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.

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 google sheet.

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.

I wish I flew in slightly earlier, just so I could enjoy more of Summer. It didn’t really feel like Summer, I definitely took some time to get used to the cold and before I knew it, we were approaching Autumn.