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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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48 Gap Year Programs in New Zealand

gap students in New Zealand
9.435 reviews

Pacific Discovery

New Zealand & Australia Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery

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

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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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INTERNeX Pacific
101 reviews

INTERNeX Pacific

Farmstay New Zealand

Experience rural life by living and working with a New Zealand fa...

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.6837 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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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.54769 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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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...

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...

Volunteer World
8.8513 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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Rooted Life Adventures
00 reviews

Rooted Life Adventures

Rooted Life Adventures Supported Gap Year in New Zealand

Participate in this gap year program in Queenstown, New Zealand, ...

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 ...

Love Volunteers
00 reviews

Love Volunteers

Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers

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

Letz Live
00 reviews

Letz Live

Gap Year Program - Boarding Assistant in New Zealand

Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Do you love finding new adventures...

Natucate
00 reviews

Natucate

Volunteering in New Zealand – Kauri Coast Conservation Work

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

United Planet
00 reviews

United Planet

Gap Year: 6-month + Service Learning in New Zealand

Wanna see why people favor the natural playground of New Zealand?...

Korea GapYear 한국갭이어 KGY
00 reviews

Korea GapYear 한국갭이어 KGY

Gap Year Programs Around the World

The gap year culture is now widespread in Korea! Thanks to Korea ...

A Guide to Gap Year in New Zealand

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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

I found my place to be

July 01, 2025by: Luisa Link - GermanyProgram: Farmstay New Zealand
10

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.

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