How does the Starter Pack work?

All the tools you need to work, live, travel and holiday in New Zealand are provided in our Starter Pack. Here, at Working Holiday Starter, we are giving you support before your trip to New Zealand, once you arrive in Auckland or Queenstown, and throughout your whole trip here – that's the benefit of being a Member! Even if you have any questions about the Starter Pack before purchasing, be sure to contact us. We reply within 24 hours.

So, how does this Starter Pack work? Here, we'll go through the steps of what to expect once you have purchased your Starter Pack and decided to take the trip of a lifetime.

Before arrival

You have your working holiday visa, your flight is booked, and you have just purchased your Starter Pack. It's real! You're going to New Zealand! The best time to get your Starter Pack is 2-3 months prior to your arrival date. It gives us enough time to work on your bookings, files, etc.

Since we are based in Auckland or Queenstown, New Zealand, we contact you via email before you arrive. So, remember to check your emails – even your junk box. The first email, as a Working Holiday Starter Member, is the ‘welcome' email giving you a few tips on how you can prepare for your arrival into New Zealand.

Arrangements for your airport transfer and hostel nights.

If at any point you want to email us with any questions or want to go over what to expect when you arrive in New Zealand, we can arrange that.

Arrival in Auckland or Queenstown

You made it! Your New Zealand trip starts here. The airport transfer to your hostel is super easy to spot. Everything was organised before you arrive, so just give the driver your name and hop on the shuttle – it's that easy.

After being dropped off at the doorstep of the hostel, check-in with just your passport. This hostel is where you will be spending the next three nights, which are included in your Starter Pack.

As prearranged with you, we will meet you at our Auckland or Queenstown office. Most of our Members are pretty tired from the long flight to New Zealand.

Now, it's time for the serious business of activating your bank account and applying for your IRD number (your New Zealand tax number). Ok, so it won't feel so serious, as we have everything prepared for you and we'll show you to your appointments. Just enjoy the feeling of ease.

When all that is out of the way, we'll set up your phone with an NZ sim card, so you are ready to talk social and business with your New Zealand phone number, whilst using a backpacker-budget-friendly flexible phone plan. You will also get your Welcome Package full of discounts, vouchers and all that good stuff.

Of course, we've had fun so far, but the real fun starts when we talk travel! If you have an idea of what you want to do in New Zealand, we can go through the best ways of approaching your plan. Otherwise, we'll go through all the options to travel around New Zealand. Our goal is to help you decide which option is right for you.

As you may have noticed, you are staying in either Auckland or Queenstown, so we'll suggest a few fun things you can do in the city while you're here – for free, may we add. Don't forget, your free Bar Crawl voucher is also included in your Starter Pack.

Job Workshop

Your orientation in Auckland or Queesntown will also include a job workshop. This session is all about stretching your dollars further and funding your New Zealand adventure.

Job searching, presenting yourself, feedback on your resume/CV, cover letters, job interviews and following up interviews: we go through all the essentials and give you tips to bag a job in New Zealand as quickly as possible. Most of our Members get a job within two weeks of a serious job search. There is also some great ways of working for accommodation in New Zealand, so we'll talk about that too.

The rest of your time in Auckland or Queenstown

You are prepared to take on New Zealand. Go you! By this point, some Members have decided what they are doing and hit the road within three days of arriving in New Zealand. Other Members want to take the time to decide, so stay in Auckland or Queenstown a little longer. In the latter case, there are plenty of chances to meet up with your Working Holiday Starter contact again to discuss anything. Remember, the Starter Pack is catered to you, so if you have any questions, ask us! We're here to help.

While travelling New Zealand

So, you've left Auckland or Queenstown. This doesn't mean the contact ends. We're here to support you for your whole trip. Whether it's to book a bus, book an activity, ask a question, tell us your plans, or entertain us with travel stories, let us know!

You will also take advantage of our mail holding service. We receive any mail sent to you in New Zealand, then we text you to check what you want to do with it.