Thanks for stopping by this corner of the Internet!
For those of you who don’t know me yet, my name is Abbi & I recently spent 19 months on the other side of the world, living and working on a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. I wanted to create a little space on the Internet in which I can pass on all of the information I have learned from my time in NZ. Voilà!
So why should you trust my opinion?
Well, I’m just like you. I’m a young person in my twenties, who moved to New Zealand because I wanted to experience something different. I was intrigued by the culture of the country and I wanted to see the mountains, the lakes and the hobbit houses with my own eyes!
I’m a budget backpacker and love the outdoors. Before I went to New Zealand, I didn’t really enjoy hiking; now I base where I want to travel to on the hiking options available to me!
What’s this page about?
Moving to another country can be daunting and you’ll feel a lot more at ease if you’re prepared. My main aim in writing this entire blog is to help others in their own travels; I write the posts I wish I had read myself before embarking on my adventures.
After living and working in New Zealand for 19 months, and travelling the entire country for four months in a campervan, I wanted to pass on what I’ve learnt to other travellers who are visiting New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa.
On this page, you’ll find a collection of my posts about a Working Holiday in New Zealand. If you prefer, you can browse through these blog posts chronologically here. If you want to read all of my posts about New Zealand (which includes guides on specific sights and places etc.) click here. Enjoy!
Before you go:
The Essential Guide: Moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa
A “how to” post covering all the practical advice you need in order to actually do your Working Holiday: here’s how to find a job, somewhere to live, how to open a bank account, take out a phone plan, etc. An in-depth guide on what to expect and how to make the most of your time in New Zealand.
Posts about living and working in New Zealand:
How to save money on a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand
Budgeting in one of the most expensive countries in the world is surprisingly easy when you know how! Here are my tips on how to save as much as possible while working and travelling in New Zealand.
How to get an IRD number for your Working Holiday to New Zealand
An essential to ensure you’re taxed the right amount while working in NZ. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do.
How to write a New Zealand style CV for your Working Holiday
To ensure you get the best opportunities available, make sure you recreate your CV the Kiwi way before sending it off to prospective employers.
A guide to moving to Wellington: How to find a job and somewhere to live
Practical advice on the two most important parts of settling in New Zealand – here I recount exactly what I did to bag myself a well-paid job and room in a gorgeous house in the capital. And you can read about why I loved Welly so much here.
Posts about travelling in New Zealand:
One month in New Zealand: A complete itinerary
I was lucky enough to live in a campervan and travel the country for four months, but for those with a stricter timeframe, this post may suit you. I’ve included the spots you really must not miss when you visit NZ, and you can chop and change this to suit your own preferences.
A complete guide to buying a campervan in New Zealand
A thorough guide on what to look out for when you buy a car or campervan in NZ – there would be nothing worse than getting ripped off or buying a dud vehicle! This post covers the best places to buy and how much to pay.
How I travelled New Zealand on a budget of $40NZD a day
Yep, you read that correctly – I travelled the whole country for four months on an average of $40 NZD a day. Here is exactly how I did it, from accommodation costs, to transport costs, to food and activities.
Camping in New Zealand: Lessons Learnt
More than just how to cook on a camping stove and that sandflies are the worst creatures on the planet.
Hiking in New Zealand: Know before you go
There are short walks and overnight treks in NZ, but you should always be prepared before donning your boots and backpack. Stay clued up and stay safe.
Why you shouldn’t skip New Zealand’s North Island
Sometimes overlooked, the North Island has so many hidden spots and such beautiful scenery. Don’t leave NZ before seeing what the North Island has to offer.
Top 10 hikes on New Zealand’s South Island
My favourite hikes delve into native bush, across mountain tops and along sandy beaches. Here are 10 to put on your list!
Other posts you might find helpful:
How to get your Second Year (23 month) Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand
When you decide you don’t want to leave New Zealand just yet. Brits and Canadians are able to extend their visas for a further 11 months – here’s what’s involved and how to do it.
How to speak Kiwi: A guide to New Zealand English
Kiwis are the friendliest people on Earth but I had no idea what they were saying when I arrived in NZ! Here are some of my favourite kiwi phrases and what they mean.
