New Zealand Gap Years, Trips & Tours

You can expect to pay similar prices to the UK while in New Zealand. It’s possible to explore New Zealand on a budget; staying in affordable accommodation and taking public buses (you’ll find regular services almost everywhere in New Zealand!) are some of the easiest ways to save money on your trip. And with one of the highest minimum wages in the world, tipping isn’t expected of travellers either.

New Zealand is one of the best destinations for a gap year trip! With adrenaline rush activities, awe-inspiring “Middle Earth” landscapes and welcoming people, New Zealand has everything you could ask for. Imagine glacier hikes one day and exploring fjords the next, followed by glowworm caves, experiencing Māori culture, beaches or even bungee jumping in the country that invented the sport! If you’re a first-time traveller, New Zealand will make you feel right at home while still providing plenty of adventure throughout your trip. Looking to work abroad? New Zealand has one of the highest minimum wages in the world, so you’ll have the chance to travel on time off while advancing your CV. Or if you’re planning the ultimate multi-country gap year, New Zealand’s diverse scenery and laid-back vibe is a breath of fresh air.

As New Zealand is an outdoorsy destination, you’ll want to bring good hiking shoes, practical clothes and a swimsuit. There isn’t a strict dress code in New Zealand but the weather can be a little unpredictable so packing light layers and a waterproof jacket is recommended. The North Island is generally warmer than the South with an average difference of 6°C. You will need thicker layers if you are visiting in New Zealand’s winter (June to August), as well as for visiting glaciers and fjords. When travelling to New Zealand, pack essentials like your passport, credit/debit cards and New Zealand Dollars, sunscreen, any medications and a mini first aid kit. Should you run out of anything, it’s easy to top up as you’ll find shops almost everywhere in New Zealand - especially in major cities like Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.

New Zealand has one of the highest populations of native and rare animals in the world, which means that you won’t find wildlife like this anywhere else. New Zealand’s “Big 5” animals are the kiwi bird, the kākā parrot, the tuatara lizard with a third eye, the kea parrot and finally the mystical takahe bird which was rumoured to be extinct. Kaikōura is a must-visit destination for animal lovers. Dolphins and whale-watching tours are the biggest draw, but you’ll also discover seal colonies, penguins and if you’re lucky, the rare Albatross.

It’s entirely up to you. While tipping isn’t mandatory in New Zealand, tour guides will always appreciate the gesture of appreciation for their dedication to ensuring your group tour is the best it can be. So if your tour guide goes above and beyond, then tipping is one of the best ways to show your gratitude and that you had an amazing time on the trip. How much you wish to tip comes down to personal preference, but it’s common to leave a tip of NZ$5 per day or 5-10% of the trip cost.