First Steps in New Zealand: The Step-by-Step Guide Work and Travel in Neuseeland
First Steps in New Zealand: The Step-by-Step Guide Work and Travel in Neuseeland

First Steps in New Zealand: The Step-by-Step Guide

A step-by-step overview of what awaits you after arriving in New Zealand.

Here’s a depiction of a new backpacker after arriving in New Zealand: Confusion.

Understandable, because what should you really tackle first after arriving? In what order do you do it all? And where exactly should you go? Uff!

Let’s shed some light on this.

So here are the first steps in New Zealand for backpackers. And not just listed randomly, but in logical order with specific and tested locations.

And additionally, we’ve got:
A few hidden rewards.

Let’s go!

Intro

Work and Travel Neuseeland Story
Our First Steps...

Our arrival was anything but relaxed. After what felt like 20,000 years on the plane, we stood at the airport looking like this:

Anna: “Uuuugh…!
Nils: “Aaargh…!

No fun at all. And there was: Killer jetlag.
For free! Gotta love it!

Nevertheless, we dragged ourselves forward. Like two zombies. Collecting luggage. Drinking water. Finding toilets. Fighting through immigration. And then finally:

Out of the airport.
Aaah, fresh air!

We took a deep breath and let the sun shine on our faces for a while. Slowly, we started to relax. But then Anna asked the first big question…

Anna: “And what do we do next?”
Nils: “Well…”

- Team KiwiQuest

Arrival

Okay, the first steps in New Zealand are up. In this section, it’s all about enabling you to find your way around New Zealand as quickly and effectively as possible after your arrival.

Internet, Phone, and Apps

Google Maps allows you to save maps offline. So, it’s best to download the map for Auckland (or Wellington, etc., if landing elsewhere) before your arrival, so you always know where to head next, even without the internet.

User question:
Which SIM card is worthwhile?

Getting your own SIM card is totally worth it. After all, you must be reachable in emergencies, you’ll make several calls in the coming weeks and months, and, of course, access important information on the internet.

You can get a SIM card right at the airport and have your pick. Be sure to quickly check out our article about Internet in New Zealand in advance, so you know which provider is the best for you. As a sneak peek – right now, Vodafone, Spark, 2degrees, and Skinny are worth considering.

Need help?

If you’ve booked the KiwiQuest Starter Pack, you receive a SIM card with it, so you don’t have to worry about this step. Handy!

User question:
Where is public WiFi available?

For the first 45 minutes, the best thing to do is surf for free via Auckland Airport WiFi. Just log in and off you go. Apart from that, there’s free WiFi in Auckland’s city center (CBD). It’s not particularly fast, but sufficient for the essentials. More on that in our article about Internet in New Zealand.

User question:
Which apps are worthwhile?

In general, there aren’t too many apps we recommend for your work and travel adventure. Google Maps was often very helpful for us. The same goes for Rankers and/or Campermate. And of course, Uber, if you don’t have your own car.

Transportation

So, you're at the airport and wondering how best to get to the city, your accommodation, or the car rental. Don't worry, you have plenty of options in Auckland. Here are a few:

Uber

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

The taxi of the future.

With Uber, you reach your destination affordably, stay completely flexible, and don't have to stand in line anywhere. Just download the app, order your Uber, and track the route of your private taxi live.
You pay comfortably with a credit card, and unlike normal taxis, there are no nasty surprises. The price is shown to you even before booking. It couldn't be easier!

Airport Shuttle

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

Door-to-door convenience.

The Auckland Airport Super Shuttle takes you directly to your doorstep. You have full control over costs, the shuttle operates 24 hours, and you can book online in advance or hop into the next available shuttle after your arrival. Similar shuttles are also available in other major cities with airport connections.

SkyBus

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

Old-school to the city.

The SkyBus will definitely get you into the center of Auckland. The bus stops at various stops in the city, and they now also have a service to the north. It's important to know exactly where you're headed beforehand to make sure to get off at the right stop.

Mindset - Take it slow!

Let’s face it: You’ve had an extremely long flight. The strains of the journey and the associated jetlag can be a real challenge for body and mind. The goal for this first day is relaxation.

Reward

The flight is over! Now it's time to chill. This will help:

open me

What's Next?

Okay, next question:
Where are you going to sleep tonight?

Let’s find that out.

Step 1 - Accommodation

Okay, so far so good. You’ve got an internet connection, you’re getting your bearings in Auckland, you’ve collected your luggage, and left the airport. Now it’s off to your first accommodation.

Your First Accommodation

After a strenuous flight, a cozy first place to stay is incredibly important to really arrive in New Zealand. Apart from the classic hotel, there are mainly three options for backpackers:

Hostel

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

The backpacker classic.

Most backpackers choose a hostel as the first stop. Partly because of the cost and partly because you can quickly meet other backpackers here.

Couchsurfing

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

Mi casa es su casa.

If the hustle and bustle of a hostel is too much or you'd rather communicate with locals, give Couchsurfing a try! The principle is simple. You find a host via the online platform and can stay for free for one or more nights.

Your advantage? You not only save heaps for accommodation, but get the best tips firsthand.

AirBnB

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

Do not disturb.

Even more privacy and luxury, of course at an appropriate price, is what you get with AirBnB. Much like you might know it in Germany, you can rent a private holiday room or an entire apartment for short- or long-term stays.
accommodation in New Zealand haka lodge
Meet other backpackers.
accommodation in New Zealand haka lodge
A warm welcome :-)
Note:
Hostel Recommendation 1 - Haka Lodge

High quality at a top price. Haka Lodge lives up to New Zealand’s green image. The hostel in the heart of Auckland not only offers clean, comfortable rooms but also many tours. Our favorite.

Address

373 Karangahape Rd,
Auckland, 1010
View on Google Maps

Phone

09-379 4559

Booking

View Rooms

Note:
Hostel Recommendation 2 - City Lodge

Located right by the iconic Auckland Sky Tower, City Lodge offers 5-star accommodations for backpackers. The hostel has earned numerous awards and even private toilets in all rooms. Nice!

Address

150 Vincent St,
Auckland, 1010
View on Google Maps

Phone

09-379 6183

Booking

View Rooms

Note:
Hostel Recommendation 3 - Verandahs Lodge

You’ll find the hostel right in Mount Eden, at the foot of an extinct volcano. Free internet, a lovely spice garden, and lots of DVDs (or Netflix) for relaxing.

Address

6 Hopetoun St, Freemans Bay,
Auckland 1011
View on Google Maps

Phone

09-360 4180

Booking

View Rooms

Mindset - Still take it slow!

Especially during the first couple of days, it’s important to take things as calmly as possible. Treat yourself to a coffee (or two) and plenty of relaxation before diving into preparations.

Reward

Here's a little support for relaxing:

open me

What's Next?

Woah, finally a bed! Have a good sleep first.
Because tomorrow is about the bank account and tax number.

Ready? Let’s go!

Step 2 - Bank Account

First, it’s about opening your bank account. You need it to work legally in New Zealand. Remember to make an appointment beforehand. Our Bank Tutorial provides a step-by-step guide.

The Best Spots for a Bank Account

The best areas in Auckland for bureaucratic stuff are the suburbs of Ponsonby, Parnell, and Devonport. There, you’ve got everything you need: bank, post office, library with free WiFi, cafes, and museums to chill.

Note:
Spot 1 - Ponsonby

Ponsonby is a great first stop, especially when starting. The ANZ there is an excellent choice for backpackers. Under our Starter Package, we often handle banking matters there. Ponsonby is just around the corner from Auckland City, easy to walk around, plus you can do a bit of shopping or chill in a cafe.

Address

308-312 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Auckland 1011
View on Google Maps

Phone

0800 269 296

Important

Be sure to make an appointment before visiting. Ensure the account is ready for tax number application after opening.

Note:
Spot 2 - ANZ in Parnell

As an alternative to Ponsonby, Parnell is very nice for starting off. ANZ is also a good choice here for your bank. Under our Starter Package, we often handle banking matters there.

Address

135 Parnell Rd, Parnell,
Auckland 1052
View on Google Maps

Phone

0800 269 296

Important

Be sure to make an appointment before visiting. Ensure the account is ready for tax number application after opening.

Note:
Spot 3 - ANZ in Devonport

Devonport is also a great first spot to start with. The ANZ there is a super choice for backpackers. Under our Starter Package, we often handle banking matters there.

Address

6 Victoria Rd, Devonport
Auckland 0624
View on Google Maps

Phone

0800 269 296

Important

Be sure to make an appointment before visiting. Ensure the account is ready for tax number application after opening.

Note:
A Bit More About Devonport

Devonport is one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs. Whether by car or ferry, within about 10 minutes you can escape the busy hustle and bustle of the city and focus on the important things in life. From here, you can also take a trip up Mount Victoria and let your soul dangle with a super awesome view of the city.

Mindset - First the Work!

Alright, it’s time to tackle the first bureaucratic stuff. It’s not that much fun, so we say: Work through it as quickly as possible and then reward yourself with something. :-)

Reward

Here's something quickly for your bank account:

open me

What's next?

Amazing! Bank account done! What’s next?
Oh right, the tax number. Okay, super.

Ready? Let’s go!

Step 3 - Tax Number

Next up is the tax number (IRD Number). You’ll need this for work and job hunting. Conveniently, you can do this at the PostShop next door in either Devonport or Parnell. A step-by-step guide is available in our Tax Number Tutorial.

The Best Spots for the Tax Number

Again, the best spots are Devonport or Parnell, just because all the bureaucratic places are close together and there are plenty of beautiful places to explore nearby.

Note:
Spot 1 - Post-Shop in Devonport

Conveniently, the bureaucratic stuff in Devonport can be handled best, because after you open your bank account at ANZ, you can head directly next door to the PostShop for your tax number. Under our Starter Package, we always handle all tax number matters there.

Address

18 Clarence St, Devonport,
Auckland 0624
View on Google Maps

Phone

09-446 6642

Important

Ask the bank if the account is ready for tax number application before visiting.

Mindset - Let's get it done!

Getting both your bank account opened and your tax number applied for in one day is a great daily goal. So we say: Get it done! Even if it’s no fun.

Reward

Here's something so you don't lose your IRD number:

open me

What's next?

Alrighty then, bank account and tax number sorted? Very nice!
Treat yourself to a reward! Because tomorrow is the car buying day.

Ready? Let’s go!

Step 4 - Car

Yay, you’ve handled the formalities and are ready for the adventure! Or is something missing? Oh! Right, you need your own car. All backpacker tips for buying a car can be found in our Car Tutorial.

Buy or Rent a Car?

Uh-oh, one of the first big questions in New Zealand is always whether it's worth buying or renting a car. In our eyes, it always depends on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand.

Rent a Car

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

Worth it if you're not staying longer than 3 months.

A rental car is recommended if you're in the country for less than 3 months. Less time commitment and you don't need to worry about selling it at the end.

Buy a Car

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

Worth it, especially if you stay more than 3 months.

For most backpackers, owning a car is the best investment. You usually end up saving more than renting, and you get money back at the end of your trip when you sell the vehicle.

Buy a Car (with Help)

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

A car on call with no hassle, stress, & scams.

User question:
How do I spot a good deal?

Phew, there are several factors, like year of manufacture, mileage, and gut feeling. You can get an overview in our Car Tutorial or through our car checklist to take with you. Financially, cars with a self-contained certificate are particularly interesting.

User question:
How do I protect myself from scams?

Scams when buying a car are unfortunately a big issue among backpackers. To avoid buying a lemon, you should definitely keep a few basic rules in mind. If you have some time, please read the section on scams in our Car Tutorial or use our car purchase checklist.

The Most Important

To protect yourself, you should definitely rely on tools like Carjam or even a Pre-Purchase Inspection.

User question:
How much time should I plan for?

If you haven’t sorted out a vehicle in advance, you should schedule at least one to two weeks. You’ll definitely need internet to search for cars online, download vehicle reports, and register the car.

Good thing you by now have data on your phone. Let’s get started! You’ll find all the important stuff about cars for backpackers in New Zealand in our corresponding article. If you’ve booked our Starter Package, we’ll even help you with the car search. Just saying :-)

Alternatives to Your Own Car

A car is the best mode of transport in New Zealand. However, you also have some alternatives that we would like to introduce to you here. Most are a bit unconventional, but hey: everyone can have their own hobbies!

Bus Pass

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

Travel in a group.

If you like meeting new people, don't like traveling alone, and don't place much value on flexibility, grab a bus pass and explore New Zealand with other young people. Your advantage: Accommodation is often already included, and the bus drivers are full of interesting stories, tips, and tricks.

Hitchhiking

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

Stick out your thumb.

Hitchhiking through New Zealand is really popular among many backpackers. However, you rely on ride opportunities and must follow some rules to avoid unnecessary risks.

Bicycle

Work and Travel in Neuseeland

Pedal power.

If you're fit and want to see a lot of New Zealand's nature, a bicycle is just right for you! However, this type of travel requires a lot of time and organization.

Mindset - Time to Chill!

If your financial reserves aren’t entirely depleted after buying a car, we think it’s time to relax a bit. After all, you’ve sorted out a bank account, tax number, and car purchase! So treat yourself to something!

Reward

How about a private concert, for example:

open me

What's next?

Fantastico! You have your own car in New Zealand! So beautiful. Everyone’s happy.
Except the wallet. To help, it’s now time to find work.

Ready? Let’s go!

Step 5 - Work

There are plenty of backpacker jobs in New Zealand. Especially in the summer months, you will find numerous offers on orchards, vineyards, or in the hospitality sector. More on this in our Job Search Tutorial.

Best Job Search Resources

In addition to bulletin boards in hostels or newspapers, the best jobs are still found online. Here are a few websites that are worth checking out for job searching. More of them can be found in the tutorial.

Seasonaljobs

One of the first platforms for backpacker jobs. Doesn't look pretty, but it works.

Here you'll find targeted offers for backpackers, especially in popular tourist spots as well as in hospitality and orchards. Many offers are posted on short notice, so it's worth checking back frequently and planning ahead.

Seasonalwork

More up-to-date and thus prettier. However, the range of jobs is slightly smaller.

Particularly practical as the jobs are very specifically aimed at backpackers. Unlike Seasonaljobs, you can search and filter conveniently.

Backpackerboard

A true classic: Backpackerboard has been around forever. You'll find a lot here.

Backpackerboard is not the most user-friendly, but the offers listed here are tailored specifically for backpackers. The job ad also informs you whether accommodation and meals are included.

Mindset - Adventure-Time!

Wow, the first steps in New Zealand are done. You can now start your backpacker adventure and we envy your courage. If you feel like it: get in touch. Let’s grab a coffee.

Reward

And just in case, there's this:

open me

What's Next?

Well, that’s entirely up to you now. Have fun in New Zealand.
We wish you lots of ups and downs. But most importantly, a super adventure!

Ready? Let’s go!

Misc - I Need Help

If you want support with these things, maybe check out our Starter Pack. We support you with all the steps presented here and, in return, you support KiwiQuest a little.

Frequently Asked Questions

What other KiwiQuesters wanted to know...

User question:
How do I get my money to New Zealand?

It’s simple: Use Transferwise.

Alternatively, you can, of course, make a classic international transfer through your bank. But usually, pretty hefty fees come with that. Except for the N26 Bank because they automatically work with Transferwise in the background. Clever!

User question:
How can I make money in New Zealand?

If you don’t have a few thousand in the bank, your money reserves will run out quickly when you’re traveling. Uh-oh, now what?

First, the bank account…

To earn money in New Zealand, you first need a bank account. Find out step-by-step how and where to get one in our tutorial all about opening a bank account. The same goes for the tax number.

Then, the job…

Once you’ve got your bank account and tax number, all that’s left is to find a job to boost your cash reserves. Find everything you need in our step-by-step job search tutorial.

We wish you an amazing adventure!
Welcome to Team KiwiQuest!

Team KiwiQuest

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