Work & Travel New Zealand Welcome Week

3 minute read

InterExchange Work & Travel New Zealand offers an optional group Welcome Week including Auckland-based activities and a trip to the Bay of Islands, for those who want to see and do more in their first week!

This add-on affords travelers all the same great benefits as the standard Work & Travel New Zealand program, with the addition of four extra nights of accommodation upon arrival (for a total of six), welcome dinner and drinks, Auckland city tour and culture & party night, and an epic group trip up to the Bay of Islands! This additional experience is a great way to bond with your fellow travelers! Here’s the schedule for the week:

Day 1: Arrival

Kia Ora and welcome! You will be shuttled to the your hostel located in Auckland’s Central Business District, just a few minutes from the program support office. The hostel has free Wi-Fi. You’ll have time time freshen up, go for a walk, and settle in. Depending on your time of arrival you can check in with support staff at the program office.

Day 2: Welcome Day

After breakfast you can use your ticket to visit the Skytower, the highest building in the southern hemisphere, to enjoy breathtaking 360 degree views of the city and harbour. Your ticket is open dated so if you prefer you can save this for later.

At 4pm you’ll meet at the program office for an Auckland walking tour and dinner.

Day 3: Program Orientation

After breakfast you’ll head to your support hub in Auckland for an orientation session. You’ll get your bank account and tax ID number squared away and have a comprehensive presentation covering your job search, traveling in New Zealand, and more.

Day 4: Auckland to Bay of Islands

Meet bright and early for trip up north! The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region surrounded by turqoise waters and known for 144 beautiful islands. You’ll be based in the township of Paihia, a laid back town with famous sailing, fishing, nature walks, dolphin swimming and relaxation.

The adventure continues with an overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands, offering snorkelling, target shooting, kayaking, island walks and more. In the evening you can have a few drinks, enjoy a 2-3 hour cruise through the islands and a BBQ with your group. As darkness falls you can chill out for an amazing star-gazing session. For the more adventurous, have a night swim and then warm up with a drink by the fire.

Day 5: Return to Paihia

Today you arrive back into port around 3pm. You’ll check in at the Pipi Patch hostel known for its friendly staff, lively environment and great access to the beach and town. That evening you can chill out or take a stroll into the center of town to check out all the sights. You’ll have a BBQ at the hostel for dinner.

Day 6: Free Day with Optional Activities

Today you have a free day! Go skydiving over the beautiful islands and crystal blue waters, or give parasailing a go! Those who don’t need as much adrenaline can join a dolphin watching cruise or even take a day trip all the way up to Cape Reinga and give sandboarding a go!

Day 7: Adventure Awaits …

Take in the sunrise and contemplate your many amazing months ahead in New Zealand! In the afternoon you’ll board the bus for your trip back to Auckland. From day seven, it’s up to you where you travel, live, work, and play, but support will always be available throughout your Work & Travel New Zealand program!

Accommodation is optional on this night at Nomads Hostel in Auckland.

2021 Arrival Dates

If you hope to travel in 2020, please let us know. We’re monitoring travel restrictions and the public health situation and will take bookings with late 2020 start dates if possible.

Please aim to sign up at least two months prior to the arrival date or contact us for bookings with shorter notice.

We aim to adhere to the schedule above, but due to seasonality and group size, activities are subject to change.