WHV journey in New Zealand

Welcome to this page dedicated to my Working Holiday Visa (WHV) experience in New Zealand !

Here, I'll share all the exciting details of my journey, from the places I've explored to the jobs I've undertaken, along with my favourite spots and essential information for those considering a WHV in this beautiful country.

Embarking on my first solo travel adventure to New Zealand was like jumping into the unknown, especially since I was coming from the other side of the world with pretty limited English skills!

New Zealand has always called to me, partly due to my passion for rugby, being a player myself, and partly because it just seemed like a mysterious beautiful place.

In my mind, New Zealand was all about huge green landscapes, untouched lakes and huge misty mountains, and, of course, loads of sheep fields.

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First steps in New Zealand, Auckland

The begining of my journey ,

I landed in Auckland, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. But I was happily surprised! The city welcomed me with a mix of modern vibes and green hills in the background. Auckland’s lively energy, friendly locals, and multicultural vibes made me instantly comfortable.

Starting my journey in Auckland by trying HelpX to work on my English before finding a job. I spent 10 days at a Tibetan Buddhist temple, it was truly improbable to find myself s in such a place, I went to meditation classes etc, a crazy experience, I didn't really feel like I was in NZ but it was amazing.

Anyway, in exchange of a few hours of gardening, they gave me a place to stay for free. Everyone was so patient and kind, which helped me improve my English and made it easier to adjust to my new home.

So here I am in New Zealand, just in time for the Women's Rugby World Cup!

It was such a cool surprise and perfect timing! I had traveled all the way across the world by myself, but then, just 10 days later, some of my friends and teammates showed up too. Having them around made this faraway place feel a lot more like home.

At the same time, I joined a local rugby team, which was something I’d been really excited to do. I also landed a job as a waitress in Mission Bay, a spot in town which has a totally different vibe from the city center. It’s right by the water with large, beautiful beaches, and it’s just a quick 10 minute ride from downtown!

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First things to do when you arrive in NZ

I started with my IRD number, which is your tax identification number. You absolutely need this number to work in NZ. It’s super easy and fast to obtain. You can do it online or at a post office, in 10 minutes with your passport, visa, and a few other documents.

After that, I went to Kiwibank to open a bank account, which was super easy and took 10 minutes as well. I was in Auckland at the time, if you go a bit out to places like Mount Eden, you just need to show up and you can have your bank account set up on the same day!

For this, you don't need much either, just your passport, your visa, and a proof of residential address (I asked for it at my hostel).

For all of this, you'll need your own NZ phone number. I went to Skinny and picked up a prepaid SIM card without a subscription. It was one of the cheapest options, and through their app, you can easily add what you need, like data or call credit.

Once you’ve got everything set up, you’re ready to dive into work life in New Zealand ! Easy as !

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Work in New Zealand

During my WHV, I got to try a bunch of different jobs that I never would have considered before.

I worked as a waitress in a fancy café, helped out with holiday park construction, picked fruit, did some sheep farming (it was really fun), worked as a kitchen hand, and even hosted on a boat in the fjords. A big package right ?

Each job brought its own unique set of skills and fun experiences. I could write a whole page about it, but what really stood out was the people I worked with.

"The people make the place"

This phrase takes on its full meaning. When you're surrounded by the right people, you can work anywhere and still have a blast. I had the chance to work with friends and fantastic teams that I now consider like friends.

Of course, not every job was a perfect fit.

I had some less than great experiences where the atmosphere and the people weren’t ideal. But the great thing is, if you find yourself in a tough spot, you can always move on. It's easy and that’s exactly what I did.

In the end, I wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything. I learned so much from each of them and made some unforgettable memories.

There are websites that offer all kinds of opportunities such as:

backpackerjobboard.co.nz / seek.co.nz / picknz.co.nz / seasonaljobs.co.nz  / barcats.co.nz

Also, Facebook groups work pretty well. You just need to write a post on a page like : "job Wellington" or "job Central Otago".

Of course, the best way to find a job is to go and apply in person at the places you want to work. There's something about showing up with a smile and making a personal connection that can make all the difference.

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Accomodation

Ok, there we are.

Finding accommodation can be one of the most annoying or stressful tasks, depending on what you’re looking for, of course.

I opted for hostels at the beginning; they’re easy to book, pretty cheap, and perfect for a last-minute person like me.

Before arriving in Auckland, I booked a week at Choice backpakers. This hostel was really nice, super clean, and had a super helpful staff (they gave me the proof of residency). Hostels are a perfect place to pick up tips and meet others travelers !

I always found my room on booking or hostelword, (sometimes the prices are differents for the same room).

That week helped me get settled in New Zealand and take care of all the necessary things to do when you arrive in NZ.

After that and my stay at the Buddhist temple, I didn't see myself living in a hostel for months.

I wanted something more intimate and less busy. Some websites helped me a lot in my search like Flatmates & Roomies. And I found a little cozy outbuilding house. I had the whole flat to myself for the first month and then shared it with a local the second month.

There are other ways to find a place to stay too. You can do some dogsitting, housesitting, or just crash on a buddy's couch.

When I left Auckland, I always aimed to find jobs that came with accommodation to avoid staying at a hostel. This made things much easier and allowed me to move around without worrying too much about where I would stay.

Later on, when I got my car, I chose to have one equipped with a bed in it, which saved money and gave me the freedom to explore remote areas and scenic spots at my own pace.

It was a true adventure, waking up to different landscapes and having the freedom to decide where to go next. This combination of job-related accommodations and my car became my way of life, making my journey through New Zealand even more memorable.

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Handy Apps and tips for New Zealand

Here’s a simple and friendly guide to help you with your time in Auckland and beyond:

• Heart of Auckland: Check out local events happening around town.

• Pack N Save: For budget groceries, this is THE place to go.

• Petrol: Find the cheapest fuel using the Gaspy app

• Salvation Army / NZ Red Cross & Other Second-Hand Shops: Find awesome second-hand stuff that’s good quality and looks new. You’ll be surprised by what you can discover!

• Kmart: It has just about everything you could need at a really good price, from camping gear and home essentials to clothes and more.

• Wikicamps / Freedom Camping NZ: Discover the best free camping spots.

• AllTrails: Find and explore amazing hiking trails

• HelpX/WWOOF: A bit of work in exchange for room and meals (make sure you don't get exploited).

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New Zealand was even more majestic and vast than I had imagined.

The more I traveled through the country, the more I was amazed by its diversity and beauty. The nature there was very imposing; it fascinated me, and the respect that the locals have for it was even more impressive.

I kicked off my journey by hitchhiking around the North Island and riding with friends.

I was surprised by how easy it was to hitchhike. Most of the time, I didn’t wait more than 10 minutes for a ride. The people were incredibly friendly and helpful, making the whole experience enjoyable and safe.

I really loved traveling this way. It allowed me to connect with others, swap stories, learn more about the country, and get special tips from locals.

But, of course, there’s a "but." As awesome as hitchhiking was, it did limit me to explore freely and explore beyond the usual routes.

So I really wanted my own car and after hunting everywhere and dodging a few duds, I finally scored the perfect match for my trip!

My car, PeterP

Finding my car was tough. Usually, it’s pretty simple to find a car or van, Facebook groups and Marketplace are full of travelers selling their set-up rides before heading home.

But I was picky about what I wanted: a 4-wheel drive, Self-Contained (certified for sleeping in it anywhere), and around $4,000.

Most of the cars I checked out were either too pricey or not SC. After a few letdowns, I finally found my gem on the South Island for $5,000.

A beautiful Subaru Forester, certified SC and mostly ready. I took care of the final setup myself.

Having a 4WD was a must for me because I wanted to explore without limits. I knew in New Zealand I’d be able to get lost on trails where other cars couldn’t go, cross streams, drive through snow, or even cruise along sandy beaches.

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I was lucky enough to spend a year and a half in New Zealand, giving me plenty of time to explore so many amazing places across the country.

I was absolutely blown away by the nature that surrounded me on every road, especially by how the scenery was both so concentrated and yet incredibly diverse.

Within just an hour of driving, I could go from large green fields to volcanic terrains to dramatic huge mountains wrapped in long white clouds.

Driving along these roads was incredible, and having the freedom to sleep in dreamy spots made the whole journey feel unreal.

New Zealand’s North and South Islands each have their own unique charm. Every island has its own special vibe, making the whole country a magical place to explore.

Let me share some of my highlights with you.

North island

The North Island is exactly what you imagine when you think of New Zealand, big green hills and tons of sheep. I didn’t get to explore it as much as I did the South , but it had its own special charm.

For me, the North Island is all about the amazing moments I made with others.

I was traveling solo, but I was never really on my own.

My first stop was Hobbiton, the famous set from "The Lord of the Rings."  It was a lot of fun, though it was way more touristy than I’d imagined. If you’re not a fan of the movies or haven’t seen them, the tour's full of movie facts, so it might not be as exciting.

Still, the place was just as charming as I’d hoped and super cute, hanging out with my friend Sarah made the tour a blast and turned it into some really sweet memories. It’s true what they say, people really do make the place, I really enjoyed this place!

I never imagined New Zealand would be such a hotspot for geothermal wonders and hidden hot springs.

I went on a road trip with some friends and we explored the Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua, and wow, this place was out of this world!

It felt like we’d landed on another planet. The landscape was mind blowing, with misty lakes and steamy rivers in wild shades of orange and bright green. Everywhere we looked, geysers were shooting up, each one more surprising than the last.

Rotorua is packed with geothermal parks, and trust me, you have to check them out. It’s a total must-do in NZ!

I went on a bunch of road trips with my friends Laet and Camille. We got to hangout and work together around both the North and South Islands. It’s funny how being so far from home actually brought us even closer.

One of my favorite spots we explore together was the coast up to Tauranga. There were so many stunning beaches, awesome surf spots, and the best laid-back vibes.

It’s the perfect place to hangout, especially with those incredible sunsets, bonfires on the beach, and sunrises. And don’t miss Mount Maunganui ! The view from the top is absolutely worth it!

On my way back to Auckland, I had to pick between the east coast and the west coast. I ended up on the west because I really wanted to hike Mount Taranaki. And the hike was absolutely amazing! I’ll share more about it in my upcoming post on hiking & trampling in new zealand.

I also made a stop at some incredible spots like the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock. This stunning black sand beach is dotted with towering rock formations, including one that looks like a giant elephant, pretty cool, right?

I timed my visit for sunset, and the colors were just breathtaking. I think catching either sunrise or sunset is the best way to experience the full beauty of this place.

Just make sure to check the tide since the beach is only accessible at low tide.

It was such a peaceful pause in time, a reminder of how beautiful simple things can be.

The North Island offer some awesome, safe surf spots, whether you're riding the waves or just watching others, and super chill vibes, like at Manu Bay in Raglan or Muriwai.

There are so many cool spots to discover!

My time there made me realise how distance can actually bring you closer to people in a way I didnt expect.

Take a look at the map above to see the places I explored.

South Island

Alright, let’s dive into the South Island ! Wow, where do I even start?

I spent so much time there, and honestly, this island stole my heart. From breathtaking landscapes to amazing adventures, it’s hard to put into words how incredible it was.

The South Island is where it's at for hiking! I tackled a bunch of trails there, and each one was more incredible than the last. The views were absolutely stunning, with nature in full force all around.

If you’re making your way to New Zealand, you’ve got to hit up at least one of these trails to truly experience the epic mountains and NZ vibes.

I’ll dive into the details of all my hikes in another post just [here].

Trust me, hiking in the South Island was definitely one of the highlights of my New Zealand adventure.

Another major highlight was my time working in Milford Sound. Those 10 months were like pressing the pause button on my life, letting me focus on what really matters. I got to fully appreciate the beauty around me and forge deep connections with the incredible people there.

It was the perfect moment for personal reflection and recharge.

'Some disconnection will bless your life'

If you’re in the South Island, you absolutely can’t miss this stunning place where it feels like nature is watching over you and is completely alive.

You can check out my full article on my Milford Sound experience [here].

Alright, let’s dive into one of my favorite spots: the Catlins. This area is simply stunning.

Picture yourself driving with your favorite tunes, through rolling green hills with the ocean in the background. Strolling through lush forests and discoving long, wild beaches that seem to stretch on forever.

The Catlins are full of surprises and beauty, it truly feels like you’ve walked straight into a fairy tale!

I had an incredible time at Curio Bay in the Catlins, where I got to surf alongside the tiny, rare Hector’s dolphins. It's one of the few places where you can swim with these amazing dolphins and even spot some penguins nearby. It felt like I was living in a dream! Check that [here] !

If you’re cruising around Lake Pukaki (btw, it's a wonderful spot to camp around) and Tekapo, make sure to swing by the Clay Cliffs.

It’s a small spot, just a quick 20-minute walk around, but really unique. I hadn’t seen anything like it anywhere else in NZ; it felt like I’d been transported to a desert landscape in the USA!

I went there early to dodge the tourists, and it was almost like having the place to myself.

There’s a $5 honesty box entry fee per vehicle, so bring some cash, definitely worth it!

New Zealand is full of epic drives, where you can spend hours on the road without ever getting bored. The time seems to fly by, and you’ll find yourself wanting to stop everywhere to truly soak in the stunning views.

The West Coast is definitely one of those unforgettable drives.

On this road, you'll walk on epic glaciers, trek through rainforests, and enjoy sunsets on beaches with all kinds of sands. One of my favorite stops was Hokitika, a charming little seaside town known as the “Art Town.” The vibe there was truly unique, super chill, with friendly locals. The shops were absolutely adorable, making it a perfect place to hangout for a few days.

Up in the north of the South Island, there’s that famous beach you’ve probably seen on the Windows 10 wallpaper.

I almost skipped it, thinking it might be overrated and not worth the long drive for just one spot. But honestly, I’m so glad I made the trip!

I ended up staying the night, just to soak in this amazing sunset, the sky turned the coziest shades of pink and orange. It was pure magic.

Whether you’re into epic hikes, stunning fjords, or just soaking up nature’s beauty, the South Island is definitely a place where you’ll fall in love with every moment. I won’t go into detail about every incredible spot I discovered, but trust me, each one is its own little piece of magic.

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I was super happy to uncover the secrets of this distant land that had captured my imagination for so long.

Each day offered a new perspective on the natural beauty of this country.

It also gave me the space to grow and reflect in ways I hadn’t before. Taking risks, trying new things, and embracing the unknown were all part of this journey.

It’s incredible how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to such unforgettable experiences and deep connections.

Thank you so much for checking out my adventures! I’m so glad you stopped by.

I hope you found some inspiration and enjoyed the journey as much as I did. If you’ve got any questions, travel tips, or just want to swap stories, don’t be shy ! Drop me a message !

Happy travels and keep exploring! 🚀✨