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Work & Travel New Zealand Welcome Week

InterExchange Work & Travel New Zealand now 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 on program!

Participants enjoy one of New Zealand's beautiful beaches.
Participants enjoy one of New Zealand's beautiful beaches.
Photo courtesy of IEP

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: Auckland 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.

Day 2: Job Support Orientation

After your free breakfast, you'll head to your support hub in Auckland for your Work & Travel 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.

In the evening, you'll meet with your guide who will brief you on all the exciting activities for the week!

You'll also enjoy a Welcome Dinner in town that evening to get to know your new travel mates.

Views of Auckland, New Zealand.
Views of Auckland, New Zealand.
Photo courtesy of IEP

Day 3: Culture & Auckland Party Night

Meet your guide in the morning for a comprehensive walking tour through the city of Auckland. You'll learn about the city's history and contemporary culture, as well as check out some awesome spots.

The tour ends at the Auckland SkyTower, where you'll ascend 220 meters into the sky for breathtaking views of the city.

Day 4: Auckland to Bay of Islands

Finally, the big trip 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.

You'll stay at the Pipi Patch backpackers hostel, known for its friendly staff and a lively environment. In the afternoon you can relax or stroll into town. In the evening you'll have a group dinner and discuss the itinerary for your overnight cruise!

Exploring the Bay of Islands.
Exploring the Bay of Islands.
Photo courtesy of IEP

Day 5: Chill in the Morning and Depart for the Overnight Cruise

Use this morning to sleep in a bit, or venture down to the beach to soak up some rays and splash about.

Later, jump on board the cruise, where you can have a few drinks and enjoy the 2-3 hour cruise through the islands, then enjoy a Kiwi BBQ with your group. As darkness falls you can hang out for an amazing star-gazing session where your guide will point out constellations, planets & galaxies. For the more adventurous have a night sea swim or kayak and then warm with a drink by the fire.

Day 6: Sunrise at Sea and Cruise activities

Wake up early to watch the sun rise over the ocean (or catch it from bed!). Meet for a traditional Kiwi breakfast and then haul anchor and get underway for an exploration of the islands. Before getting started, you are free to join the crew for an early morning swim. Get ready for kayaking, snorkelling, gathering fresh sea food, exploring WWII remains, trekking across islands enjoying stunning vantage points and visiting ancient Maori fortifications. If conditions allow, you'll gather mussels from the kelp-covered outer reefs to enjoy on the way home (along with the unique experience of eating sea urchins raw, if you're brave enough). You will have time to enjoy the remote beaches - perfect for a game of beach cricket or volley ball. On the homeward cruise, you'll enjoy those mussels, freshly steamed, and watch out for the abundant marine and bird life (maybe dolphins if you cross your fingers)! You'll arrive back at Paihia wharf in the afternoon and will be checking back into the Base Pipi Patch for your last night together before heading back to Auckland (free drink tickets included).

Day 7: Adventure Awaits …

Take in the sunrise and contemplate your many amazing months ahead in New Zealand! Take it easy in the morning and board the bus for your trip back to Auckland, from which you'll have the support from the team regarding your job search and onward travel plans.

From day seven, it will be your choice 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, at $35.

Open Dated

Join a Frenzi bar crawl which runs every Thursday.

New Zealand Welcome Week Arrival Dates

Start Date Application Due
November 11 & 18 September 15
December 16 October 15
January 13, 2020 October 30
February 17 November 15
March 16 January 15
April 13 February 1
May 11 March 1
June 15 March 31
July 13 April 15
August 17 May 15
September 7, 21 June 1
October 12, 26 July 15
November 9, 23 August 15
December 14 September 15

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

James Bridge James Bridge

James manages the programs for U.S. citizens at InterExchange.

Wednesday February 22, 2017
Work & Travel New Zealand
Work & Travel New Zealand

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Spend Up to a Year Experiencing New Zealand

Have the adventure of a lifetime in Middle Earth and fund your travels as you go!

Our program in breathtaking New Zealand offers you the chance to travel this country, taking on odd jobs as you go! You might work at a resort, on a bucolic farm, at a ski resort, as a kayak guide... or even at a wilderness lodge!

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