FAQ’s - the questions answered here cover a wide range
of topics, however if you have any queries not addressed below we encourage you
to contact us.
Application
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Do many people travel on their own?
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Yes. On average 70% of participants taking a BUNAC Group Flight join the programme
on their own. The Discover Hong Kong stopover provides an ideal opportunity to make
new friends.
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When should I apply for the programme?
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We recommend that you apply as soon as possible. Places are available on a first-come
first-served basis. Applications for BUNAC group flight options must be received
at least 6 weeks before departure. Those arranging their own flights must submit
their application at least 6 weeks before the intended departure.
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What will it cost?
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You should budget for the following costs:
- Work New Zealand (£359), plus any additional package
cost
- Flight costs (either BUNAC Group Flight or independent)
- Visa fee (IEP Work Exchange visa £155 or Working Holiday visa £95)
- Insurance (the BUNAC Comprehensive policy costs £233 for 6 months)
- Spending money (each visa has specific minimum requirements; please refer to the
visa information for more information).
This is a working holiday and the expectation is that you will earn a local salary
whilst away. Most participants use this to cover daily living costs and with careful
budgeting can save money to put toward travelling around New Zealand.
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Do I have to buy one of the Packages?
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The Work New Zealand gap year programme is based on
the Essentials programme. The other packages are intended to enhance the experience.
However, they are optional and you are not obliged to add anything to the Essentials
programme.
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Can I join a package without the Essentials?
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The essence of the Work New Zealand gap year programme
is the support and services that are included in the Essentials programme. The extra
packages enhance the experience. The packages can’t be arranged without having the
Essentials programme.
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I am planning to use the Work New Zealand programme
as part of a round-the-world trip. Can I spend time in other countries on my way
to New Zealand?
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Yes, if you book your own flights you can arrange an itinerary to meet your own
unique requirements. You must arrive in New Zealand within 12 months of the visa
being issued.
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Flights
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If I book a BUNAC round-the-World flight, will I be able to change it?
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BUNAC flights are flexible and allow dates of travel to be changed for a fee of
approximately £75. Changes are made subject to airline availability.
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Tell me more about the Discover Hong Kong stopover
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Discover Hong Kong is an inclusive part of your London-Auckland Group Flight. The
BUNAC rep at Heathrow will introduce you to the rest of the group and seats on the
plane are pre-allocated to ensure you are sitting with other Work
New Zealand participants.
On arrival in Hong Kong you will be transferred to a centrally located 3* hotel
for two nights (rooms are based on two or three sharing and breakfast is included).
There will be some free time to rest and recover from the flight; although you are
likely to fight off the sleep and go and explore the local area with your new friends.
During your stay your English speaking guide will take you to see some of Hong Kong's
most popular tourist highlights including Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, and the
Aberdeen Fishing Village (tours may vary from one group to another). There is also
a group night out planned for one evening. Finally, having enjoyed a brief introduction
to this frenetic Chinese outpost you will be transferred back to the airport in
time for your next flight to Auckland.
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The price of the flight has changed since I last looked at the website. Why is this?
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Whilst the flight costs are a constant, the airport/departure taxes and fuel surcharges
can fluctuate and this may result in a change to the overall flight cost.
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Do I have to fly to Auckland?
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All BUNAC Group flights will arrive in Auckland where the IEP resource centre is
located. If you are arranging an independent flight you can choose to travel to
a city of your choice. However, outside of Auckland the resources will be limited.
Please contact BUNAC to discuss your specific needs in more detail.
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Visa
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How do I know which visa to go for?
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The key differences between the visas are the length of stay, funds required on
entry to New Zealand and the upper age limit. See the table
here for more information on the two different visas. If you are still unsure
please call BUNAC and we’ll be happy to discuss the options with you.
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What support funds do I need?
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New Zealand Immigration explain that you should be prepared to show evidence on
arrival of access to either:
NZ$3000 (for the IEP visa) or
NZ$350 for each month
you anticipate staying in New Zealand (for the Working Holiday Visa).
Funds can be NZ$ or £s equivalent. If you arrive on a one-way flight you may need
to show evidence of a further £500.
You are not obliged to spend this money in New
Zealand (we expect you’ll be earning during your trip) but it reassures Immigration
that you have appropriate funds to support yourself for your initial stay. The funds
can be either in your name or provided by a guarantor (such as a parent).
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I’ve already had a Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand. Can I apply for the IEP
Work Exchange visa?
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Yes. If you have already used the Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand you can still
apply for the IEP Work Exchange Visa (although this visa is also a once in a lifetime
opportunity).
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How long do I have to stay?
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There is no minimum stay; however we recommend a trip of at least three months.
Short trips will need careful planning to ensure you see and do everything that
you want to. Finding work may be harder as you will only be able to commit to an
employer for a short time. Crop picking and harvest work are ideal for short stay
trips.
The IEP Exchange Visa is available to British and Irish passport holders for a maximum
stay of 12 months.
Irish passport holders can apply for a 12 month Working Holiday Visa. British passport
holders can apply for either a 12 month or 23 month Working Holiday Visa.
As part of the application process for the 23 month visa you must have a government
approved chest x-ray and medical which can cost approximately £150; BUNAC will provide
the necessary forms. The 12 month Working Holiday Visa can be extended to 23 months
whilst in New Zealand providing you still meet the eligibility requirements and
you have a medical in New Zealand.
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Work
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How will you help me find a job?
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Our Work New Zealand Handbook has some useful tips that
will help you prepare for the job hunt. On arrival in Auckland, utilise IEP’s resource
centre with job boards, computers, free internet and knowledgeable staff. They will
help you get your tax number and set up a bank account (both essential for potential
employers).
If you are looking for a head start, why not consider the Skills & Thrills package
which has been designed to provide you with the necessary experience to find hospitality
work.
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What kind of work do people do?
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Most participants work in retail, hospitality, agriculture (e.g. fruit picking/harvesting)
or office temping. Typical jobs include serving in pubs and bars, waiting tables
in restaurants and cafes, working in shops and supermarkets, housekeeping and reception
work in hotels and hostels, and data entry and customer service roles.
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Accommodation
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Where will I live?
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Most participants live in hostels or rent shared flats/houses. It is common for
people to share with other participants they meet on the Group Flight. Vacant properties
and rooms are advertised online, in local newspapers, hostel notice boards and in
IEP’s resource office.
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Do I have to stay in Auckland?
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Auckland provides a good base to start your trip, but the visa allows you to work
anywhere in New Zealand; North Island or South, winter ski resorts or summer beaches,
office temping or countryside farming.
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Is it possible to book extra accommodation in Auckland?
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The Work New Zealand Essentials programme includes your
first two nights accommodation on arrival in to Auckland. Certain packages also
include extra accommodation. If you would like us to book you more Auckland accommodation
we can certainly arrange this for you. Please contact the Work
New Zealand department for more information.
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Can I reserve a twin room in Auckland?
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Subject to availability and an upgrade fee we can arrange twin accommodation for
you and your travel partner/friend in Auckland. Please contact BUNAC for more information.
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How can I find out more?
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Contact us on (020) 7251 3386; send us an email
(downunder@bunac.org.uk) or attend a presentation.
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