Working abroad is a great way to fund your gap year. In countries like Australia and New Zealand it’s both well-paid and straightforward; once you’ve got the necessary documents out of the way there are loads of different jobs to choose from.
We asked members of the Gap Daemon community where they worked in Australia and New Zealand to give you budget-busting travellers some inspiration…
Emma Reynolds: New Zealand
What she did: I worked in a secondary school. They gave me $120 a week, put me up in a house that I shared with another backpacker and paid for my food. All the money I earned went towards things I wanted to do. I also got to go on school trips for free. I did things that I probably wouldn't have been able to afford like eat in the sky tower in Queenstown, white water rafting, ice glacier boating, jet boating. Loads of stuff! I was pretty lucky really.
How she found the work: I arranged the work with Lattitude before I left because I knew that there was a guaranteed job waiting for me when I arrived.
Top tip: I had a lot of friends who started by WWOOFing (working on an organic farm). They weren’t paid but they got their food and accommodation and that's where they made contacts and ended up with paid jobs. Also, being a friendly regular at a bar is great as they would also give you a job. I was offered a couple, but my visa didn't allow it.
Laura Mayo: New Zealand
What she did: I’ve done bar work and I also did a month of housekeeping.
How she found the work: I found my jobs on Backpacker Board which is great for people to find seasonal jobs. I didn’t need an RSA to work in the places I did, but apparently some places are strict on that so it’s probably worth having.
Top tip: I also found that taking my CV to places was the easiest thing to do. Even if that bar/shop/restaurant/hotel doesn’t have any work, they can suggest places that might be looking for people and they will keep your CV on file.
Rob Eakins: New Zealand
What he did: I did a lot of work for accommodation in hostels. It wasn’t really proper work but it was a good way to avoid spending any money for a few months and lots of people had part time jobs too so they could save.
How he found the work: I just asked at the hostel I was staying at if they had any work. You can find a lot of work through hanging out in your hostel because you meet so many people.
Top tip: Lots of travellers in New Zealand work as fruit pickers on farms. The money isn’t great but it can be fun and it’s a new experience. Most people find this kind of work through hostel notice boards and word of mouth.
Dan Collins: Australia
What he did: I worked in an awesome little house on the Gold Coast of Australia doing some digital marketing/web design. The days were short, the people were awesome and the pay was amazing. I'd only planned on working for them for a few months but it was such an awesome place I stayed for a year.
How he found the work: I Googled "SEO Gold Coast" and emailed the first company that came up. I sent over my CV and said "I'd love to work for your company if you have any positions going". I had an interview a few days later and started the next week.
Top tip: Jobs aren’t going to find you so put yourself out there and search for the job you want. If you specialised in something back at home then use your skills and make it work for you in Australia or New Zealand.
Read more from Dan at Adventures with Dan and on Twitter.
Chris Stevens: Australia
What he did: I appeared as a nudist in a documentary. It was one of the most interesting and fun experiences I had in Oz. We stripped, we drank cocktails, we ate posh food and we partied. And we got paid to do it!
How he found the work: There are flyers all over Byron Bay looking for models. You have to be careful and pick the ones that seem legitimate: the more money you’re paid, the more naked you have to be.
Top tip: Your gap year is a chance to do something you wouldn’t normally do at home so give something new a go and have some fun.
Read more from Chris at Backpacker Banter and on Twitter.
Monica Stott: Australia
What she did: I worked as a ‘general hand’ on a small island off the west coast. I did everything from waitressing and bar work to assisting the scuba instructor or taking guests fishing.
How she found the work: I found it on Gumtree. The island managers were looking for a couple and wanted a guy with a trade and a girl with hospitality experience and my boyfriend and I fitted that perfectly.
Top tip: Working in rural locations is a great way to get your second year visa and it’s also the best way to save money. Accommodation and food is usually included and there aren’t many temptations to spend your hard earned cash.
Have you worked in Australia or New Zealand? Got any tips tp share with your fellow backpackers? Let us know below...
