Gap Year Programs in New Zealand

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.

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.

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.

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.