A working holiday in New Zealand is one of the most popular choices for young people from the UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, France, Ireland, Canada, the United States, and many other countries. Getting your finances sorted in the first week makes a real difference to how much you take home.
Three things to do in your first week: (1) open a NZ bank account, (2) apply for an IRD number, (3) give your employer the right tax code (usually M). You can't join KiwiSaver on a working holiday visa, so if your employer enrols you by mistake, tell your employer and Inland Revenue.
Working Holiday Visa NZ — Who’s Eligible?
NZ has bilateral working holiday agreements with over 40 countries. Key ones include:
| Country | Max stay | Age limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 23 months | 35 | Extended from 12 months (post-Brexit deal) |
| Germany | 12 months | 30 | Extendable to 23 months in some circumstances |
| France | 12 months | 30 | |
| Ireland | 12 months | 30 | |
| Japan | 12 months | 30 | |
| South Korea | 12 months | 30 | |
| Canada | 12 months | 35 | |
| United States | 12 months | 30 | |
| Netherlands | 12 months | 30 | |
| China | 12 months | 30 | Quota applies |
Check Immigration NZ for the current full list and quota availability.
Step 1 — Open a NZ Bank Account
Open a NZ bank account as soon as possible after arrival. You need it to:
- Receive wages from your employer
- Apply for your IRD number online
- Access NZ payment systems (EFTPOS, internet banking)
How the main banks open accounts for working holiday visitors:
| Bank | How | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ANZ | In-branch or online | Bring passport and visa |
| ASB | Via mobile app | Can be opened overseas before arrival |
| BNZ | In-branch | |
| Kiwibank | In-branch (NZ Post) | |
| Westpac | In-branch or online |
Bring your passport, working holiday visa stamp/evidence, and proof of address (a hostel or accommodation letter is usually accepted for new arrivals).
See our full guide to opening a NZ bank account before you arrive.
Step 2 — Apply for an IRD Number
Your IRD number is your NZ tax number. Without it, your employer must tax you at 45% (the no-declaration rate) until it’s issued.
How to apply:
- Online via the IRD website (myIR) — requires a NZ bank account number and passport details
- Takes 1–3 working days online
Working holiday visa holders are entitled to an IRD number. You do not need a permanent or residency visa — your working holiday visa is sufficient.
Step 3 — Choose the Right Tax Code
When you start work, complete a IR330 tax code declaration and give it to your employer.
| Your situation | Tax code |
|---|---|
| One job only | M |
| Second or additional job | S |
| No NZ student loan | No SL suffix needed |
The M tax code means your employer deducts the correct amount of income tax. Working holiday visitors on M code typically pay the same PAYE rates as NZ residents:
| Income (annual NZD) | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $15,600 | 10.5% |
| $15,601–$53,500 | 17.5% |
| $53,501–$78,100 | 30% |
| $78,101–$180,000 | 33% |
| Over $180,000 | 39% |
KiwiSaver on a Working Holiday — What to Do
Can you join KiwiSaver?
No. A working holiday visa is a temporary visa, and Inland Revenue says “You cannot join KiwiSaver if you have a temporary, visitor, work or student visa.” That applies even though you pay PAYE and have an IRD number.
If an employer enrols you by mistake, tell your employer and Inland Revenue: “you should not have been automatically enrolled” is one of the reasons Inland Revenue lists for accepting a late opt-out (form KS10). See KiwiSaver on a work visa for the details.
Tax at the End of Your Working Holiday
Working holiday visitors are NZ tax residents if they spend more than 183 days in NZ in a 12-month period. As a tax resident, you may be entitled to a tax refund at the end of the year if:
- You worked for only part of the year (income was lower than the annual equivalent)
- You had multiple jobs with different rates applied
- You had too much tax withheld
How to claim a tax refund:
- File an IR3 tax return via the myIR portal at ird.govt.nz
- IRD will assess your income and refund any overpaid tax
- Refund goes directly to your NZ bank account
Many working holiday visitors are owed $200–$800+ at year end due to seasonal work patterns — it’s worth filing.
Seasonal Work — Horticulture and Agriculture
NZ’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme brings workers from Pacific Island nations specifically for horticulture. Working holiday visa holders can also find seasonal work in:
- Hawke’s Bay apple orchards (March–May)
- Marlborough grape harvest (February–April)
- Bay of Plenty kiwifruit (May–July)
- Canterbury cherry and stone fruit (December–February)
- Southland onion harvest (March–May)
Pay rates: Seasonal work typically pays the minimum wage ($23.95/hour from 1 April 2026). Some orchards offer piece rates (pay per bin) which can significantly increase earnings for fast pickers.
Accommodation: Many orchards provide on-site or nearby accommodation — deducted from pay. Check deductions before accepting.
Cost of Living on a Working Holiday
| Expense | Monthly estimate (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (flat share, city) | $900 – $1,400 |
| Groceries | $300 – $450 |
| Phone (prepay) | $15 – $30 |
| Transport (bus pass or car) | $100 – $400 |
| Eating out / entertainment | $200 – $500 |
| Total | $1,515 – $2,780 |
Working holiday minimum wage income (40 hrs/wk): ~$4,150/month before tax (~$3,440 after tax on M code).
Budget for $1,500–$2,000/month in expenses and you can save $1,000–$1,500/month in a city — more if you’re doing seasonal work with cheap or free accommodation.
See our cost of living NZ guide for city-by-city breakdowns.
Leaving NZ — Financial Checklist for Working Holiday Visitors
When your working holiday ends:
| Task | Notes |
|---|---|
| File a NZ tax return | Claim any tax refund owed — worth doing even after you leave |
| Close NZ bank account | Or keep open for the tax refund — easier to receive refund via NZ account |
| Cancel any direct debits or subscriptions | Phone plan, streaming services, etc. |