Working in New Zealand

You’ll be living close to lots of employment options like offices, shops, bars and restaurants. Contacts at your sport club might also help you to find coaching work.

In addition, your mentor will provide guidance on working in New Zealand but you should ensure you’re well prepared as the job market can be as competitive as the sports arena!

1. What type of visa do I need?

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa

If you would like to obtain paid work during your programme you will need to obtain a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. UK citizens aged 18-30 are eligible for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa which enables holders to live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months.  It costs around £150 and can take up to 4 weeks to process so we recommend getting the paperwork sorted well in advance of your departure. 

Visitor’s permit

If you don’t plan to find paid employment in New Zealand and have a British passport you do not need to apply for a tourist visa as you’ll be eligible for a visitor’s permit which covers you for up to six months. The visitor's permit is granted on arrival in New Zealand. For more information, see the Travel & Visa section in the Need to Know area of our site.

2. Do I need to be an elite player?

Absolutely not! We cater for players of all abilities. We will obtain further information on your sporting ability once you have submitted your booking form. This will allow us to match you with a suitable club.

3. How can I find out more general information?

Hopefully, most key pieces of information are available on the website where you can download programme notes, prices and dates.  Our Need to Know section also contains lots of useful information.  If you have other questions or just want to have a chat, we’re always available either on the phone or via email.

We know that planning a trip overseas can be scary at times and there’s loads to think about. So don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need to discuss anything at all.

Club structure

Our New Zealand rugby clubs have lots of teams. You can expect:

- 5-7 senior men's teams

- Active women's sections at most clubs

- 2-3 Colts teams

Top teams at each club play in the highest provincial leagues, whereas lower level teams are focused more on having fun.

Matches and training

You’ll train 2-3 times a week with matches played at the weekends. Clubs have lots of pitches and most teams’ matches will kick off at 3pm. Everyone then gathers in the clubhouse afterwards for post-match drinks. Most participants will play Colts rugby. The Colts competitions are taken seriously by the clubs and offer an excellent standard of rugby. If you play for your club’s Colts First team, you’ll play with and against New Zealand’s top schoolboy players, some of whom are part of Super 14 academies.

Off the pitch

With so many members, your club will be a hive of social activity. There’ll be drinks after training and matches, plus social events throughout the season. Many clubs also arrange pre-season tours - a great chance to get to know your team mates whilst exploring a new part of New Zealand.

Rugby development

Our clubs are selected for their high quality coaching and facilities, helping you to return home as a much-improved player.

…and finally

New Zealand’s a beautiful country, famous for its rugby, so what are you waiting for?