Q & A about the Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

At Working Holiday Starter we try to make things simple, however visas and other travel stuff can be quite complicated, so that's why we are here. We have gathered all the questions that you often ask us, not all of the question you may have are here, feel free to contact us at any time, we will have an answer for you.

How much does it cost?

There are a couple of things to go over about our costs.

Click to convert
If you want an idea of the price of our Starter Pack and services in your currency, click on any price on our website to open a currency converter that will automatically convert a price into the currency of your choice. We get our conversion rates here.
Cost of the Starter Pack
A basic Starter Pack is NZ$499, with all the services. However, we allow you to personalise your Starter Pack to suit your needs, depending on your choices, the final cost may be affected. We make sure to state those costs very clearly.
Other costs of the Starter Pack
Depending on add-ons and options you choose, you may have a monthly cost, like a phone plan or a semester cost like a bank account. Again, we make sure to state those costs very clearly. We will NOT charge you for those, the service provider (phone company, bank, etc.) will. The reason is simple, we do not want to charge you a commission. Our role is to hand you the best deal, not to overcharge you. Taking advantage of those offers can save you a lot of money later.

Why are you so much cheaper than your competitors?

To be honest, it's mostly corporate greed. Our competitors are all parts of bigger international companies, as it generates bigger costs for them. We also use a couple of tools to help us reduce the cost for you like sponsorship, partnership and buying in big quantities. It helps us to keep a light structure and give you a fair price at the end of the line.

I want a service that I cannot find on your website?

Really, we did not think of everything? Sorry about that, just flick us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

I don't really want all of those services?

We've designed our Starter Pack with what we think are the essential services you need. You do not have to use all of the services that we are offering, however they are available in every Starter Pack. We do not offer discount for the services that you do not use.

What if I don't want to stay in Auckland or Queestown?

Actually we encourage you to leave the city, Auckland and Queestown are great but New Zealand is much more. You will be arriving in Auckland or Queestown, we'll set you up, then it's up to you to go wherever you want. We are fully available online and over the phone during your entire trip whether you are next door or at the top of the North Island.

How do I get a Working Holiday Visa?

It's easy, do our Free Visa Check to see if you are eligible then follow our Free Interactive Guide.

My country is not shown on the list?

If your country is not on the list of eligible countries for a Working Holiday Visa, we are sorry about that. We invite you to check the other visas available for you to come and visit the great New Zealand

What if I don't get my Working Holiday Visa?

We strongly advise you to get your visa before you purchase our Starter Pack, however if you choose to buy it before you get you visa, you can. We provide you great tools to help you:

In the unlikely event that your visa is denied we will reimburse your Starter Pack following our refund policy:

"If for any reason you need to cancel your trip, Working Holiday Starter will happily reimburse you, minus 50% administration fees, as long as notice of cancellation is received prior to 14 days of arrival into New Zealand. Cancellations received after the stated deadline (14 days or less prior to arrival) will be reimbursed the full amount minus a 50% administration fee.

No show will not give you a right to any refund. "No show" defines a customer that did not contact us 14 days prior his/her arrival and did not arrive in New Zealand at the date specified when purchasing. If your arrival date changes, flick us an email and we'll update your file.

Those conditions are due to exchange rates, bank transaction fees and cancellation fees with our partners."

I chose a lot of add-ons but now I have changed my mind?

No worries, the same conditions apply as above, just flick us an email and we will solve that for you.

I bought your Starter Pack and my bank statement is showing a different amount than the one displayed on my invoice?

No worries, it is due to 2 factors:

First, if you used our online converter to have an idea of the cost in your currency, be aware that it is for information only and that each bank applies different rates to the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) currency. Your bank may be cheaper or more expensive. We get our exchange rates here.
Second, be aware that for international transactions, banks sometimes charge a little extra, you can ask your bank before buying your Starter Pack how much it will be. It is usually reasonable.

If, however, you feel that something is wrong, contact us and we will have a look at it for you.

Do I need to take a test to prove my English level?

The answer is simple: no you don't. The Working Holiday program has been created especially for young travellers to help them discover different cultures and learn another language.

Can I participate with a friend?

Of course you can, the more the merrier! To make sure that we put you together in each step of the way, flick us an email to let us know who you are coming with, we'll take care of the rest.

What sort of job should I expect to do?

It really depends on what you set your mind on and of course, your level of English. From memory we have had:

Sales people, store manager, valet, concierge, maid, baby sitter, cook, fruit picker, tour guide, courier, graphic designer, travel agent, first aid teacher, bartender, waiter, sailor, ... It is entirely up to you, no jobs are out of reach.

What happens if I don't find a job?

You will find one; we are here to assist you daily. In the unlikely event that it should take you, let's say, more than 2-3 weeks to find a job, we will make your case first priority and go over our contacts in different businesses to get you as many interviews as we can. To date, we have never had someone that was seriously looking for a job and did not find one within the first 2 weeks. Our guides and Job Workshop are very efficient.

Do I have to work?

No you don't. In Working Holiday Visa, there is the word 'Working' but also HOLIDAY ;)

How do I find a place to live?

One other great thing about New Zealand: there is no housing crisis here. There is plenty of accommodation for every taste. Share, single, in town, out of town, small budget, big budget... Really, the choice is overwhelming. Obviously there are a few things to be careful of, but we'll go over them with you.

How do I meet people when I arrive?

When travelling, there is no easier thing than meeting other travellers like you. It is likely that you'll be arriving in Auckland at the same time as our other members to socialise with, but if not, we organise plenty of social events and your hostel will too. We also point you to the most popular social places in Auckland. Plus, we will advise you on the most sociable ways to travel around New Zealand. You may be a solo traveller, but rest assured, you won't spend a day alone.

Do I need vaccinations to come to New Zealand?

Usually not, but take a minute to fill our Free Visa Check. It will give you the entire list of requirements to your specific Working Holiday Visa.

Should I really get medical and travel insurance?

Yes. It is a requirement for every single working holidaymaker. If you want a good deal you can check the special Working Holiday insurance that we offer.

When do I need to apply for my Working Holiday Visa?

If your country does not have a quota, whenever you want.
If your country does have a quota, then the earlier the better. Places go extremely quickly.

In any case, take a minute to fill our Free Visa Check. It will give you the entire list of requirements to your specific Working Holiday Visa.

My country's working holiday visa conditions state that I need to be between 18 and 30 years old to be eligible. What does it mean?

You can apply for a working holiday visa before your 31st birthday. If the visa is approved, regardless your age, you will have 12 months from the approval date to enter New Zealand. The validity of the visa (12 months) will only start when you enter the country the first time.

My country's working holiday visa conditions state that I need to be between 18 and 35 years old to be eligible. What does it mean?

You can apply for a working holiday visa before your 36th birthday. If the visa is approved, regardless your age, you will have 12 months from the approval date to enter New Zealand. The validity of the visa (12 months) will only start when you enter the country the first time.