Gap Year Programs in New Zealand

Filter Results

Featured Provider of the Month
with Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
42 Gap Year Programs in New Zealand

Pacific Discovery
4.51
295
Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. Thi...


International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
827
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...
See All 2 Programs

Pacific Discovery
4.65
40
Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. Thi...
See All 4 Programs

INTERNeX Pacific
5
2
Experience rural life by living and working with a New Zealand farming family. The Farmstay New Zealand program offers hands-on farming tasks, p...
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
4.76
41
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
See All 2 ProgramsEA Ski and Snowboard Training
3.5
6
EA Ski and Snowboard Training is looking for skiers to join us in New Zealand on a winter gap year. If you love the outdoors, travel, and have a passion for skiing, then this ski instructor internship program is for you. What is the ski instructor internship program? The internship is a course des
See All 3 ProgramsGlobal Work & Travel
5
11
Craving something bigger than the same routine at home? Imagine spending your year hiking mountains, exploring glaciers, discovering hidden beaches and road tripping through one of the most scenic countries in the world, all while getting paid to travel. A New Zealand working holiday is the perfect
Linguistic Horizons
5
1
Take a life-changing gap year abroad with Linguistic Horizons! We offer internships in various fields, volunteer, study abroad programs, foreign language immersion, nutrition, and alternative medicine programs. Our program destinations include South America, Europe, and Oceania. Choose from Spain,
Love Volunteers
0
0
Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volu
JENZA
0
0
Live the high life as a ski lift attendant, play the field working in a vineyard or cause a stir as a barista with a working holiday in New Zealand. Why Work New Zealand Home to spellbinding scenery, rich Māori heritage and a laid-back ‘too easy’ attitude – Aeoteroa (New Zealand) is a magical plac
Intern Abroad HQ
4.8
10
Launch your marketing career with confidence through Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable and top-rated provider of Sales & Marketing internships. Designed to provide practical, real-world experience and boost your resume, these internships help you build creative, analytical, and communica
Volunteer World
4.29
17
Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller g
See All 2 ProgramsRooted Life Adventures
0
0
Participate in this gap year program in Queenstown, New Zealand, with therapeutic support for young adults ages 18-22. Spring | Feb 18 – Apr 28, 2025 Fall | Sep 17 – Nov 25, 2025 Embark on the ultimate gap year adventure with our transformative program, designed to support your mental health and we
Institute for Global Studies
0
0
New Zealand is a highly sought-after destination for many students wishing to complete an internship abroad. It boasts around 15 hours of sunshine in summer, from December to February. Plus, Kiwi hospitality is second to none and the country has a vibrant government and business sectors. IGS offe
See All 16 ProgramsOyster Worldwide
4.5
4
Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our
Pure Exploration
4.63
38
Based in Queenstown, this program combines skills acquisition with the opportunity to truly embrace an outdoor lifestyle. Over 12 weeks, you'll hike, rock climb, pack raft, camp, and explore the backcountry in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Our favorite handpicked locations will provide you
See All 4 ProgramsUnited Planet
0
0
Wanna see why people favor the natural playground of New Zealand? From its extreme mountains to coastal farmlands, it is an amazing island country with a lot of beautiful landscapes. Because it's so remote, it was one of the last places on earth settled by humans. New Zealanders describe it as a rel
A Guide to Gap Year in New Zealand
Best Cities
The North Island is all pristine beaches and big(ish) cities, while the South Island is all rugged mountainside and steely seas. Most towns in New Zealand would make great nests for a gap year, but a few in particular stand out.
Auckland. It’s New Zealand’s largest city, and with that comes endless work opportunities and countless activities. Gappers will easily find a wide range of jobs, volunteer opportunities, internships...whatever experience it is you want to include in your gap year, Auckland will have it. With a stellar free art museum, dozens of pleasant parks, an easy and extensive train network, and hip neighborhoods, Auckland always has something new up its sleeve.
Queenstown. This hamlet may not be the most practical choice for a gap year in New Zealand, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more memorable location. There is a bottomless pit of hospitality jobs in Queenstown, especially during the winter when ski resorts will pay a pretty penny for seasonal workers. Au pairs are also needed frequently in and around town, too. By the way, the symbolic Queenstown rite of passage is a gut-turning bungy jump, so hold onto your butts.
Popular Activities
So you decided to take a year “off.” What now? In New Zealand, you can commit your time to one thing, or many things, in one place, or many places!
Working holiday. Doing a working holiday for your gap year allows a lot of flexibility. Live in a different town each month, or stay in one place for an entire year—it’s all up to you. Doing a working holiday independently is incredibly simple, but if you choose to coordinate through a program, you are granted access to coordinators and resources to help you land jobs. Be aware, though, that working holiday jobs usually aren’t the most glamorous; put that sleek corner office out of your mind, and pick up the toilet brush instead.
Au pair. There is a fairly high demand for au pairs in New Zealand, especially those who speak fluent English in particular. However, with this option, you won’t have much control over where you live; you’ll either be placed with a family through a program, or relocate for the family who hires you. If you’re prone to homesickness, au pairing might be the remedy you need—your own bedroom, home-cooked meals, and family time are generally awesome aspects of being an au pair.
What Else You Need to Know
Costs. New Zealand gap years are notoriously expensive, but with a working holiday visa there are hundreds of ways to make a little extra cash. Many hostels provide free accommodation to those who are willing to make beds and empty trash cans for a couple hours each day. Don’t forget about FundMyTravel either—it’s extremely useful for raising money if you want a comfy financial cushion (and it’s a good idea to have one).
Accommodations. Hostels in New Zealand truly set the standard for the rest of the gap year world. If you’re willing to do a little research, you can find one that’s downright affordable to boot. Weigh your pros and cons with accommodation. Flats can be cheaper rent-wise in the long run, but nothing beats living in a hostel with many like minded travelers.
Visas. A Working Holiday Visa is what you’re after for a gap year in New Zealand. The terms vary between countries, but in general they include a small fee, and last for about a year. Check out GoAbroad Travel Resources to learn more.
Safety. New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world, and may even be safer than your home country (seriously). However, always remain vigilant and trust your instincts—if something feels dodgy, it probably is.
GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop
Truly, there is no wrong time to take a gap year in New Zealand. You can create an experience that is exactly what you want it to be, or you can go with the flow and see what the universe has in store for you. A gap year will always be remembered as perhaps the most adventurous year of your life, and it will give you more than just pretty pictures—you will go back home feeling inspired, and with the confidence to take risks and leave your comfort zone.
Don’t be that person who stays inside and watches Into the Wild for the 10th time in the hostel TV room. Get out there and hike that trail to Mordor and climb Mount Doom, or create your own adventure! Just don’t waste your time, and don’t lose sight of why you’re there in the first place. New Zealand is far too special, and your gap year is far too valuable to spend it all indoors (although, you have our permission if there’s a cyclone).
In the Land of the Long White Cloud, the romanticism of travel is alive and well, and it will complement your gap year swimmingly. Stunning topography, fun culture, adventure around every bend in the alpine roads—stop waiting, and take a gap year in New Zealand! Interested in learning more? Check out this article about post-college gap years.
Popular Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Zealand a good place for a gap year?
Definitely! New Zealand offers endless things to see and do, making it the perfect destination for a gap year. In fact, it consistently ranks among the top ten countries to take a gap year.
How do I take a gap year in New Zealand?
The easiest way to take a gap year in New Zealand is to apply for a working holiday visa, which will allow you to work part time on farms or in hospitality. You can also book your gap year experience through providers like Pacific Discovery and Pure Exploration.
What can you do while on a gap year in New Zealand?
It generally depends on what the program is all about. Your gap year in New Zealand could involve volunteering combined with adventure travel. It could also be a study and internship program, with some sightseeing in your personal time. Considering the rich diversity of New Zealand, you won’t run out of fun activities during your gap year.
Is it expensive to stay in New Zealand?
It can be quite costly to spend a gap year in New Zealand. After all, it’s one of the most expensive countries for students (and travelers in general). Fortunately, there are ways to manage your expenses or earn some money on the side. It helps to familiarize yourself with living costs in New Zealand and then prepare a budget based on how much you might spend during your stay.
Latest Program Reviews
It Was an Incredible Experience I Ever Had!
June 10, 2026by: Malakhi M - United KingdomProgram: Working Holiday in New Zealand | Your Kiwi Adventure
New Zealand is an amazing place, the sights and landscapes are absolutely incredible. From the time i arrived and even before i arrived i was guided through everything i needed for the trip and had things waiting for me. Although only a few weeks into my trip i feel that global work and travel have made this incredible trip feel amazing and i feel like I'm at home already.
The Warmth Was So Real
June 10, 2026by: Serena S - United StatesProgram: Working Holiday in New Zealand | Your Kiwi Adventure
My travel agent was amazing! She was so sweet and kind, she cared and made talking about this fun. She gave me ideas and is so good at what she does! She made me feel very comfortable and we laughed a lot and had fun. My experience was so awesome. I feel like i want to know her in person. I loved her!
They Just Made Sure I Didn't Mess It Up
June 10, 2026by: Steven S - AustraliaProgram: Working Holiday in New Zealand | Your Kiwi Adventure
I mainly used global work and travel to keep me on track for going to NZ. This was because I was already on a visa in another country not through glabal work and travel and I also wanted to meet/know people before hand. Global work and travel did both just swimmingly! I was able to meet the 5 other global work and travel people coming in to Auckland right when they arrived. I talked to 2 of them prior to me landing. We hung out and did activities everyday! It was cool to see pictures of the inclusion with All the Global work and travel people together. Even though our jobs are in different towns we still plan to meet up somewhere along the way! Also Hannah was very good at keeping me on track.
Didn't Think I'd Be This Settled This Fast
June 10, 2026by: Amelia A - United KingdomProgram: Working Holiday in New Zealand | Your Kiwi Adventure
I booked pretty much everything with with Global Work and Travel which took a big stress off my shoulders. From the flights here which were really good to getting to the Attic it was really smooth. The Global team were really helpful and had good response times to any emails for questions. The team set me up with an interview for a job which I've now been at for almost a month and I'm loving it. I also decided to join the rugby team in the town I work and I'm really enjoying playing for them. I decided to keep the Sky walk in Auckland towards the end of my trip which I'm really happy i got the option to do. Overall I've had a really good experience in New Zealand and would highly recommend a visit.
Worth Every Penny
June 10, 2026by: Jason J - CanadaProgram: Working Holiday in New Zealand | Your Kiwi Adventure
"For my first long-term international solo trip, Global Work & Travel has been such a reassuring asset that provided excellent support throughout the entire travel process. Without them, I would've hesitated at every step while planning my trip, questioning whether I checked every box I would need to or found the most suitable options. Their coordinators really streamlined the entire thing and set me up for success! Not only did they ensure that I followed a good time-frame to acquire all the necessary documentation, they would even arrange some of the transactions on my behalf after going over the service details and price with me, much of which I would have been poorly informed on otherwise. If you would prefer to obtain any of these things yourself, then they are more than willing to work with you. For example, you may want to secure a job and a place to stay way ahead of finalizing your trip as it was a bit nerve-racking having to wait until I was only a couple weeks out from my departure before they set up an interview. However, for me the most intimidating aspect of living abroad for an extended period is finding a reliable source of income. So I really appreciated how they work as liaisons for various businesses, though of course they can't work miracles as you'll still have to compete with other applicants. Many employers are looking to hire rather quickly and expect you to already have all that's required for you to begin working including your visa, bank account, and tax number. So GW&T gives you the best chance of landing a gig by ensuring you've covered all your bases, that you apply to opportunities relative to your experience and to companies that are familiar with hiring foreigners, and do so all on a timeline that's feasible for them to meet their workforce demands. Having put my complete trust in GW&T, it all worked out as they helped me find a real sweet position that fit my interests and came with accommodations! The initial hostel arrangement for when I first landed was also great and very convenient! They chose a clean, reputable place in a prime location and booked it alongside plenty of other travelers using their program so it was easy to make a lot of friends. Now that I've been through the planning procedure once myself, I could likely book another trip of this duration again on my own, but all the resources they provided and activities included were well worth it! I was able to learn about the culture and get a taste of what it has to offer while engaging in enjoyable experiences I likely wouldn't have bothered to organize personally. Although I can't guarantee you'll get as much as I did out of their services, I would definitely recommend them and would certainly work with them again myself!"
Such an Amazing Experience!
June 10, 2026by: Cameron C - Northern Mariana Islands (USA)Program: Working Holiday in New Zealand | Your Kiwi Adventure
Global work and travel is an excellent stepping stone into the world of travel! They help you with everything you are going to need before your go abroad. With their help I was able to travel to New Zealand and get a job here. It's already been such an amazing experience. I have made new friends and got to do so many amazing things.
Didn't Have to Google a Single Thing
June 10, 2026by: Hector H - Hawaii (USA)Program: Working Holiday in New Zealand | Your Kiwi Adventure
Global made planning my whole trip easier and less stressful. I didn't have to worry about where to find official documents or where I needed to go for insurance, flights, and immigration because they did that work and research for me. Megan my trip coordinator was always lovely to speak with and very helpful.
Didn't Expect to Find My People Here Too
June 10, 2026by: Libby L - Guam (USA)Program: Working Holiday in New Zealand | Your Kiwi Adventure
Without the help of this amazing team of people I would have been lost. The pre booked excursions have made me memories of a lifetime. With all of the other travelers who chose this company have been some of the best people I've ever met & we are having the best time! :)
Easiest Decision I Ever Made
June 10, 2026by: Gabrielle G - CanadaProgram: Working Holiday in New Zealand | Your Kiwi Adventure
The sign up process was very easy, I had quite a bit of time to prepare for traveling to NZ. Upon getting here, my arrivals coordinator set up for me to do the Auckland bridge walk with AJ Hackett (10/10) would recommend doing that. As well as wine tasting on Waiheke island. I got a job in an awesome little lakeside town and have had the opportunity to go white water rafting with Kaitiaki Adventures (captain jack was awesome) and got to do the bungy swing in Taupo.
Didn't Have to Think About a Single Thing
June 10, 2026by: Valerye V - United StatesProgram: Working Holiday in New Zealand | Your Kiwi Adventure
I appreciated how organized and well-structured the trip was. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, and everything ran on schedule. My Trip Coordinator played a key role in making the experience smooth by providing timely updates, managing logistics efficiently, and being consistently available for any questions. Their professionalism made the trip significantly easier.
A Memorable stay at an Alpaca Farm
March 20, 2026by: Isabel Tikka - SwedenProgram: Farmstay New Zealand
My time abroad was truly a fantastic experience that I will always remember. I had the opportunity to stay and work at an alpaca farm, which was something completely new and exciting for me. During my stay, I learned a lot about this unique animal species—their behavior, how they are cared for, and their importance to the farm. One of the most special parts of my experience was living with a host family who were incredibly welcoming and kind. They made me feel at home from the very beginning, and I am very grateful for their warmth and hospitality. Through this experience, I also gained a deeper understanding of the local culture, which made my time abroad even more meaningful. It was not only about the work, but also about connecting with people and learning new perspectives. Overall, it was an unforgettable journey, and I can definitely imagine going back again in the future. If you have the chance, I really recommend to work abroad on a farm!

I was pushed out of my comfort zones and became a better person because of it.
November 20, 2025by: Bronwyn JonesProgram: New Zealand & Fiji Summer Program | Pacific Discovery
Pacific Discovery will always have a special place in my heart. I learned so much about myself as well as other places and other people. I was pushed out of my comfort zones and became a better person because of it.
Made some unforgettable memories
November 18, 2025by: Brianna CamposProgram: Semester Abroad in New Zealand & Australia - Conservation
This program is perfect for someone that loves and appreciates the outdoors and is very active. I had an amazing experience and made some unforgettable memories. I also made amazing new friendship with the other people on the program.
An amazing experience
November 18, 2025by: Noah WagnerProgram: Semester Abroad in New Zealand & Australia - Conservation
Pacific Discovery was an amazing experience! I formed amazing friendships and did countless bucket list activities. This program allowed me to grow as a person and push past my comfort zone. You won’t regret signing up for one of their trips.
I found my place to be
July 01, 2025by: Luisa Link - GermanyProgram: Farmstay New Zealand
I started into my farmstay with no expectations really and I found everything I was ever hoping to find. Many people wish they knew they where in 'their good old days' when they happened and not afterwards and I can say, I knew while I was living them. The past 9 months in New Zealand were the best time I ever had in my life. And without Internex they wouldn't have happend. So thank you to the team of Internex. You did such an amazing job with everything.
Life-changing experience
April 30, 2025by: Yuval MironiProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Life changing experience, made memories for life. I would passionately recommend this program to anyone unsure of their gap year plans.
It was a life changing experience for him.
April 27, 2025by: Amos KamilProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Our son was having a difficult time at school and needed reset. Pacific Discovery provided that and so much more. I’d go so far as to say it was a life changing experience for him.
The group experience allowed him to travel to a new country in a safe environment without family.
April 21, 2025by: Natalie DunnProgram: Semester Abroad in New Zealand & Australia - Conservation
The New Zealand and Australia trip was a wonderful experience for our son. The group experience allowed him to travel to a new country in a safe environment without family. He wanted to travel independently but we wanted him to learn within a safe environment first. Pacific Discovery has given him the skills knowledge to now go out and travel on his own.
The most amazing time, gained friends and experiences that he will cherish forever
April 21, 2025by: Elisheva MironiProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
As a parent, I felt my son was in the best hands. He had the most amazing time, gained friends and experiences that he will cherish forever. The program was a great combination between seeing new places, learning about different cultures and doing community service, as well as having fun. For me, receiving regular updates from Pacific Discovery, as well as personal updates when necessary, put my mind at ease.
Step out of my comfort zone
April 12, 2025by: Alice BeginProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Awesome experience. Was able to step out of my comfort zone plenty of times and got to experience things I never thought I would. So many experiences like village stay and camping near the beach in New Zealand that I’d never thought in à million years I would experience. Amazing program. I recommend 100%
Popular Searches
Apply for Scholarships & Deals
Submit a single application on MyGoAbroad to get exclusive discounts on travel programs!

Recent Gap Year Articles






















