Although we have tried to use plain English content on the site, you may come across specialist terms and acronyms. Find out what they mean in our glossary of terms.
If you come across a term that isn't included in the Glossary please send us an email.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade produces and maintains information for the regions, countries and territories throughout the world with which New Zealand has relations. The Ministry's country or territory information papers countain information on our relationship with that country or territory, other relevant general information and links to related information on other government websites. The papers are intended for general information and background briefing purposes only.
Select a region from the map to go to the relevant regional information page. Regional pages contain information about New Zealand's relations with the region and links to information papers for countries in that region.
Working Holiday Schemes are reciprocal arrangements that allow people aged 18 to 30 years, who are not accompanied by children, to spend up to 12 months on holiday in the host country. Schemes broadly operate on a reciprocal basis.
Working holidaymakers are able to undertake incidental employment during their visit to supplement their income and broaden their contact with people in the host country.
Working Holiday Schemes develop international connections and encourage people-to-people links by facilitating visits to New Zealand and by providing opportunities for New Zealanders to holiday overseas. The people-to-people links underpin relations with partner countries and can make an important contribution to the overall relationship.
Working Holiday Schemes also make a positive contribution to our economy. Recent research has found that the majority of working holidaymakers are well educated, work in low-skilled jobs that would otherwise remain unfilled, and contribute more to the economy financially than they take out in income.
New Zealand has working holiday schemes with:
Argentina - Belgium - Brazil - Canada - Chile - Czech Republic - Denmark - Finland - France - Germany - Hong Kong Special Administrative Region - Ireland - Italy - Japan - Korea - Malaysia - Malta - Mexico - Netherlands - Norway - Peru - Singapore - Sweden - Taiwan - Thailand - United Kingdom - United States (scheme only applies to US citizens wanting to visit New Zealand) - Uruguay
If you are a New Zealand citizen interested in visiting one of the above as a working holidaymaker, you should contact the relevant Embassy or High Commission.
If you are a citizen of one of the above interested in coming to New Zealand as a working holidaymaker access the Immigration New Zealand website [external link] for more information, including about how to apply for a visa.
