host system where you can exchange a couple hours of work each day on an organic farm in return for free food and accommodation.
It’s a fantastic way to save some money, meet interesting local Kiwis, and get a feel for a different aspect of life in New Zealand. The majority of people swing through New Zealand, see the sites, jump off bridges and miss the small and out of the way places that make New Zealand so unique.
These Wwoofing experiences and tips are a great place to start if you’re considering this for part of your stay.
11 ) Walk on a Glacier
While most of these tips aren’t experience focused, walking on a glacier is one that undoubtedly deserves to make it on the list. New Zealand is filled with wonders, and you’ll find two on the West Coast of the South Island – the Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers.
These ancient pieces of ice start in the Southern Alps and stretch all the way to coastal, temperate rainforest only miles away from the sea at 300 metres above sea level.
Walking on one is an iconic New Zealand experience and one that you should have while you’re here.
Over recent years, the glacier has been retreating further up the valley. Previously you could go on a guided tour of the glacier, and would access it via foot up the valley. As it’s retreated over the years, now the only way to get on it is via a quick helicopter trip from the Franz Josef township. It’s consequently a bit more expensive, but is an epic experience nonetheless. You can book here on Planit NZ at the best price.
The West Coast itself is a unique and fascinating area of New Zealand, so be sure to spend at least a couple days exploring the rugged coastline from Karamea all the way to Haast.
12 ) Hitchhiking in New Zealand
If you decide to buy a campervan, rent a vehicle, or get around by bus, you’ll be shocked at the number of hitchikers you see in New Zealand. It’s quite common and a very budget-friendly way to see New Zealand.
Clearly, care should be taken – you shouldn’t hitchhike at night and you’re probably better off with a mate (might as well minimize your risk), yet it’s a bloody exciting way to see the country.
New Zealanders are a friendly lot and you’re bound to have some interesting chats once you do get picked up.
If you decided to give it a go, you’re best off on the outskirts of a town, and make sure there is room for the driver to pull over; if there isn’t, you won’t get picked up – it’s as simple as that. A smile never hurts and a sign saying where you want to go will probably speed up your chances of getting a lift.
13 ) Beware of New Zealand Internet
As any travel blogger, Facebook addict, or general internet using backpacker that has come to New Zealand knows, the state of the internet here is dreadful.
It’s often slow, more often expensive, always charged by data usage (Skyping is difficult), and almost never included with your stay in a hostel.
Slowly, more and more cafes are offering free internet yet without a doubt New Zealand is far behind the rest of the world. Your best bet for finding free WiFi is at the local library with the other backpackers who have figured the system out. Sadly, even though this post has been updated since 2011, the internet in New Zealand is still bloody dreadful.
14 ) Go Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in New Zealand is unsurpassed by few places in the world and Kiwis love their bikes about as much as they love “The Rugby.”
Wherever you are, you’re bound to find some single track trails (just ask at the bike shop in town, there is bound to be one), yet Rotorua on the North Island is arguably the mountain biking capital of New Zealand.
Hire a bike and spend the day exploring the miles (and miles) of single track trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest – chances are, you’ll want to go back for day two.
In a country where budget activities are few and far between, mountain biking is a fantastic way to spend a day and see the countryside (plus, you’ll burn off the calories from all those budget-saving meat pies you’ve been eating).
15 ) Get Off the Beaten Path
In a country the size of the state of Colorado, you have 4 million people, 40 million sheep and every possible landscape you could imagine.
There is so much to be seen that no guidebook (or blog post) will ever point you in all the right directions. Use this to your advantage, and seek out your own untouched areas of Aotearoa.
A highlight of your trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud should be getting off the beaten path and finding your own special corner of this idyllic part of the world.
So take it slow, make some wrong turns, start conversations with the locals, and get to know New Zealand for what it is – one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Have you been backpacking in New Zealand? Leave your tips in the comments section below.
Found this post useful? Awesome! Don’t leave, check out the posts below:
- Traveling the North Island with Stray New Zealand
- Kawhia: New Zealand’s Best Kept Secret
- North Island or South Island New Zealand?
- NZ Must Do: Experiencing the Waitomo Caves
Backpacking Matt 
Hey Matt, Great post!! I’m an Irish girl currently living in Melbourne and my next stop is a WHV to New Zealand. I was just wondering where you ended up living in NZ? I’m finding it hard to make a decision, I’m being drawn to the south Island (through friends already living there..and other blogs) obviously work will be a big factor but I’d like your input! 🙂 Thanks in advance! 🙂
Hi Katelynn. Cheers for the feedback – stoked you enjoyed the post. Awesome to hear of your planned move to NZ. You’ll love it. I live on the South Island in Queenstown. I came here for a year, but that was 5 years ago — that should be an indicator of how great of a place it is. 🙂
Hey Matt,
I know this sounds like a dumb question but, can you work for cash over in new zealand if your a backpacker? I want to backpack through there but, also want to work as well to get some extra cash..
Not legally you can’t! If Immigration has any suspicion that you’re planning on working in New Zealand, and you don’t have the working holiday visa, they’ll refuse you entry into the country. If you can, I’d suggest getting the Working Holiday Visa if you have any interest in working whilst here.
Great tips! I really appreciate the details in them. I like your one on avoiding chain hostels as well, I think that’s often overlooked.
Hey Matt,
Heard already great story’s about New Zealand from others. But yours made me crazy about going. Already plannend it for after my study (just one and half year waiting)! Love how you describe the things you love about nz but also be real and give good tips!
Thanks, maybe I see you in 1,5 year.
Can’t wait to leave the Netherlands behind;)
Hey Matt!
I loved reading this! It’s very inspiring and I get more pumped to head over to NZ!! I want to road trip both Islands in November and we’re hiring a camper but my flight is a return from Sydney to Auckland so therefore I’d need to go north-south-then back north again which is a tad inconvenient! Are there any suggested routes that I can go from the south to the north so that I wouldn’t be doing the same trip again?
Also, is there a rough petrol price for the islands?
Cheers,
Liz
Hey Liz – you can often get cheap flights from Christchurch up to Auckland, works out pretty well especially when you consider you save crossing the Cook Strait twice with your campervan.
Hey Matt,
Thank you for the site, my wife and I are going to New Zealand for a month and a half in October for our honeymoon! Can’t wait!!!
Stoked! Glad you found the blog useful, enjoy the trip!
Hey Matt!
Loved reading this post. I am leaving my job to finally do a years travelling/working in NZ.
Really taking on board the point number 2 – already just by browsing and some rough calculations this can potentially save up to $10 a night following this advice alone!
Can’t wait to get out there – I have 12 months to plan and save, and have had no idea where to even start. Your blog has been helpful 🙂
You’re going to LOVE New Zealand. Good luck planning, send any questions my way.
Hey Matt,
I’ve always wanted to explore New Zealand, I met a guy from New Zealand while on vacation to Key West, maybe I can talk him into helping me out backpack across the country haha Great tips, I enjoyed reading your post
Hi Matt,
What a great blog! My girlfriend and I are planning to visit NZ this december and january for 5-6 weeks. Really looking forward to it.
We’re propably going to rent a car for the entire journey and hire mountain bikes a few times for short trips. And as it is summer time by then, staying at a (cheap) campsite is something we consider. Interspersed with a few nights in an Airbnb location for a better bed and bathroom. 🙂 And it seems a good way to meet some locals. We might be ending up migrating to New Zealand some day (a very early plan/idea of ours).
Hi Michiel – glad you’ve enjoyed the blog, and great to hear of your planned backpacking trip in New Zealand. Camping + Airbnb will be a perfect way to see the country. I’ve dropped you an email, let me know if you want me to help you save some money on your car rental.
Yo Matt love your blog very helpful and good ideas, me and my girlfriend are heading over on 10th november 2014 for a year with backpacks and tent and everything else to live on and proper winging it to really explore the small remote parts. We have working holiday visas as well to help us along, so stoked! cant wait!.
Just wanted to ask, you say you never left after your 12 month visit and everyone i have spoke to has said the same and we have no ties to come back so i just wanted to ask what was it like to get residency over there as i take it you must have to stay there long term? as just wanted to now how easy it was if we decide to extend! our trip 😀 haha.
Look forward to your reply. Cheers Mike
Hi Mike, the first step is extending your working holiday visa to a sponsored visa. You’ll need an employer to do this for you, and they must prove that there is no one in New Zealand that can take your job. The NZ immigration website has heaps more information on what’s required.
Such a great post!! you make so many valid points about visiting New Zealand for the first time. We did a lot of this and New Zealand was our first stop on our 2 year RTW trip that we started in February. I agree with staying out of the chain hostels, the Base hostels are just plain horrible and also agree with the hop on hop off buses. We took the Kiwi Experience for 5 weeks and had a really amazing time. GREAT country and we are already planning a return!
Hey Lina – glad you had an enjoyable time in NZ. Good on you for leaving, I couldn’t bring myself to! Come say hello in Queenstown if you return!
Thanks for all the great info – I’m starting to plan a 2-3 month trip to NZ for January 2015. Very helpful 🙂
Thanks Mat – enjoy your trip!
Good day Matt!
I’ll be heading to NZ for 2 weeks next month and I’m definitely gonna stay at holiday parks by setting up a tent to save costs. But do I have to book with them in advance? Can’t believe I’ll have to book each site for each day since I’ll be exploring different places every day! Or is there a less troublesome method?
Is potable water easily accessible too? Thanks!
You should be sweet not booking in advance in November.
Dude, words can NOT express how happy I am to have found this site/you!! This is exactly what I want to do in New Zealand! Seems I’m going to have a lot to explore, both here and there!
Thanks for the post 🙂
Glad you found it useful!
So glad to have found this site! I’m heading out to New Zealand in January, planning on bussing it from Auckland to Queenstown then settling there to work till at least August (unless I love it – then my visa will be getting extended and my flights home cancelled!) and this has got me so psyched for it! I was wondering how much money you’d recommend for a month or so backpacking before finding work? I’m in Australia at the moment and it’s eating through my money, so was wondering if you’d be able to give a rough idea of how much you think I’d need?! Cheers, and thanks for this post – it’s so helpful!
Thanks for comment Claire – great to hear about your planned trip to NZ. I’ll drop you an email with some ideas!
Hey Matt, love your website and what you’re doing to help out first time travelers to NZ. Me and a friend just booked our tickets for January but I just had a few questions for ya. Whats the best option as far as banking goes, we’re coming from the US but sometimes banks charge tons of fees for withdrawing money/ using your card over seas. Is it better to get a bank account in NZ? Also, I know you recommended stray for the hop on hop off busses but I was curious as to if you knew anything about the Unlimited NakedPassport bus system? We’re not too concerned about stopping at hostels every night but just want to get from point A to point B so we can hit the trails and backpack. Like I said man, I really appreciate what you’re doing here and its really helped us plan our trip. Hope to hear back from ya soon
Hi Jacob, cheers for the comments! If you’re wanting to travel via public bus, Naked Bus or Intercity will be sweet!
hi matt!!..a wonderful job..
i m planning my backpacking for the first time and i want to start with new zealand. thanks for all the dos and donts. they are awesome. i will be travelling alone. any more suggestions? and i want to see more of off beaten tracks. i am a photographer so i want to experience the newzealand from a perspective.i want to be there for 2 months atleast. please guide.
Thanks
k
Hi Kathy cheers for the feedback on the blog post! Glad you found it useful. How are you going to get around?
Hi Matt,
I am trying to find a hiking buddy for a few days in Milford track or anywhere good near queenstown (first two weeks of January 2015) I plan to stay at nomads and perhaps a couple other places. Do you have any suggestions on a good website for a solo traveler looking for some company or perhaps you know people local looking for a hiking buddy? I’m a 33 yr old professional, in good shape so I can keep up. Not afraid to go off the beaten path! Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks from California,
Lyndsay
Hi Lyndsay – afraid I don’t know of any websites you could check. You might well meet someone at Nomads!
Hi Matt,
I have only just stumbled across your blog in the last week, and i must say its very helpful. Am looking into new zealand at the moment. I was just wondering how difficult can it be to find work? I am from the UK abd have heard of some great things!!
Thanks
@David – plenty of work for backpackers over here, so long as you’re flexible in what you do for a job.
New Zealand is the first place on my list when we finish travelling Europe! It looks absolutely GORGEOUS!
@Kate, Woohoo! Yes, best finish Europe first as once you arrive in New Zealand you probably won’t leave!
Matt, Thanks for the post. it’s very informative and helpful for a first time backpacker such as myself.
I have a suspicion that I might visit New Zealand for the three months I planned, but not want to leave! I run a production company and plan on bringing that line of work with me on my WHV. My question to you is how did you manage to stay five years? For the life of me, I can’t figure out a way to establish residency of any sort unless I invest.
Thanks!
@Josh, in order to stay longer than the one year working holiday visa, you must have an employer sponsor you — so that doesn’t bode well if you plan on working for yourself. Good luck!
Must Pin article to PINTEREST ! O_o
Pin away! Cheers!
Hi
Any update to internet or cell phone service since this post in 2011? I’m hoping it’s been upgraded at least a bit by now. I would like info or a link about car rental discounts as well.
Thanks!
Internet access is probably better than 2011, but not by much! 2degrees is still the way to go for mobile.
More details here on getting a discounted car rental: http://www.planitnz.com/new-zealand-car-rental-quotes/
I’m planning my backpacking for first time and i want to start with new zealand,but i have no idea ,which place i could not miss out,but i only got twelve days,any recommend from north to south!how to plan
Hi Matt,
In just 2 weeks we’ll be on our way to New Zealand. 🙂 First stop will be Sydney and after some days there we’ll start our trip in Auckland around december 7/8.
I’m thinking about buying a (gas/charcoal) bbq when we arrive at Auckland. Or is some sort of public cooking (e.g. a shared bbq) common at most camp sites?
Best regards,
Michiel
Hi Matt,
my boyfriend and I are going to enter NZ in March 2015, WHV ! I really enjoy your tips and I would like to know if you need to suscribe to 2 degrees for 1 or 2 years or if the contract you indicate (19$) could be paid monthly without obligation (monthly or whenever you need it !) ?
Here in France, we have a lot of choice now without obligation, but i get the impression that in NZ it is not really the case ?!
Thanks for your help !
No contract required – you can pay as you go
Quick question – I’m going to do some backpacking in Australia and New Zeland (since those are unfortunately the main places Americans are aloud to backpack) but I’m positive I’ll fall in love with one of these palaces and want to stay. How’d you swing the ability to stay? Like the visas and everything?
Hi Jake, Immigration New Zealand has a great website that should answer this question!
Hey Matt , Love the website & this post helping me no end to plan my trip N.Z.& Fiji 🙂 . Just wanted to pick your brains re bus travel – swithering between bus-ing it and hiring a car . No worries about driving on the left but as a single female traveller thinking It might be better to meet folks on Kiwi Experience bus . What’s your thoughts on hop on/ off bus have you tried it ?
Cheers ,
Kirsty
Hi Kirsty, I sent you an email! Cheers!
Hi Matt,
Would you mind forwarding me the info you sent to Kirsty, I will be in New Zealand next month since I just decided to take off and explore and want to get around mostly alone. Thanks
CC
Hi CC – great to hear of your planned trip to Aotearoa. Have emailed!
Hey Matt,
Great post – thanks so much for all the info!
Would you be able to send me the same information you sent to these guys please? I’m planning on travelling around NZ for about 3 months later this year – I’m a young, solo Brit female so any advice or tips would be really appreciated!
Cheers,
Kate
Hi Kate, great to hear of your planned trip! As a solo female, I suggest travelling with Stray. It’s an awesome way to meet other travellers, and their buses get you off the beaten track around NZ. There is a great sale on the Stray Max Pass right now, and I can get you a good price so drop me a line if you’re keen!
Hey, I thought this was great 🙂 I am planning to go to NZ in January on a WHV and found these tips v. helpful (especially the chain hostels one!) Do you have any tips on what season is best to find hospitality work? I did a WHV in Aus and found it was much easier at the start of summer seasons (December time) to find work than in the height of summer. Do you know if this true in NZ too? Thanks!!!
Hey Will, yes that’s true – you can find work anytime of the year, but start of the high seasons is best!
Looks so awesome! Thanks Matt. Is is not near on impossible to get a job in a small backpacker town like Queenstown in the middle of summer though? I really want to get some bar work there as it sounds amazing. Your thoughts? Much appreciated, thanks you! 🙂
Heya, great website!
I’ve been wanting to go to NZ for a long time now but only will be financially able to do this by the end of 2015. I work with children and have learnt that the Kiwis have an impressive curriculum over there. I would love the opportunity to have work experience or even find a job for a few months over there.My main aim is still to travel around and see EVERYTHING but having a break of a few months with a steady job would be nice.
How do you think I should go about it? Would it be smart to contact a couple of kindergartens beforehand for work experience or may I get into trouble getting a Work and Travel Visa?
Also, what do you think should be my timing of travelling?
Which time of year is best to fly, travel and work?
Looking forward to hear you thoughts on this! Thanks so much already 🙂
Best regards,
Caroline
Hi Caroline, great to hear about your planned trip to New Zealand! Yes, I’d suggest contacting some schools before you arrive, but likely you’ll find you have the most luck once you’re here in New Zealand. They may or may not be interested in hiring you as you’ll only be here short term. If you’re coming out solo I’d consider getting a Stray pass to explore the country / meet other people whilst here.
Aloha Matt,
Super appreciate your posting this!!! I’m headed to Aotearoa as a first-time backpacker on my own under the WHV and plan to WWOOF as much as possible (I’m really into food and agriculture, as well as cultural practices). I’m from Hawaii, and will be arriving in Auckland in February. I’m wondering if I should try to make my way south as quick as possible and then head north to avoid winter? As you might imagine, Hawaii is pretty warm all the time. Lately the weather at night has turned about 20 degrees celsius. I mention that because I consider that cold. All about relativity, and preparedness.
Also, any tips on thrifting? You might imagine I don’t have a lot of clothes to dress for warmth, so not much to bring with.
Mahalo Nui,
Laura
If you’re concerned about the cold, the North Island is where you’ll want to be for winter! Even there, likely to be colder than 20 degrees so you’ll have to invest in some warm clothes once you arrive!
HI Matt
I came across your site while researching NZ. I am planning to go NZ with my wife and 10 year old son for a year to study and work in Hamilton in 2015. Will certainly get to travel and work while I am there. I love cycling with my son. Your site is great and I am planning to get a car mainly for work but intends to use it for travel on weekends and during the long vacation periods. Not quite sure what would be a good car for work and travel during the long breaks. Any suggestion. Should i get a normal car for work and short travel and then rent one mainly for long travel. Love your site ..will certainly browse more when I am there. Cheers
I’d just buy a car for your entire stay!
Answered a good handful of questions I’ve been hunting round the web for the answers, so for that I thankyou.
I’m taking on NZ for three months so hoping to find some special places, camper booked, flights booked, on count down now.
Cheers bud.
Ps, bungee still scares the crap outa me. Mmmmmmmmm….
Hi Steve – I could have got you a good deal on a campervan! Anyway, have a blast!
Hey bro, glad to here your living the life. I’m currently living with a mate in Auckland and am planning on heading to the South Island to take in some of it’s more spectacular landscapes. Problem is I don’t drive and I’m keen on doing some hiking, just wondering what’s the accessibility like getting around all these national parks from the closet towns if their are any that is? Interested in the Fiordland area and Abel Tasmin national park. Any idea on how to do it on a budget would be greatly apprecciated.
Thanks mate.
Hi Pete I’d buy the Stray Willy Pass to get around the South Island, and you can hop off along the way at the National Parks to do your hikes!
Hey Matt, great post! 🙂
I’ve been itching to travel now for a long time and I’ve finally given myself a good kick and have decided to go to NZ in April/May on a WHV. I’m from the UK so I can apply for 23 months but I’ve decided to go for 12 months and then decide nearer the time if I should extend. Only problem is after pleading with my friends to come it’s not looking hopeful, so I was wondering, is it hard to back pack on your own?
P.s I’m extremely chatty, bubbly, confident and down to earth so making friends is not a problem. I’m just worrying about navigating around (especially my first night/day). Thanks for your help!
Hi Rebecah – great you’re planning a trip to NZ. You’ll love it. Your mates don’t know what they’re missing!
Yes, you’ll be fine coming over solo. So many working holiday makers do the same, so you’ll have no problem meeting people once you arrive. I’d consider getting a Stray pass – drop me a line and I can get you a good deal on a pass!
Hey Matt ,
Thanks for the info , I am in the process of applying for a working Holiday visa , I’m from Canada so would love to go work as a fruit picker in the winter .
Just wondering your opinion on safety , I am a 22 year old female . I would like to hitch hike but I haven’t heard much on that culture and even heard a few horror stories . Whats you opinion on travelling alone ?
Also did you do any work when you where there ?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Ashley – travelling solo is perfectly safe, however I wouldn’t suggest hitchhiking as a solo female. Those horror stories you’ve heard are real, and as a solo female you set yourself up for a bad situation! I’d consider getting a hop on hop off bus pass for your working holiday – they’re good for 12 months so a perfect way to explore the country during your stay, and also meet other travellers.
Yes, I’ve been working in NZ since I arrived! When I first got here I did the hospitality thing, working in a b&b and bar! Plenty of jobs, you just need to be flexible.
Hi Matt,
Great blog, very informative!!
There are 3 of us heading to NZ in 10days, need to plan some sort of itinerary!! We are going for 19 days with return flights from Sydney to Christchurch (not ideal!). Basically we want to see as much of the country as possible as cheaply as possible.
The method of transport is what has us confused, could you recommend what the cheapest option would be between campervan, car and bus??
Also,1 with our awkward flight arrangements do you have a general route suggestion that would utilise our time best?
Hope you can help please. Thank you in advance!! 🙂
Just sent you an email!
Hey Matt,
Amazing article and tips, thank you!
I am from UK and flying to NZ in ten days on a WHV alone, very nervous and excited!
I fly into Auckland for a week and no plans thereafter, reading your blog and from a few friends who have been to NZ before, Auckland does not seem like the place to be / stay. Would you recommend Wellington? I was hoping to do some temp / flexible work for a couple of months and then travel.
Many thanks in advance!
Wellington is great. Or Queenstown! I’d suggest travelling now and working come winter. This is the best time of the year in NZ!
Dude, pretty cool article and links. Dunno how I ended up here. I hail from Canada, got to Auckland on Jan/15 with the 1-year working-holiday visa arranged by SWAP Canada.
Haven’t had a good fish & chips meal yet lol SWAP booked me in for 2 nights @Base ACB hostel and now with my uncle in the Saint Johns area, busy so far visiting local temp agencies. Only transportation I got going is using my AT HOP card. I figure I’d land a job then crawl out of my shyness shell to meet others.
Regarding the stray bus tour – you can hop-off and your preferred destination, bus leaves and you explore until the next bus arrives to hop-on [to the next site]?
Cheers
I meant to say you can ‘hop-off AT your preferred destination’
ugh, late-night spelling o.O
Kia Ora Lavan, hopefully you’re enjoying Auckland!
Correct, you can hop off and spend anything from an extra day or two, up to a couple extra months, before grabbing the next Stray bus that comes through town. Most passes are good for unlimited travel too, so if need be you can do the loop more than once!
I can help you book the pass at a good price, and this helps to support my work too! Drop us a line if you’re keen!
Hey Matt! First I want to say how awesome it is that you take the time to answer these questions from everyone, I can probably speak for everyone here and say we truly appreciate it. Soooo i’m headed over in March to spend 2 weeks with a friend of mine that lives in Rotorua. She is going to take me around and we are going to spend some time on the North and South island. But after she goes back to work I don’t want my trip to end. I was thinking about spending another 2 weeks on my own exploring backpacking around and maybe heading to AU for awhile as well. Any thoughts suggestion would be great? I’m 25 and the thought of being on my own makes me a little worried.
No worries Nicole, it’s my pleasure to answer your questions! You’ll have a blast with your friend in Rotorua. I wouldn’t stress about the travelling solo thing. You could keep your plans open ended for the last couple weeks, and go explore an area of the country you really liked more in depth. Alternatively you could book a tour or bus pass for the final two weeks, just to give you a different feel for NZ. As I’ve mentioned previously, Stray would be a good option if you wanted to explore the South or North Island for a couple weeks!
Hi Matt, great post.. lifted my spirits!!
my partner and I came to New Zealand in November 2014, we did some travelling in the first couple of weeks New Plymouth, bay of plenty and then thought settling in Auckland was the best place to get work/flat… which we have got and got ourselfs a car few weeks back but we both dont feel happy here.. the traffic is crazy, and every suburb altho nice just seems to be the same thing… we are from Ireland and lived in a small town and are into out door and in door sports, the gym prices are soo expensive here in Auckland amount other things.. I think we have lost the reasons why we came here in the first place 🙁 feeling a bit down in Auckland.. so we are thinking of taking the risk, buying a tent and driving to the south island, do you think it is equally the same to get jobs in the south? We are thinking of maybe doing some seasonal work instead of our normal jobs as this might hslp us to truly experince New Zealand and meet people… have heard so many good things about the south and reading ur post has made me want to go even more 🙂
Hi Rachel, glad this cheered you up. Sorry you’re having a bad time in Auckland – can certainly see why it’s not offering the New Zealand experience you were looking for. YES, head down south. Much nicer down here, and assuming you aren’t picky I’m sure you’ll be able to find some kind of work!
So happy to have come across your website, and this article!
Planning to go to NZ on a working holiday visa, constantly confusing myself about where to begin/where to work and where to go, but this is a great help, thanks! 🙂
Woohoo! Happy Planning!
Hi Matt, Great posts man! I’m currently Travelling in Australia and planning to come over to New Zealand in April. Im looking on heading to Queenstown hoping to find work for the winter season.. Do you think April is a good time to look for work or am i best waiting another month or 2?
Cheers Dan.
April is pretty quiet, but it’s all down to luck / persistence! Month or two would leave you with more choices though!
Hi Matt,
Auckland is great, now I’m thinking of busing to Hawke’s Bay, but onward maybe rent a car.
What do I need to know about renting a car as a working-holiday backpacker? Do most rental companies allow access to ferry crossing the Cook Strait?
Would I use a car for free camp grounds for more than a night?
Thanks
Lavan
Hey Lavan, you’ll get a better deal renting your car from Auckland as opposed to Hawke’s Bay. Drop us an email matt@backpackingmatt.com and I can help get you a good deal.
HI Matt…such a very useful tips for me..really appreciate your work..im planning to go to new zealand this end of november until early december..i heard that during that time, the price for everything will be more expensive than other months. is it true? and how about the weather?is it too hot?
thanx
love from malaysia 😀
November is still not quite peak season, December – Feb is when things really get busy! The weather will be fine, much cooler than Malaysia!
Hey Matt,
Im planning 3 months of NZ and was thinking about traveling by public bus. Is traveling by public bus also viable instead of using companies like Stray and Kiwi Experience? and for accommodation i primarily want to stay at camping sites. I was also thinking about freedom camping, but it is only an option if you have a “self sustained” vehicle.. so it is not allowed to freedom camp while bringing regular camping gear? (tent, small burner on propane)
Keep on blogging Matt! Very helpful and gets me quite pumped for the trip 🙂
Thanks for responding!
The Naked / Intercity passes will be cheaper, but it’s an entirely different experience. You’re travelling on a public bus, one that just goes from Point A to B. Whereas with Stray, you firstly get to stop along the way (photos, short walks, etc) and also have a driver/guide that is telling you all about New Zealand. Also, and especially with Stray, you get to go places that the public buses don’t go – Eg Lake Aniwhenua and Whakahoro on the North Island. Not sure you’ve seen my post, but I was with Stray last month on the North Island and it was just awesome.
https://www.backpackingmatt.com/travel-new-zealand-north-island-stray/
It’ll cost a bit more, but I definitely suggest the backpacker bus as opposed to the public bus.
Hey Matt ! Thanks for the great tips ! We just moved to NZ with my partner, and I have to say we’re a bit (a lot) lost. We’re in Auckland atm and we’re not sure we want to stay here. We are considering Queenstown as I went there a few years ago and I loved it. But as we have quite a limited budget for the start, we were wondering how easy it is to find jobs and accommodation there. We haven’t found many flatshares offers yet and as we won’t have a car, we’re wondering if it will be a problem to find work. NZ seems like a great country but we’re hitting a few bumps on the road and would really need some help for the start ! Looking forward to reading your advice :)! Thanks heaps
Emilie
Kia Ora Emilie, welcome to NZ. You’re arriving basically at the end of the summer/peak season. Things will be a bit quieter for the next couple months, before the winter rush arrives. The South Island will be the place to be then. Queenstown / Wanaka or even around Christchurch will be a much better place to find work at this time. I’d grab a Stray bus pass and travel down to Queenstown on the cheap over the course of a couple weeks. You’ll find something here sooner or later!
Hey Matt, I’m finally heading back to NZ for my honeymoon after backpacking North Island in 2002 and falling in love with the country. Just a quick question about Franz Josef. Now that the 4 hour tour is $325, do you still recommend it like you did in the video? I’ve read reviews that it’s a ripoff. Are we better off with one of the free hikes? Or even a helicopter tour is cheaper. Thoughts?
Yes, totally worth it in my opinion. It’s the only way to get on the glacier. So assuming you’ve not done this elsewhere, it’s an incredible experience! $315 on Planit NZ. http://www.planitnz.com/franz-josef-glacier-guided-hike/
I usually find little value in such lists, but this one taught me a lot. Matt obviously knows what he’s talking about and addresses the main concerns that any true traveler would have about exploring NZ. Thanks for the advice!