Embarking on a working holiday in New Zealand is an exciting adventure, offering the opportunity to explore stunning landscapes, meet new people, and gain valuable work experience. However, navigating a new country and setting yourself up for success can be challenging. Fortunately, technology can help make your working holiday experience smoother and more enjoyable. With the right apps on your phone, you can find accommodation, land a job, keep track of your finances, and discover the best spots to visit.

In this blog, we’ve rounded up the top five essential apps that every working holidaymaker in New Zealand should have. These apps will help you get settled, save money, and make the most of your time exploring this beautiful country. From finding your next job to planning a weekend road trip, these tools will become your go-to resources during your stay.

1. Seek – For Finding Jobs Quickly

If you’re planning to work during your stay, Seek is an absolute must-have. Seek is one of New Zealand’s largest and most popular job search platforms, featuring a wide range of roles from casual and part-time positions to full-time career opportunities. The app’s user-friendly interface allows you to browse job listings, set up job alerts, and apply for positions directly from your phone. With thousands of job listings updated daily, it’s one of the best tools to keep on top of new opportunities.

Key Features:

• Customised job alerts based on your skills and interests.
• Easy-to-use filters for refining your job search.
• Ability to save jobs and apply directly through the app.
• Comprehensive company profiles to research potential employers.

Tip: Set up your profile and upload your CV as soon as possible so you can apply quickly when a suitable job is posted. Make use of the app’s search filters to find roles specifically suited to working holidaymakers, such as casual, temporary, or seasonal work.

2. Trademe – For Finding Accommodation and Everything Else

Trademe is the go-to marketplace app in New Zealand, offering a variety of listings, including accommodation, vehicles, and even job opportunities. For working holidaymakers, Trademe is invaluable for finding affordable housing options, from flatshares and rooms for rent to entire apartments. Beyond accommodation, Trademe is also a great resource for buying second-hand items like furniture, clothing, and even cars, making it a one-stop shop for settling into your new life in New Zealand.

Key Features:

• Extensive listings for rental properties, flatshares, and short-term stays.
• An active marketplace for buying and selling second-hand goods.
• Job listings for part-time and full-time roles.
• An intuitive search and filter system for narrowing down your options.

Tip: If you’re looking for a vehicle for a road trip or long-term stay, Trademe’s vehicle section is a great place to find reliable used cars. Always arrange to view the property or car in person before making any commitments.

3. CamperMate – For Exploring the Great Outdoors

One of the best parts of a working holiday in New Zealand is exploring the country’s stunning natural landscapes. CamperMate is an essential app for any traveller planning to hit the road and explore. Whether you’re travelling by campervan or car, this app provides information on nearby campsites, holiday parks, free camping spots, petrol stations, and local attractions. It’s perfect for weekend getaways or longer road trips, helping you find the best spots to camp and the services you need along the way.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive maps with campgrounds, hostels, and backpacker accommodation.
• Detailed reviews and tips from fellow travellers.
• Information on local attractions, hiking trails, and scenic spots.
• Real-time updates on road closures, weather conditions, and campsite availability.

Tip: Download maps and campsite information in advance if you’re heading to remote areas with limited mobile coverage. Check out the community reviews for insights on the best places to stay.

4. Splitwise – For Managing Shared Expenses

If you’re flatting, sharing accommodation, or road-tripping with friends, Splitwise is a lifesaver for managing shared expenses. The app allows you to easily split bills, track who owes what, and settle up with friends or flatmates. Whether it’s groceries, rent, utilities, or travel costs, Splitwise simplifies the process of keeping track of shared spending, ensuring that everyone pays their fair share without awkward conversations.

Key Features:

• Track shared expenses and IOUs between friends, flatmates, or travel buddies.
• Supports multiple currencies, which is handy if you’re dealing with different nationalities.
• Simple, user-friendly interface for managing expenses and settling debts.
• Email reminders for outstanding payments.

Tip: Use Splitwise to keep a clear record of all shared expenses, especially for longer trips or extended stays. This will save time and prevent any confusion when it’s time to settle up.

5. Xe Currency Converter – For Budgeting and Currency Conversion

Managing your budget while living abroad can be tricky, especially when dealing with currency conversions. Xe Currency Converter is a highly-rated app that provides real-time exchange rates and easy-to-use tools for converting between currencies. This is particularly useful if you’re transferring money back home or comparing prices between New Zealand and your home country. With Xe, you can keep track of your spending and make informed financial decisions without the hassle of manual calculations.

Key Features:

• Real-time exchange rate updates for over 180 currencies.
• Intuitive interface for quick currency conversions.
• Tools for tracking historical exchange rates.
• Offline access to save the last updated rates, even without an internet connection.

Tip: Use the app’s alert feature to get notified when exchange rates reach your desired level, making it easier to decide when to transfer money internationally.

Final Thoughts

With these five essential apps on your phone, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and make the most of your working holiday in New Zealand. From finding a job and securing accommodation to budgeting and exploring the country’s beautiful landscapes, these tools will help you stay organised and focused on what really matters—enjoying your Kiwi adventure.

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As a white-collar recruitment agency, Frog Recruitment is committed to supporting businesses in navigating the evolving landscape of inclusivity and diversity. We specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 RCSA Excellence in Candidate Care Award, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.