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Backpacking New
Zealand (cont.)
New Zealand Accommodation & Employment
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Zealand, page 1
New Zealand Accommodation
No matter what budget you’re restricted
to, you’re bound to find good, clean, comfortable accommodation
right across the country. For the lower end budget there are numerous
backpacker lodges in all of the main centres and scattered in
between, and seasoned backpackers know that there is always the
opportunity to work in these hostels in exchange for accommodation.
There are also many camping grounds where, for a small fee, you
can pitch a tent and use the showering and cooking facilities.
If you are driving around the country it is not uncommon for people
to sleep in their cars overnight. There are many ‘rest areas’
scattered along the highways that are more or less small scenic
areas where you can pull off the road and rest. Although putting
up a tent and sleeping in these areas is not strictly allowed,
there are many people who do take advantage of these areas in
that way and, of course, they are free.
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For the middle-of-the-road budget there are countless motels to
choose from all over New Zealand. These are normally small, family-owned
establishments where you can expect to pay anything from NZ$70
to NZ$150 per night for a multi-bed unit, depending on where you
are and what time of the year it is. Unless you are in a very
small town at the height of the holiday season you can normally
just go up to the reception area of these motels and take a room.
It pays to try to negotiate a price with the owner, particularly
later in the day, as small family-owned businesses are more likely
to strike a deal to get the business.
Homestays
Homestays are a popular way of seeing the country and spending
time in comfortable surroundings and real Kiwi families. Prices
are as varied as the locations themselves, with homestays scattered
right across the country and ranging from simple homes to luxurious
ranches and from farms to old colonial homesteads. While not exactly
for the budget-minded, homestays do offer a different insight
to life in New Zealand, so if you get a chance it’s something
certainly worth considering if only for a night or two.
For a convenient search directory of hostels accross New Zealand,
click here.
For a listing of websites offering accommodation guides, homestays,
and other accommodation options across New Zealand, click
here.
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Employment
Seasonal work in New Zealand is plentiful for
those wishing and able to pick up some temporary work to further
fund their travels. For those coming to New Zealand under the
Working Holiday Visa there is the opportunity to take casual work
as they travel the country. There are also opportunities to work
on a farm in exchange for food and accommodation that can be taken
up by those who really want to get involved with local life and
who might not be able to obtain a working visa for New Zealand.
The following links can give you more information:
Farm Helpers
in New Zealand
Help
Exchange
WWOOF
For information about visa requirements and the
Working Holiday Visa, click
here. Essentially speaking you need to have a valid working
permit or a holiday visa to be allowed to work legally in New
Zealand, and doing so without one is likely to end in tears. Seasonal
work such as fruit picking, farm work, and hospitality work is
relatively easy to come by and even easier to leave when you’re
ready to move on. For more mainstream positions, even casual temp
work, you’ll need to go through private employment agencies
and the pickings might be slimmer due to the transient nature
of most backpackers. As with all job-seeking endeavors, bring
an up-to-date copy of your C.V. with you just in case and if you
have your sights on doing some specific casual work, like bartending
or something similar, try to get work experience (if you haven’t
any) before you leave. If you're looking for I.T. work, or are
a teacher or a nurse, you might want to check out our sections
on finding work in New Zealand in your respective areas. Teachers
click here; I.T. workers here;
and nurses here.
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