New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations for career breakers. Like Australia, it features on most round-the-world routes, and it has a similarly easy working holiday visa scheme.

What?

New Zealand is about the farthest you can get from home without going to Antarctica. Famous for having more sheep than people (40 million to 4 million), this country is about the same size as the UK, but has a fraction of the population.

New Zealand is made up of two main islands, plus a load of little ones. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, made famous by 'Lord of the Rings'. Kiwis, as New Zealanders are known, are big on outdoor activities, be it bungy-jumping, glacier walking or 'tramping' (hiking).

Why?

• The ease of obtaining a working holiday visa if you're 30 or younger means you can work in temporary paid jobs in New Zealand for up to 23 months. See the paid work abroad page for more information on the working holiday visa.
• New Zealand is even easier to travel around than Australia because of its relatively small size.
• Its landscape is truly stunning - nowhere else on earth has scenery like New Zealand.
• There's a huge number of outdoor activities to do, they're pretty cheap and easily accessible.
• There are also a number of decent museums and art galleries in New Zealand's towns and cities, plus there's the opportunity to experience traditional Maori cultural activities.
• People are generally friendly and pleasant, and the country is safe.

How?

Your round-the-world ticket will usually take you into one island and fly you out of the other. Do some research to see how long you want to spend travelling around (it can be done in 3 weeks but many career breakers who opt for this find it's not enough once they get there).

There are a number of hop-on, hop-off bus services which will take you all around New Zealand for a reasonable price. These are very flexible, and if you're travelling alone, are a good way of meeting fellow backpackers. Train travel is also viable in many parts of the country.

To get between islands, you'll need to take the ferry which is quick and easy (although not always calm).

Facts for the career breaker

• Working holiday visas are available for 12 or 23 months. They allow you to work in a temporary job for up to a year.
• If you are over 30, there are other ways of getting employment (temporary or permanent) in New Zealand. Find out more on the New Zealand embassy website.
• British citizens do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if they're not working.
• Despite its proximity to Australia, New Zealand does not always have such sunny weather. Pack a jumper and something waterproof.
• New Zealand's reputation for being a safe place to travel is well-earned. However, it's inadvisable to go off tramping in the mountains alone.
• New Zealand is the birthplace of the bungy jump so it's a great place to do one if you're feeling brave!

Top New Zealand tip

• Take some time to learn about Maori history and culture - there are plenty of events that you can attend.

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