Visa snapshot
Government verified · 17 June 2026- Levy / extra cost
- NZD 100 (International Visitor Levy)
- Funds required
- NZD 7,000
- Work rights
- Any job, but: no permanent job; must work for an employer under an employment contract or contract for services; cannot operate a business as an owner (wording rolled out from 20 Apr 2026; France/Germany pages still show older wording). No per-employer time limit stated.
- Study rights
- Study or training up to 6 months total
- Extensions
- Available, conditions apply
- Reciprocal healthcare
- No
- Private health insurance needed
- Quota / ballot
- 100 per year
- No ballot
Eligibility & conditions
Tertiary education; speak and understand English; not held an NZ working holiday visa before.
One NZ WHV per lifetime (even if unused). Must arrive within 12 months of grant. Online application only, while scheme is open. Capped schemes (UK 15,000; Korea 3,000 in 2026) open on set dates, first-come until filled - no ballot. Onward ticket or funds required.
UK: apply for balance of 36 months (Subsequent Work Visa, INZ 1223). Canada: 12-month holders can extend to 23 months total. ALL schemes: 3 months seasonal horticulture/viticulture work earns a 3-month Working Holiday Extension Work Visa.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the New Zealand Government's official visa portal. Processing typically takes 1-5 days.
Apply Now →Get set up for New Zealand
Banking
Open a local account soon after you arrive in New Zealand so you can get paid and skip foreign-card fees. Most banks let you start the application online before you land.
Mobile & connectivity
Set up a New Zealand number or eSIM for data and calls. The major networks have the widest coverage; budget MVNOs run on the same towers for less.
More New Zealand working holiday visas
Your first-week checklist
The practical order of things for your first days. What to sort and where to go next.