First Steps in Germany: The Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step overview for things to handle before departing for New Zealand.
So, you’ve decided to explore New Zealand as a backpacker? Awesome! We’re totally convinced you’ll have the time of your life.
To make sure it really turns out that way, there are a few things to consider in advance. The better you plan your trip, the less hassles and nasty surprises await you.
Here’s everything you need to know. You’ll get a step-by-step guide to all the things you should and need to take care of before starting your journey.
Are you Ready?
Let’s go!
Intro
Our First Steps...
Woah… preparing for my Working Holiday adventure in New Zealand was mega exciting – but also pretty nerve-wracking. So many things to keep in mind!
If only I had had such a detailed to-do list and some help from other backpackers, it would certainly have been a lot easier. I could have enjoyed the anticipation much more.
Flight and visa are somehow self-explanatory. But when it came to what needs to go in the backpack and which documents I needed, I really got a headache.
The Planning
Visa and flight tickets are certainly hard to forget when planning a Working Holiday adventure. But that’s far from everything. We’ve captured the most important steps for you right here.
Note:
Why Work and Travel in New Zealand?
Mindset - Take it easy!
Approach the initial preparation time calmly and don’t let the planning drive you crazy . Focus on the essentials, keep your goal in sight, and feel free to put your feet up if it all gets too much.
Reward
So you don't run out of steam during preparations:
What's next?
First, you should clarify the costs you’re going to face if you want to explore New Zealand as a backpacker. Learn all about it in the next section.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1 - Costs
Whether you’re going to New Zealand for just a few weeks or a whole year, one crucial question arises: How much money do you need for your adventure? A detailed breakdown is available in our Costs-Tutorial.
The Costs
Basically, you can break down the costs for your adventure into those you’ll face in Germany and those awaiting you in New Zealand. We've used benchmarks from our own journey for this.
Costs in Germany - 1865 €
These are the costs that you’ll encounter in DE. A breakdown can be found in the Costs Tutorial.
Costs in New Zealand - 3100 €
These are the costs you’ll face in NZ. A breakdown can be found in the Costs Tutorial.
Mindset - Get started!
Constantly thinking about financial expenses certainly causes a lot of headaches. The important thing is this: Take enough time to save up so that you can not only organize everything in advance, but also be well prepared for an optimal start to your Working Holiday adventure.
Reward
As little support for making money:
What's next?
The costs didn’t deter you? Great, then it’s time to start the actual planning! First up are a few administrative tasks.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 2 - Documents
For a smooth adventure, you need a whole range of documents and papers. We also recommend making at least one backup copy of everything. More in our Documents-Tutorial.
The Most Important Documents
Here you will find a list of all the important papers for Work and Travel in New Zealand.
- Passport important
- Working Holiday Visa important
- German Tax ID
- International Driving License
- Travel Health Insurance important
- Identity Card
- Proof of Funds
- Credit Card
Mindset - First the work!
Yes, the list is long. But there’s no fun without work. This step is certainly the hardest and most cumbersome. But once you’ve checked off everything on this list, nothing stands in the way of your journey.
Reward
And if dealing with the authorities gets stressful:
What's next?
Now you know which documents you absolutely need for your Working Holiday adventure in New Zealand. In the next step, we’ll take a closer look at the visa, without which you have no chance of getting to New Zealand as a backpacker.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 3 - Visa
With the Working Holiday Visa, you are allowed to live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. The application process is relatively straightforward, as long as you know what to focus on. More about this in our Visa Tutorial.
User question:
What are the requirements for the visa?
User question:
How long does the application take?
Mindset - Let's get it done!
Without a visa, you can only admire New Zealand from afar, so get on with the application. Germans get unlimited visas issued, so you really have nothing to fear.
Reward
Got your visa? Nice! Celebrate yourself!
What's next?
Congratulations, you’ve overcome the biggest hurdle! Once your visa is in the bag, you can arrange your flight and start dreaming of the New Zealand adventure.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 4 - Flight
For your flight to New Zealand, you have several options available: direct flight, open return, or annual ticket. The choice is yours. Concrete tips and tricks can be found in our Flight-Tutorial.
User question:
Which flight ticket is right for me?
Mindset - Take a break!
Wow, with these crucial steps in your preparation for Work and Travel in New Zealand, you’re almost done. You can be proud of yourself. Now you’ve definitely earned a little break.
Reward
Some support for the final step:
What's next?
You’ve got your travel documents together as far as they go. Now it’s about fully ensuring your safety during the journey, just in case you run into trouble. Find out how in the next step.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 5 - Insurance
Getting sick abroad is certainly the last thing you’re thinking about right now. However, it can happen faster than you think. Get yourself good insurance. More about this in our Travel Health Insurance Tutorial.
Note:
Insurance Requirement in New Zealand
Minimum Requirements of an Insurance
These services should definitely be included in your travel health insurance.
- Emergency doctor and medical transport
- Inpatient and outpatient treatment
- Medications and remedies
- Dental treatments and dentures
- Rescue in case of injuries
Mindset - Adventure-Time!
You did it! Now you’re perfectly prepared for your Working Holiday stay in New Zealand. If you want to learn more about the country of your dreams, we have a few little treats for you here.
Reward
Made it! Off we go! Into the adventure:
What's next?
Done! You’ve sorted out all the essentials and can now sit back and enjoy the time until takeoff.
Ready? Let’s go!
Miscellaneous - I Need Help
If you would like support for these things, maybe check out our Starter Package. We assist you with all the steps presented here and in return, you support KiwiQuest a little.
1. Fill Out
Fill out the form.
2. Submit
And done! Everything else will be sent via email.
Information and Process
All information about the process, guarantee, and costs can be found on this page. Questions? Feel free to write us!
All Offer DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
What other KiwiQuesters wanted to know...
User question:
How much time should I plan for preparation in Germany?
User question:
How often can I enter with the Working Holiday Visa?
User question:
Do I need to arrange a job and car from Germany?
What else is there?
We wish you an amazing adventure!
Welcome to Team KiwiQuest!
Team KiwiQuest
