new zealand work holiday visa

amy85

Hi,
Im looking into getting a WHV for NZ. Im wondering which would be the best site to book the visa with, www.visafirst.com or immigration.govt.nz? I dont want to book with Usit as they only do a package deal and its too expensive in my opinion and all the the stuff can be bought separately when im there. Visafirst said it is €175 for the visa. Does anyone know if that sounds about right or can it be got cheaper? Also how long is it taking to process the visas does anyone know?
As much info as ye have would be great
Amy

gustafo

No need to go through any overprices agents do it yourself through the nz immigration website it's simple, i think the cost is around GBP100, it should't take long i had mine within a few days but that was a few years ago.

Innervision

I got mine directly through the NZ immigration site last month, really easy to do and had it within a few days, cost about €110 euro so definitely wouldn't pay Visafirst €175 for the same thing!

amy85

Thanks guys. My sister and i just applied for our visa's on the NZ Immigration site this evening and it went through fine. Was 106euro. So glad i didn't go with Visafirst or USIT for the visa's.

In saying that, i am considering maybe booking my flights with USIT. We want to stop over in Thailand for 2-3 weeks first before heading on to NZ. We are planning on heading out in June. They quoted me 862 euro return to CHCH (inc all taxes) baggage allowance 30kg, with a stop over in Bangkok for 2-3 weeks on way out. I think this is fairly good, but i could be wrong.

I would be kinda nervous trying to book all those connections etc myself online, so at least i would have some comfort knowing someone else is doing it for me and it will be done right.

I also want to get some opinions on the islands in Thailand and what would be the must see's/do's but might have to write up a separate thread for that though.

gustafo

That's a good price i'd book that if i was you.

amy85

our visas were approved this morning!! cant believe it came through so quickly!! now we need to get going and book these flights before they go up more in price!! WOOHOO!!!... Roll on NZ. CANT WAIT!

RebelRocket

@amy85

My friend and I are a planning on doing roughly the same as you, albeit we are only starting to plan with a view to leaving early next year.

Our aim was to go to New Zealand and earn enough money to go travelling in South America.

Was wondering had you planned something similar? If you don't mind me asking, how much money do you plan on bringing?

amy85

RebelRocket wrote: »

@amy85

My friend and I are a planning on doing roughly the same as you, albeit we are only starting to plan with a view to leaving early next year.

Our aim was to go to New Zealand and earn enough money to go travelling in South America.

Was wondering had you planned something similar? If you don't mind me asking, how much money do you plan on bringing?

Hi ya. No i just plan on going to NZ for the year really. I have been to New Zealand a few years ago and i loved it. I was there for about 2 months. Just travelling around, so i have always wanted to go back, but this time it will be to work aswell hopefully. I have been saving for a while so i definetely have a few grand in the kitty anyways! Money goes quickly when your not earning!! We might do a bit of travelling through SEA on way back if we can , but thats a long way off yet!

RebelRocket

amy85 wrote: »

Hi ya. No i just plan on going to NZ for the year really. I have been to New Zealand a few years ago and i loved it. I was there for about 2 months. Just travelling around, so i have always wanted to go back, but this time it will be to work aswell hopefully. I have been saving for a while so i definetely have a few grand in the kitty anyways! Money goes quickly when your not earning!! We might do a bit of travelling through SEA on way back if we can , but thats a long way off yet!

Ya I know what ya mean, we were thinking close to ten grand would be needed. Did you find any websites when planning that may be of some use to us?

(I realise you posted here to find information yourself so I won't bother you anymore after this!)

amy85

RebelRocket wrote: »

Ya I know what ya mean, we were thinking close to ten grand would be needed. Did you find any websites when planning that may be of some use to us?

(I realise you posted here to find information yourself so I won't bother you anymore after this!)

No that's fine. Right now i am just looking at what the job situation is over there. The NZ Immigration website has a list of all different job websites and websites for backpackers etc. Its very helpful. Applied for a job this evening actually in a ski resort over there. I'm sure i prob wont get it but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained!!

I am also looking into what travel insurance to get. So many places, don't know who to go with. They are all quoting similar enough prices aswell. And because we are going to Thailand for 2 weeks on way over, i am mainly doing research on that aswell!

Because i visited NZ a few years ago, i travelled around the whole 2 islands, I would be more concerned with getting a job quickly than taking my time seeing the sights before hand. But if you need any info on places to see or whatever just let me know.

I'm sure you will love NZ anyways. Its an amazing country and such lovely people.I can wait to get back there to be honest!!!