1. If you prefer mountains. The Southern Alps bisect the island – these peaks are snow-capped year-round and offer countless photo opportunities and chances to get up close to truly remarkable landscapes. The North Island has volcanic mountains in Tongariro National Park, but nothing comparable to the Southern Alps.
2. Speaking of mountains, if you want to do some hiking during your Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand, you absolutely must head to the South Island. Some of the best multi-day walks are there. Notable examples include the Routeburn Trail, the Milford Trail, and the Abel Tasman Coastal Trail. Besides these longer treks, there are some exceptional day hikes around the South Island, such as the Sealy Tarns walk to Mueller Hut and the walk to the top of Ben Lomond in Queenstown, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. Speaking of icebergs, you'll find plenty on the Lake Tasman Walk in Mt. Cook National Park.
3. Adventure sports are available throughout New Zealand, but there are more options in the South Island. Try paragliding, rafting, or jet boating on the rivers. And that's just the beginning ;)
4. If you're looking to get away from it all. Only a third of New Zealand's population lives on the South Island, so there's no shortage of wide-open spaces to explore. If you're lucky enough to travel to the North first, after crossing the Cook Strait in the South, you'll immediately feel the difference: there's less traffic on the roads and the people are friendlier. The South Island is larger than the North Island with fewer people, so if you're looking for peace and quiet, you're likely to find it here.
5. If you're coming to New Zealand for skiing or snowboarding, there are definitely more options on the South Island. If you're based in Queenstown or Wanaka, you'd have three epic mountains just an hour's drive away.
New Zealand's South Island spectacular landscapes , wide-open spaces , and peaceful atmosphere. With your 12-month Working Holiday Visa , you have ample time to explore it thoroughly, whether on a road trip , alternating between work and travel , or during your free time between seasonal contracts.
A paradise for extreme sports : bungee jumping, paragliding, rafting…
Very active ski resort in winter (seasonal jobs)
Ideal city for meeting other backpackers and working holiday visa holders
Starting point for Milford Sound, Glenorchy, Routeburn Track
Cruise through spectacular fjords
Some of the most beautiful hikes in the country (Kepler Track, Milford Track)
A must for lovers of unspoiled nature and breathtaking landscapes.
Stunning lake, legendary hikes like Roy's Peak
Relaxed atmosphere, ideal for settling in for a few weeks
Perfect for skiing in winter and festivals in summer
Unique in New Zealand: easy access to glaciers from the rainforest
Ice hiking and helicopter flights are available
Seasonal jobs are available in the hotel or lodge industry
Whale, dolphin, and sea lion watching
Year-round marine activities
A little gem for ecotourism enthusiasts
One of the most beautiful coastal trails in New Zealand
Hiking or kayaking between idyllic beaches and wild coves
Nelson and Motueka region : excellent for jobs in fruit and vegetable picking
Large southern city: good deals on jobs, hostels, transport
Culture, museums, student atmosphere
Ideal for starting or ending your trip on the South Island
Arthur's Pass (between Christchurch and Greymouth)
Southern Scenic Route (Queenstown to Dunedin via the Catlins)
Lindis Pass and Mount Cook National Park : breathtaking landscapes
With a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa valid for one year , you have the luxury of discovering the South Island at your own pace , alternating between:
seasonal work (farms, hotels, ski resorts),
road trips in national parks,
unique local experiences (glaciers, fjords, marine wildlife…).
👉 The winning combination for working holiday visa holders : work in tourist or agricultural areas, and explore between contracts! Ask for more information about our New Zealand packages or start by participating in an online information session .
New Zealand's South Island is a natural paradise with spectacular scenery. As a Working Holiday Visa holder , you can enjoy a complete experience of work, travel, and meeting new people , but the time of year you choose can make all the difference depending on your goals. Here's an overview of the best times to visit and work on the South Island on a Working Holiday Visa.
💼 High tourist season + ideal weather
Temperatures: 20 to 30°C depending on the region
Perfect conditions for road trips, hiking (Milford Track, Roy's Peak) or beaches (Abel Tasman, Kaikoura)
High demand for labor in:
the hotel and restaurant industry
campsites, lodges, tourist activities
vegetable farms and vineyards (fruit season)
✅ Best time to find a job and travel in good conditions.
💼 End of season + start of the grape harvest
The weather is still pleasant and there are fewer tourists
This is the ideal season for jobs in the vineyards (Marlborough, Central Otago)
Perfect for a relaxing road trip with beautiful autumn colors
✅ Excellent time to work and save before winter.
💼 Ski season and jobs in the resort
Cool to cold temperatures (0 to 12°C)
Job opportunities in ski resorts : Queenstown, Wanaka, Mount Hutt
Fewer opportunities elsewhere, but perfect for taking courses, WWOOFing, or settling down
✅ Ideal for ski enthusiasts or for alternating between rest and training.
💼 Job postings are back on track + nature is blooming
Temperatures: 10 to 20°C, variable weather
Gradual return of offers in the hotel, cafe, and farm sectors
Beautiful landscapes, ideal for a smooth start to a Working Holiday Visa
Good time to buy a van before the peak season
✅ A strategic season to prepare well, look for a job or start a road trip.
| Season | Main advantages | Ideal for… |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Sunshine + plenty of jobs + stunning scenery | Travel, work, and enjoy life |
| Autumn | Fewer people + grape harvest | Save money, string jobs together |
| Winter | Skiing + WWOOFing + quiet time | Working at the station, training |
| Spring | Restart + nature + good deals | Starting your Working Holiday Visa, installation |
👉 The best combo : arrive in spring or early summer , work in high season, travel in autumn and take advantage of winter to change region or pace .
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
