What jobs can backpackers get in New Zealand?
Armed with a working holiday visa and a desire to fund your travels, you are ready to find a job! Backpackers are able to choose from a variety of jobs in New Zealand. Some land their dream job on the slopes or sailing the seas. Others can experience New Zealand culture through WWOOFing, farm work and au pair. Build on skills you learned at home (and of course learn new skills) in retail and hospitality. Every job has their perks, so read our TOP list to see why some backpacker jobs are simply excellent.
And remember, we have heaps of advice on how to get a job in New Zealand starting here and we have hundreds of live job listings for backpackers on our Job Listings page.
1. Ski field staff
It’s the dream, right? Get a lift pass for free so you can ski or snowboard all season! Find out more at What it is Like to Work on a New Zealand Ski Field.
© Pixabay2. Construction Worker
Make a difference by rebuilding Christchurch! A great way to get one of these jobs in Christchurch is with a recruitment agency. They work closely with construction companies to pair works and jobs as quickly as possible.
© Pexels3. Au Pair
Be part of the family and gain valuable experience in childcare. Save loads of dollars by working for accommodation.
© Pixabay4. Hospitality
Get socialising by being a waiter/waitress or bartender. Bonus tip: train to be a barista or bartender at the Barista Academy in Auckland to give your CV a boost! Book a course on the Barista Academy’s website.
© Pexels5. Fruit and veggie picking
Work as a team and make loads of cash, especially if you are paid per piece, plus, this work will help you extend your working holiday visa. Check out the picking seasons here.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Sailor
Being part of a boat crew is an awesome way to explore New Zealand’s waters. There are some work for accommodation opportunities also on sailboats.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Farm work
Be part of a true New Zealand lifestyle. Find out more in Seasonal Work in New Zealand’s Dairy Industry.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Hostel worker
Be the one in charge over your fellow backpackers! It’s also another way to work for accommodation.
© Pixabay9. Tourism industry jobs
Be the one pushing people from bridges… (in bungy jumping, obviously). Also, enjoy perks such as free activities and trips!
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Sheep shearer
There are so many sheep in New Zealand, we need all the help we can get!
© NZPocketGuide.com11. DoC volunteer
Not exactly a job butyou give back to New Zealand while staying in beautiful locations. Check out how you can work for the DOC in How to Volunteer for the Department of Conservation of New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.com12. Retail
Learn and develop skills to bring back home with you.
© Pexels13. WWOOFing
An exchange, rather than working for a wage. Work 3-6 hours a day for food and accommodation, while experiencing an authentic New Zealand lifestyle. More information can be found at Everything You Need to Know About WWOOFing in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.com14. Movie extra
Be an extra in New Zealand’s next big blockbuster!
© NZPocketGuide.com15. Sales and face-to-face marketing
If your English is top-notch, the commission will help you get back on the road in no time. We list 9 Reasons Why Charity Fundraising is an Awesome Backpacker Job.
© Unicef New Zealand
If you liked this article and want to see more, check out…
