Gap Year New Zealand
Why choose your Gap Year Adventure in New Zealand?
New Zealand - land of mountains and fjords, hot springs and rolling hills, rugged coasts and stunning beaches.
What a place to live while you build up your experience working in a prestigious hotel, on a farm, or as a deck hand on a tall ship.
‘Kiwi land’ has so much to offer even the most hardened of travellers – mountain climbing, whale watching, bungee jumping, sky diving, skiing and snow boarding, rugby, sailing and surfing. If this sounds like you then read on…(as long as you don’t mind some hard graft too!)
View the Changing Worlds site to see how much previous students have enjoyed their Gap Year New Zealand.
Where will my Gap Year Placement in New Zealand be?
Take your choice – In North Island work in the semi-tropical town of Paihia, in the Bay of Islands, where attractions include whale and dolphin watching, diving, snorkelling and boating.
We offer ‘paid’ placements for people working in hotel jobs here, or voluntary placements working on surrounding cattle and dairy farms or with horses.
Changing Worlds can also offer voluntary placements as a deck hand on a tall ship, sailing among the beautiful islands and out onto the South Pacific Ocean.
You may prefer Queenstown ‘the adrenalin capital of the world’ in South Island, where we have a number of hotel placements. In your time off try white water rafting or ski (in the season) or just enjoy the spectacular mountainous scenery and absorb the cultural history of the place.
What will I do on my Gap Year in New Zealand?
In the hotels you will be working with customers, your duties will include room cleaning and waiting on people.
Employers expect a high standard of customer service to guests. You will need to be well presented and outgoing with good communication skills and a positive attitude.
Your hours can be long and unsociable which does mean working during some weekends. There will be further opportunities for those who show any initiative.
Those with relevant work experience do tend to get the better jobs. On the farms general duties include rounding up animals, mending fences, feeding the animals, shearing and helping with the delivery of lambs. A valid UK driving licence is useful as the farms can cover wide areas. Participants may have the opportunity to ride quad bikes. There is no farm machinery work available.
On the tall ship you work as a deck hand. This is a voluntary placement open only to those with previous ocean-going experience.
Other Gap Year Destinations:
