Gap Year Programs in New Zealand

The North Island is all pristine beaches and big(ish) cities, while the South Island is all rugged mountainside and steely seas. Most towns in New Zealand would make great nests for a gap year, but a few in particular stand out.

Auckland. It’s New Zealand’s largest city, and with that comes endless work opportunities and countless activities. Gappers will easily find a wide range of jobs, volunteer opportunities, internships...whatever experience it is you want to include in your gap year, Auckland will have it. With a stellar free art museum, dozens of pleasant parks, an easy and extensive train network, and hip neighborhoods, Auckland always has something new up its sleeve.

Queenstown. This hamlet may not be the most practical choice for a gap year in New Zealand, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more memorable location. There is a bottomless pit of hospitality jobs in Queenstown, especially during the winter when ski resorts will pay a pretty penny for seasonal workers. Au pairs are also needed frequently in and around town, too. By the way, the symbolic Queenstown rite of passage is a gut-turning bungy jump, so hold onto your butts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Definitely! New Zealand offers endless things to see and do, making it the perfect destination for a gap year. In fact, it consistently ranks among the top ten countries to take a gap year.

5 Things to Know Before Your New Zealand Gap Year

The easiest way to take a gap year in New Zealand is to apply for a working holiday visa, which will allow you to work part time on farms or in hospitality. You can also book your gap year experience through providers like Pacific Discovery and Pure Exploration.

7 Best New Zealand Gap Year Programs

It generally depends on what the program is all about. Your gap year in New Zealand could involve volunteering combined with adventure travel. It could also be a study and internship program, with some sightseeing in your personal time. Considering the rich diversity of New Zealand, you won’t run out of fun activities during your gap year.

Here’s What to Do During a Gap Year in New Zealand

It can be quite costly to spend a gap year in New Zealand. After all, it’s one of the most expensive countries for students (and travelers in general). Fortunately, there are ways to manage your expenses or earn some money on the side. It helps to familiarize yourself with living costs in New Zealand and then prepare a budget based on how much you might spend during your stay.

9 Steps to Living in New Zealand for a Year

Latest Program Reviews

I found my place to be

July 01, 2025by: Luisa Link - GermanyProgram: Farmstay New Zealand

10

I started into my farmstay with no expectations really and I found everything I was ever hoping to find. Many people wish they knew they where in 'their good old days' when they happened and not afterwards and I can say, I knew while I was living them. The past 9 months in New Zealand were the best time I ever had in my life. And without Internex they wouldn't have happend. So thank you to the team of Internex. You did such an amazing job with everything.

I found my place to be

July 01, 2025by: Luisa Link - GermanyProgram: Farmstay New Zealand

10

I started into my farmstay with no expectations really and I found everything I was ever hoping to find. Many people wish they knew they where in 'their good old days' when they happened and not afterwards and I can say, I knew while I was living them. The past 9 months in New Zealand were the best time I ever had in my life. And without Internex they wouldn't have happend. So thank you to the team of Internex. You did such an amazing job with everything.