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Gap Year Programs in New Zealand

Due in large part to winning the geological lottery and undergoing millennia of isolation that lasted well into the 18th century, New Zealand has cultivated a reputation as indescribably beautiful from shore to flawless shore. Although it’s truly an outdoorsman's dream, there’s far more to New Zealand than crystal blue lakes and jade ferns. Whether you want to study, volunteer, work, or just simply adventure, New Zealand has you covered. Looking for time off before or after college? A well-deserved break from the rat race? A solid excuse to travel for a year? Make the most of it and take a sweet as gap year in New Zealand!

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46 Gap Year Programs in New Zealand

gap students in New Zealand
9.4533 reviews

Pacific Discovery

New Zealand & Australia Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery

Immerse yourself in New Zealand and Australia's extraordinary lan...

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New Zealand
9.53749 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all...

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Institute for Global Studies
00 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

Institute for Global Studies logo

New Zealand's Best Reviewed Internships: 62 options

New Zealand is a highly sought-after destination for many student...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.6534 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

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Carpe Diem Education
93 reviews

Carpe Diem Education

South Pacific Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

Spend a gap semester in Australia and New Zealand. Located in the...

EA Ski and Snowboard Training
6.836 reviews

EA Ski and Snowboard Training

Become a Ski Instructor in New Zealand - Training Included

EA Ski & Snowboard Training is looking for skiers to join us in N...

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EF Gap Year
8.3813 reviews

EF Gap Year

EF Gap Year: Curated 23-Week Program Multiple Destinations

Experience the world and discover your passions with EF Gap Year....

Oyster Worldwide
94 reviews

Oyster Worldwide

Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well ...

Pure Exploration
9.3938 reviews

Pure Exploration

Adventure Guide Program | Queenstown, New Zealand

Based in Queenstown, this program combines skills acquisition wit...

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Linguistic Horizons
101 reviews

Linguistic Horizons

Gap Year: Spanish or English Language Immersion

Take a life-changing gap year abroad with Linguistic Horizons! We...

Volunteer World
8.7512 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

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Global Work & Travel
101 reviews

Global Work & Travel

Working Holiday in New Zealand – Your New Home in the South

Feeling like life needs a jolt of excitement? Ready for the next ...

Natucate
00 reviews

Natucate

Volunteering in New Zealand – Kauri Coast Conservation Work

Become a volunteer on New Zealand’s magnificent Kauri Coast; make...

Love Volunteers
00 reviews

Love Volunteers

Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing ...

Intern Abroad HQ
103 reviews

Intern Abroad HQ

The Most Affordable Internship Programs in New Zealand!

Intern Abroad HQ offers the most flexible and affordable internsh...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Latest Program Reviews

Just do it

by: Sophia Gidwani - United StatesProgram: New Zealand & Australia Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
9

The 70 days I spent pacific discovery in Aus/NZ were absolutely unforgettable. My instructors were absolutely incredible people. Both were so knowledgeable and so qualified to lead us. The program was the perfect mix of freedom and structure. It was a great mix of camping/hostels. I learned so much about myself and the world I live in. I gained more than I could have ever imagined. New Zealand is the most incredible place I have ever been and you will never want to leave. If you are at all considering this program, DO IT. There is so much joy on the other side of the fear holding you back

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.

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