Taking a gap year after or before uni? Need a break from corporate life? Or looking for a big adventure before you turn 30? Moving to New Zealand on a working holiday visa was exactly the type of adventure I was looking for.
This guide will help you navigate various stages from the visa application process, bank accounts and tax, applying for jobs, getting used to life in New Zealand, getting around etc.
I’ll offer some tips and insights, answer commonly asked questions, and help you feel more secure on your journey towards beautiful Aotearoa.
A working holiday visa is a fantastic way to live abroad short-term, explore a new destination, and experience an entirely different country. For Singaporeans between the ages of 18 and 30, we’re only eligible for working holiday visas in two countries, Australia and New Zealand.
I started my application in October 2023, just days before my 30th birthday.
My application was officially approved in March 2024. I arrived in New Zealand over Christmas, December 2024, aged 31. Spent most of my time here in 2025, aged 32.
So if you’re approaching your 30s and wondering if it’s too late to embark on a little side quest… Don’t worry! You’re never too old for adventure.
Singapore Work Exchange Programme Visa
Singaporeans between the ages of 18 and 30 can apply for the work holiday visa (WHV) or officially named Singapore Work Exchange Programme Visa to travel, work for up to 12 months or study or train for up to 6 months. The cost has increased from NZD $420 in 2023 to NZD $770 in 2025. 300 visas are available each year.
On the official site it states that applicants must have either a university qualification or have successfully completed the equivalent of at least 2 years of full-time university study for this visa. I never went to uni, and still managed to get approved. I simply sent my polytechnic transcript when asked for proof of education via email from the immigration officer.
Step one: apply online, pay.
I applied on 9 October 2023, and got a follow up email on 21 December 2023.
Step two: send in academic transcripts, get a chest x-ray done.
I did mine at SATA Uttamram (Chai Chee) Bedok Medical Centre, and it cost SGD $220. Here’s the official list of approved clinics.
Step three: wait with bated breath.
I figured if my application did not get approved for whatever reason, I guess my application fee would go toward conservation, and would consider it sunk cost.
But thank god I finally got my visa approved on 4 March 2024, almost 5 months after applying.
Step four: panic
There’s so much to do and so much to think about. Let’s take it one step at a time. I’m the planning type, so naturally I started a giant google sheet to plan all aspects of this big trip.
You have exactly one year from the date of visa approval to get your butt in New Zealand. Your year long visa tenure starts after you enter New Zealand borders.
Where to fly into?
Flights from Singapore fly direct to the major cities of Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington.
Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand are the primary carriers offering direct flights from Singapore to New Zealand.
I flew into Auckland first. Auckland is a major city, and it was easy to get settled in. I was intending to explore the entirety of New Zealand, both the North and South Island, and wanted to have a systematic flow, starting from the North Island.
Took the opportunity to try out Air New Zealand’s Economy Skycouch – designed to make long-haul economy flights more relaxing. Three Economy seats that convert into a lay flat bed after takeoff. Came with pillows and a quilt. Cost SGD $500 extra. Pretty comfortable but probably was too excited to get much sleep! Free wifi onboard’s always nice. My flight cost SGD $1020, with 1x7kg carry on and 2x23kg check in luggage. I brought 1 Lojel Cubo Large suitcase (120-130L capacity), a 60L Exped Lightning hiking backpack and a 32L Osprey Hikelite backpack.
Here’s a breakdown of all costs for the trip. And my full packing list.
When to start your work holiday?
I arrived in New Zealand over Christmas, December 2024
I wish I flew in slightly earlier, just so I could enjoy more of the warmth of Summer. It didn’t really feel like summer at all, at a cool 25°C. I definitely took some time to get used to the weather and before I knew it, we were already approaching Autumn! It’s interesting to experience the four seasons and observe how nature transitions accordingly.
New Zealand is on the Southern Hemisphere, and experiences seasons opposite to those in the North Hemisphere. When it’s summer in Europe or North America, it’s winter in New Zealand, and vice versa. This seasonal flip could be fun if you’re looking to escape the summer heat, or chase two winter seasons for snowboarding / ski.
New Zealand’s South Island – particularly areas like Stewart Island, Dunedin and Tekapo offers good chances to witness the Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights, especially during darker months from March to September. The lesser known Aurora Australis is just like the Aurora Borealis in the Northern Hemisphere, a natural light phenomenon caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic fields. These particles are drawn towards the North and South magnetic poles, where they collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen, producing vibrant waves of colour – often green, pink, red or purple – dancing across the night sky.
Accomodations
I booked an airbnb with my ex for the first month after landing in Auckland. I’ve always wanted to do #vanlife. It was always in my plan to purchase my own campervan to travel and sleep out of it. I figured I’ll do that for the most of summer, and maybe find a room or sharehouse to hibernate for the winter when it gets too cold to live off-grid in a metal box on wheels. (*update* am still sleeping in my campervan as of July 2025 haha in the thick of winter!) I’ve stayed in both free and paid campsites across both the North and South Island. I write about them in greater detail here!
The best places to look for accommodation, jobs or purchase of items / vehicles is on websites like Trademe (NZ’s equivalent of gumtree or online classified ads), Backpacker board and Facebook. Kiwi love Facebook Groups, and there are groups for just about anything! Local meet ups for activities like sports, Running or Hiking, carpooling to the ski fields, even Aurora Australis spotting. Various work holiday Facebook groups, Mandarin / Asian specific WHV Facebook group. I also joined the Yang Meh Meh Telegram chat channel, made up of Singaporeans on WHV (past, present, and future). Also blogs like Roowanders and RamblingFeet provided a lot of local perspective and useful resources in the research process. I love reading blogs, and find them especially useful for planning trips. Of course there’s also endless short form content on Instagram and TikTok.
NZ Bank Account
I went with BNZ just because there was a branch nearby, and processing time was quick. You could also choose ANZ, ASB, Westpac or Kiwibank. They all function the same. I applied online, and went to the branch to verify my identify and collect my EFTPOS (debit) card. They also required a small initial deposit (NZD$20). My airbnb host was kind enough to allow us to use her address as proof of NZ address.
KiwiSaver is New Zealand’s voluntary retirement savings scheme, and if you’re working in the country on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV), you’ll likely be automatically enrolled when you start your first job. While KiwiSaver is a great long-term savings tool for residents, similar Singapore’s CPF scheme, it’s not ideal for temporary visitors. Contributions come out of your pay (typically 3% or more), and since you’re not planning to stay long-term, accessing those funds later can be tricky and time-consuming. As a WHV holder, you’re eligible to opt out within the first 8 weeks of enrollment—something many working holidaymakers choose to do to avoid unnecessary deductions. Just ask your employer or check your MyIR account online to complete the opt-out process and keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket.
Best way to access money (SGD to NZD) for daily spendings
When it comes to accessing money in New Zealand from a Singapore-based account, I’ve found YouTrip and Wise to be the most convenient and cost-effective tools.
YouTrip is great for day-to-day spending, offering competitive exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees—perfect for contactless payments or quick withdrawals. Do note that for many businesses apply a small surcharge (usually 1.5–2.5%) when you pay with a foreign card like YouTrip. It’s worth checking before tapping, as these fees can add up over time.
For larger transfers (like for my car purchase), Wise (formerly TransferWise) is my go-to. It allows me to convert and send money from SGD to NZD with low, transparent fees, and the transfer usually arrives within a day.
You could also purchase NZD from fellow WHVers that are leaving NZ. Many are selling NZD on the Yang Meh Meh Telegram group.
IRD Number / Taxes
You’ll need an IRD number, which is your tax identification number issued by Inland Revenue. You can apply online once you’ve arrived, and you’ll need a valid passport, a New Zealand bank account, and a local address. The process is free and typically takes a few days. You’ll receive your IRD number in the mail.
Your income is taxed under the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system using progressive rates. Tax is automatically deducted from every pay check.
- 10.5% up to $15,600
- 17.5% $15,601–$53,500
- 30% $53,501–$78,100
- 33% $78,101–$180,000
- 39% over $180,000
SIM card
Getting connected in New Zealand is easy, with several prepaid SIM card options. Major providers like Spark, Vodafone (One NZ), and 2degrees all offer flexible prepaid plans with data, calls, and texts. You can pick up a SIM card at the airport, convenience stores, or dedicated mobile shops, often with starter packs that include bonus data for the first month.
I went with Spark’s group plan with Unlimited Data (NZ $90/month, NZ $45/month for each additional line) and split it evenly with my ex, making it only NZ $67.5/month for each of us for Unlimited Data and Unlimited NZ/AU calls and text. I rely on my mobile hotspot for internet when doing work on my laptop and streaming video. Spark’s coverage is pretty good even in remote / rural areas which was important for me for navigation on drives and hikes.
Insurance
Personal Insurance
Having insurance is essential— just for peace of mind. I chose OrbitProtect Lite Working Holiday Insurance (NZD $575.30 for a year). It offered the core coverage I needed, including emergency medical treatment, hospital visits, and travel disruption protection. I paid a bit extra premium for Specified Items to cover my valuables, like my laptop, iPhone and camera equipment, which I listed individually. That way, I’m protected if anything gets lost, stolen, or damaged. It’s easy to set up online, and tailored specifically for people on working holidays in New Zealand.
Car Insurance
If you’re planning to drive in New Zealand during your working holiday, having the right car insurance is essential to stay protected on the road. After researching my options, I chose comprehensive car insurance with AA (New Zealand Automobile Association), which comes with the bonus of automatically making you an AA member. It cost me NZD $$1,525.76 for a year. This membership has a couple of perks, including six free roadside assistance callouts per year, which is a huge relief knowing help is just a phone call away if I run into trouble like a flat tire or battery issues.
I’ve already used the callout service once – after my battery died on me at a holiday park on Takaka Hill after 6pm and the rescue personnel came within 30 minutes!
While comprehensive cover costs a bit more than basic insurance, it protects not only other vehicles but also my own rental or car from accidents, theft, or natural events (which are more common than you think). Windscreen damage is surprisingly common in New Zealand, especially if you’re planning to drive around the country during your working holiday. The roads—particularly in rural or gravel areas—can kick up loose stones and debris, making chips and cracks in your windscreen almost inevitable over time. Even on sealed highways, it’s not unusual for passing vehicles to fling up small rocks, especially from trucks. Towing and rental of a replacement vehicle is also included.
I definitely feel safer with comprehensive car insurance than without, especially driving in a new country.
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