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!

46 Gap Year Programs in New Zealand

Pacific Discovery
New Zealand & Australia Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Immerse yourself in New Zealand and Australia's extraordinary lan...
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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

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
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
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
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
EF Gap Year: Curated 23-Week Program Multiple Destinations
Experience the world and discover your passions with EF Gap Year....

Oyster Worldwide
Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide
Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well ...

Pure Exploration
Adventure Guide Program | Queenstown, New Zealand
Based in Queenstown, this program combines skills acquisition wit...
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Linguistic Horizons
Gap Year: Spanish or English Language Immersion
Take a life-changing gap year abroad with Linguistic Horizons! We...

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
Working Holiday in New Zealand – Your New Home in the South
Feeling like life needs a jolt of excitement? Ready for the next ...

Natucate
Volunteering in New Zealand – Kauri Coast Conservation Work
Become a volunteer on New Zealand’s magnificent Kauri Coast; make...

Love Volunteers
Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers
Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing ...

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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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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