working holiday visa
working holiday visa

Going on a Working Holiday Visa to Queenstown: the capital of adrenaline

Why choose Queenstown as your arrival city for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for working holiday visa holders in New Zealand . Renowned for its spectacular scenery and vibrant atmosphere, Queenstown offers a perfect balance between work, adventure, and quality of life .

Small in size but big on international renown , Queenstown is a vibrant tourist town. It attracts travelers from all over the world who come for skiing, extreme sports, hiking, or simply to enjoy the festive atmosphere . It's therefore an excellent choice for quickly finding seasonal work , especially in hospitality, catering, or outdoor activities.

As a working holiday visa holder, you'll easily meet other young people from Europe, America, or Asia. Queenstown is also a perfect place to improve your English , expand your network, and integrate into a relaxed, multicultural environment. The pace of life is pleasant , with mountains, a lake, and daily activities.

Location: Otago region in the south of the South Island

Distinguishing feature: Pacific capital of extreme sports

Population : approximately 10,000 inhabitants

Climate: oceanic, with warm to moderately hot days in summer. Winter temperatures can sometimes be below freezing.

The must-sees: Glenorchy, Mount Aspiring National Park , Milford Sound , The Remarkables, Coronet Peak , Paradise Valley, Wanaka

Types of work: shop assistant, receptionist, bartender, dishwasher, chef or kitchen assistant, housekeeping, all types of jobs at the resort, etc. (full list available upon request)

Our office in Queenstown

From April 1, 2024, our job assistance partner is opening an office in Queenstown. You can therefore begin your New Zealand adventure in Queenstown or travel to Queenstown from your arrival airport. By purchasing a basic New Zealand package or a complete Queenstown package, you will be able to access their services in both Queenstown and Auckland.

How to go to Queenstown on a Working Holiday Visa?

Thanks to VisaVacancesTravail.be, everything is in place to support you at every stage of your Working Holiday Visa project in New Zealand. From the initial contact to your arrival, we're there to help you with personalized services designed for Belgians.

Here's how it works:

  1. Join our free online information session to discover all the available programs and ask your questions.

  2. Choose the Queenstown Working Holiday package that suits your profile (English courses, job assistance, accommodation, activities…).

  3. Our team helps you gather the necessary documents , complete your visa application, take out insurance, etc.

  4. You will be welcomed on site by our school or local partner, who will guide you from your arrival in Queenstown.

✔️ Don't forget to check the eligibility requirements a little further down to make sure you can apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa.

Preparing for my Working Holiday Visa departure to Queenstown

For working holiday visa holders, Queenstown is adventure around every corner. Nestled between mountains, a crystal-clear lake, and a vibrant atmosphere, this small town in the South Island of New Zealand is a true playground for young travelers Seasonal jobs are readily available , the international community is welcoming , and the quality of life is exceptional . It's the perfect place to work while enjoying outdoor activities : skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and adrenaline-pumping adventures all year round!

Before you fly, a few essential preparations are necessary:
​​✅ Ensure your Working Holiday visa is validated ,
Book temporary accommodation for your first few days there,
Take out health insurance suitable for the duration of your stay,
✅ Plan to open a New Zealand bank account ,
✅ And prepare a CV in the local format to quickly apply for a job.

Good news: Visavacancestravail.be and its partners on the ground will assist you with all these procedures when you book one of our New Zealand Working Holiday packages . Our team will support you every step of the way for a stress-free departure.

Steps to take before leaving for a Working Holiday Visa in Queenstown

Visit the official New Zealand immigration website for:

  • Create your account,

  • Working Holiday Visa application form ,

  • Attach the required documents (passport, proof of funds),

  • Pay the application fee ( NZ$770, approximately €400 at the rate of 1 NZD = €0.51).

Check out our tutorial on obtaining your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa to make the process easier.

👉 Once your visa is approved, you have 12 months to enter New Zealand .

Conditions for going on a Working Holiday Visa to Queenstown from Belgium

Are you Belgian and dreaming of a Working Holiday Visa in Queenstown , New Zealand? It's possible thanks to the Working Holiday Visa signed between Belgium and New Zealand. Here are the official requirements to be eligible for the program.

To be able to apply for a Working Holiday Visa from Belgium, you must:

  • ✅ Be of Belgian nationality (and holder of a valid Belgian passport),

  • ✅ Must be between 18 and 30 years old inclusive at the time of application,

  • ✅ Not having already benefited from a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa ,

  • Not having dependent children during the stay,

  • ✅ Have a minimum of NZD 4,200 (approximately €2,500) in an account in your name,

  • ✅ Be in good health (a medical examination may be required depending on your background),

  • ✅ Be prepared to take out health and repatriation insurance for the entire duration of the stay.

Price of a Queenstown Working Holiday Visa package

It all depends on the package you choose.

The basic package costs €3299 in 2025. For the complete package , the price will depend on the number of weeks of classes, the number of hours of classes per week, and the school where you wish to take English courses. Expect to pay between €2000 and €2500 for a month of classes with homestay accommodation (half-board) in a private room or shared with a friend, or in a shared apartment (private or shared with a friend or another Working Holiday Visa holder).

job assistance partner has a branch office in addition to their main office in Auckland. You will be supported from your arrival in Queenstown , making it an excellent choice of arrival city for your Working Holiday program in New Zealand.

WHAT TO DO IN AND AROUND QUEENSTOWN?

Surrounded by the towering peaks of "The Remarkables" and "Coronet Peak," and framed by the winding curves of Lake Wakatipu, the city of Queenstown is a spectacle in itself. Discover our feature on Queenstown.
person in yellow parachute over mountains during daytime

Our partner language school for Working Holiday Visas in Queenstown: Language Schools New Zealand



Queenstown, does that name ring a bell? It's nothing less than the Mecca of outdoor activities, summer and winter, in the Pacific: rafting, bungee jumping, skiing, snowboarding, hiking... all in a spectacular setting! Queenstown certainly has something special to offer. This New Zealand tourist hotspot boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, thanks in part to the Remarkables mountain range and the blue waters of Lake Wakatipu below. It's also a key gateway to the southern fjords like Milford Sound. A lively spot that will appeal to both thrill-seeking adventurers and nature lovers.

Language Schools New Zealand is located in the city center, on the top floor of a shopping center. But don't worry, in Queenstown, nature is everywhere. The view of the lake from the school is a reminder of that. Enjoy a dynamic and stimulating environment where international students speak English to each other to learn the language more effectively. A must for developing your language skills and finding work in the city or at the two nearby ski resorts (Coronet Peak, The Remarkables). Your Working Holiday Visa stay couldn't get off to a better start!
Language Schools New Zealand (LSNZ) in Queenstown offers a variety of English courses tailored to the needs of international students. Here is an overview of the programs offered:

1. General English Courses:
Designed to improve listening, writing, reading, and grammar skills. Available in full-time or part-time formats, these courses are suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

2. Exam Preparation Courses:
LSNZ offers specific courses to prepare for internationally recognized English exams, such as the IELTS. These programs are ideal for students aiming for higher education or career opportunities requiring language certification.

3. Private Lessons
For those who want personalized learning, LSNZ offers private lessons tailored to each student's specific goals.

4. English Plus Activities Combined Programs
LSNZ also organizes programs combining English language learning with local activities, allowing students to practice the language in real-life contexts while discovering New Zealand culture.

These courses are taught in a welcoming environment with qualified teachers.

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa allows you to take up to 6 months of English courses if you wish.
  • Accommodation with a host family on a half-board basis (full board on weekends) in a private room. The school is accessible on foot or by bus.
  • Shared house without meals: The house is a 40-minute walk from the school, only 15-20 minutes by bus. There are 6 bedrooms, including 3 single rooms and 3 twin rooms. It is fully equipped (kitchen, washing machine, dryer, Wi-Fi, garden, and balcony with a lovely view). Electricity is not included in the rent.
Language Schools New Zealand (LSNZ) in Queenstown offers a variety of activities to enrich students' experience outside of English classes. These activities are designed to promote language learning in real-life contexts and allow students to discover New Zealand culture. Here's an overview of the activities organized by LSNZ:
🎯 Weekly Activities and Excursions

Weekday Activities: LSNZ regularly organizes midweek activities, such as conversation clubs, barbecues, and cultural outings. These events provide students with the opportunity to practice English in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Weekend Excursions: Excursions are offered on weekends to explore the Queenstown area, including visits to iconic natural sites and outdoor activities. English
New Zealand

❄️ Seasonal Programs

"Study & Ski/Snowboard" Program: During the winter (June to September), LSNZ offers a program combining English classes in the morning with afternoons dedicated to skiing or snowboarding. This program includes transportation, ski passes, and instruction on local slopes.

💬 Clubs and Workshops

Conversation Clubs: Conversation clubs are organized to encourage students to practice English by discussing various topics in an informal setting.

Job Club: LSNZ offers a "Job Club" to help students write their CVs, prepare for interviews, and search for job opportunities in New Zealand.

These activities are designed to complement classroom learning and offer students a complete immersion in New Zealand culture while improving their language skills.
Queenstown, due to its location and local regulations, faces a housing challenge. Horizontal construction is limited by the surrounding mountains, and vertical construction is restricted to preserve city views. Consequently, finding accommodation once you arrive can be extremely competitive. However, since accommodation is usually linked to your course, it is recommended that you take your courses in Queenstown to facilitate your move and avoid major housing-related problems.

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* city of arrival to benefit from job assistance

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Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance

Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance

Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance

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