Gap Year in New Zealand: Ideas, Planning & Funding Tips
Taking a gap year in New Zealand isn’t “falling behind” - it’s a chance to step ahead in life experience, confidence, and self-awareness. For Gen Z teens and young adults, it can be the perfect bridge between school and what’s next. And for parents or caregivers, it can be reassuring to know that with the right planning, a gap year can be a safe, productive, and inspiring investment in your young person’s future.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, skills development, work experience, or a breather to figure things out, this guide will help you explore gap year ideas, create a plan, and understand funding options that make it all possible.
Why Take a Gap Year?
A well-planned gap year can help you:
Build real-world skills employers love: communication, resilience, problem-solving.
Explore career options before committing to study or training.
Gain life experience and independence.
Travel, volunteer, or work while discovering more about yourself.
Boost mental wellbeing through a break from traditional study.
Mindset shift: A gap year isn’t a detour - it’s a launch pad. Many Kiwi employers value candidates who’ve had diverse, real-world experiences.
Gap Year Ideas in New Zealand
If you want to stay close to home (or test your wings slowly), there’s plenty you can do without leaving Aotearoa:
1. Seasonal Work in Tourism or Hospitality
Work in Queenstown, Rotorua, or the Bay of Islands during peak seasons — perfect for meeting people from around the world.
2. Conservation Projects
Join Department of Conservation (DOC) volunteer programmes, wildlife trusts, or eco-restoration projects.
3. Adventure Guiding or Outdoor Training
Get qualified in rafting, climbing, or guiding through providers like Outward Bound or Skills Active.
4. Internships or Work Placements
Try short-term placements in industries you’re curious about — from creative arts to IT.
5. Study Short Courses
Learn te reo Māori, digital skills, or trades basics without committing to full-time study.
6. Travel New Zealand
Road-trip with friends, explore national parks, or hop between North and South Island for new perspectives.
Gap Year Ideas Overseas
If you’re keen to spread your wings beyond Aotearoa NZ, a gap year overseas can be an unforgettable adventure. With planning, it can also be affordable and safe. Here are some popular options:
1. Work and Travel Programmes
Countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK offer working holiday visas for New Zealanders. You can earn money while experiencing life in another culture.
2. Volunteer Abroad
Join community development, teaching, or environmental projects through established organisations. Look for programmes with clear safety standards and transparent costs.
3. Cultural Exchange or Language Immersion
Spend time living with a host family, teaching English, or attending language schools. Great options include Japan, South America, and Europe.
4. Au Pair or Childcare Roles
Many families overseas welcome Kiwi au pairs to help with childcare while offering accommodation, meals, and a cultural exchange.
5. Adventure and Travel
Backpacking across Southeast Asia, doing an Inter-rail trip around Europe, or exploring South America are classic gap year adventures. With the right planning and budget, you can travel widely without breaking the bank.
6. Study Abroad Short Courses
Some universities and cultural institutes overseas offer short-term study options (like art, design, or digital media), giving you a taste of study in a global setting without a long commitment.
7. Faith-Based Camps or International Summer Camps
Many young people choose to spend time working or volunteering at faith-based camps, leadership programmes, or international summer camps (especially in the US and Europe). These opportunities often provide accommodation, meals, structured activities, and a strong support network - while building confidence, leadership, and cultural exchange skills.
Reassurance for Parents: Working holiday visas, summer camps, and structured volunteer programmes often include support networks, local coordinators, and safety briefings, making them a safer choice for first-time travellers.
Planning Your Gap Season
The best gap years balance freedom and structure. Here’s how to start:
Clarify your purpose: Do you want to earn money, explore careers, travel, volunteer, or all of the above?
Set a timeline: Gap years don’t have to be exactly 12 months - yours could be 6, 9, or 18 months.
Research opportunities early: Many internships, volunteer programmes, and seasonal jobs fill fast.
Talk to others: Chat with people who’ve done a gap year - their insights are gold.
Involve your parents or caregivers: Early, open conversations can reduce stress for everyone.
Pro tip: Use a simple planning tool or spreadsheet to map out your months - even if some boxes say “explore options.”
Funding Tips for Your Gap Year
Money doesn’t have to be the barrier that stops you. Here’s how to fund your adventure:
Work before you go: Summer jobs or part-time work during school can help build savings.
Earn as you go: Many gap year roles include wages, free accommodation, or food.
Apply for grants and scholarships: Some organisations support youth volunteering or travel.
Budget realistically: Include travel, gear, insurance, and fun money.
Consider working from anywhere: Freelance writing, tutoring, or digital skills can fund your travels online.
Reassurance for Parents & Caregivers
Parents often worry a gap year means their child will “lose momentum.” In reality, research shows gap year students often return to study more motivated and focused.
Your young person will develop independence in a supported way.
They can gain valuable job experience and career clarity.
Gap years are a chance to explore safely before bigger commitments.
Encourage them to plan carefully, stay connected, and check in regularly — you’ll both feel more confident.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gap Years
1. Is a gap year worth it?
Yes - a gap year can give you valuable life skills, work experience, and career clarity. Employers in NZ often value diverse experiences.
2. Do universities in NZ support gap years?
Most universities allow you to defer your offer for a year. It’s best to check directly with the admissions office.
3. How much money do I need for a gap year in NZ?
It depends on your activities. You can plan a low-cost gap year by working part-time, volunteering with accommodation included, or travelling locally.
4. Can I work during my gap year?
Absolutely - seasonal work, internships, and part-time jobs are common ways to earn money and build skills.
5. How do I talk to my parents about taking a gap year?
Prepare a plan showing what you’ll do, how you’ll stay safe, and how you’ll fund it. This reassures parents it’s a purposeful decision.
Final Thought about a Gap Season
Taking a gap year isn’t about delaying life - it’s about living it fully and intentionally. Whether you’re the one taking it or the parent cheering from the sidelines, remember: it’s an investment in confidence, adaptability, and a future built on real-world experiences.
Hot Tip: document your experiences - the learnings, challenges and skills you've gained along the way. This is gold when it comes to writing your CV /resume or having a job interview.
