Working Holiday Visa - Queenstown

Welcome to the forum.

I would probably start with Plan A, and apply now for positions, and see how successful you are. If you are successful, then take the position, and you know the first four months (say) are fairly settled, and you can plan around it. If unsuccessful, certainly double-check whether it is your fault, or simply a case of much higher supply than demand.

I think starting with a travel plan would be less good ... how long would it be for, and there could always be the concern about your budget, and getting future work. Having said that, Queenstown also has a monster summer season, so work availability doesn't decrease when the snow melts.

Thanks for the reply! Yeah I suppose that would be the best option, I hope i'm not too late for the ski season!

Any advice on working a ski season? I would love to spend a winter and a summer in New Zealand and I'm not one for planning too much but I know it is necessary sometimes!

And what about travelling around? I think I want to spend most of my time in the South Island, perhaps travelling around and picking up jobs as I go. I guess once you're out there it's easier to get into it all?

I guess once you're out there it's easier to get into it all?

That's certainly true, but don't underestimate how busy popular places will be for the whole summer ... some pre-planning and pre-booking will be required.

There is a good bus service to almost all the places yo would probably wish to visit, and also an extensive hostel network (I would join HI/YHA, but there is also BBH) ... renting campervans is extremely popular in NZ, but more for couples and families; while a large number of backpackers happily negotiate the country without a vehicle.

Can't advise on working the ski season (or indeed the summer season).

Don't totally neglect the North Island - we really love the volcanic / geothermal area from around Ruapehu through Lake Taupo to Rotorua, and Northland (north of Auckland) is excellent as well. I worked a summer (many years ago) in the Bay of Islands, and loved it.

You need to get your Queenstown accommodation sorted earlier rather than later, as soon as you can. It's great you've got the first week sorted, but the shortage of rental accommodation may dictate your subsequent plans.
Also, if you know any other languages (eg, Japanese, Chinese), emphasise that to employers. If you don't, can you fit in a course before you arrive here?
If Queenstown doesn't work out, try other towns in the same region...Wanaka, Hawea, Cromwell, Clyde, Alexandra...

Thanks! Do you know the best ways to see what accommodation is available?

There will be one or more major real estate websites for New Zealand, and they will include rentals; a search should find them. Search share accommodation as well ... might be better for you.

Thanks! I have found a few options. WWOOFing sounds awesome too!

WWOOFing can definitely be a great way to experience NZ, but again...get onto it as soon as possible, start contacting hosts.

www.trademe.co.nz could be a possible source of rental accommodation. You could also keep an eye on the local newspapers (many of which are online). In Queenstown, Wanaka and Central Otago these include; Mountain Scene, Wanaka Sun, Upper Clutha Messenger, Central Otago News, Wanaka Mirror...

Accommodation in Queenstown is very tight for workers, let alone reasonably priced and warm accommodation! NZSki has sorted out accommodation for about 150 of its workers in Cromwell, about 45 mins away and busing them to work each day. No, not in the 'excitement' of Queenstown but it will probably be half the price and in better condition for that price. Getting accommodation will be your number one challenge.