Saving money whilst working in NZ?

[buzzingtalk]

Hi all.

Was wondering about the possibility of being able to save money whilst living in NZ on a working holiday visa? Not sure how long I'm planning on going over there for...but I'm planning on going over next UK winter (2015) at around september time...so will be NZ summer. Then will stay on as long as I like/want. I think I'll apply for a 12 month visa, or is it better to apply for 23 month?

A bit of background - I don't drink (anymore), but if/when I do, a glass of local wine will be fine. I like to go out dancing/partying, but drinking water is cheap I'm vegan, so I won't be eating out at all/much and am good in the kitchen. I mainly cook asian style food so nice and cheap. I'm not keen on shopping/clothes/getting hair and that stuff done...Will have all the kit I need (walking boots, warm and cold clothing etc) so I'm not concerned about buying much whilst I'm there. I like to go swimming, walks along the beach, hiking, photography, nature. Not into 'adventure' sport (skydiving and such things) So I *think* I fit into the super cheap category.

I think the only expensive thing will be a car - I just LOVE a roadtrip and have a camper here in the UK that is my second home. When I have to sell her :'( I'm going to use the cash to travel for as long as possible. I'd quite like a car in NZ and from what I understand it opens up more jobs to me. I'm quite happy to live country or city, or in a van.

I currently work very, very LONG hours back in the UK.So hard work/7 days a week working is not a problem at all, in fact I'd prefer to slog out long hours for a few months then have a few weeks travelling, then back to work. I'd love to work outdoors, even if its cold (thats what I do now, and its no bother) but I have 5 years experience in support work with people with learning disabilities and mental health. I am a qualified carer and gardener, as well as degree educated. Manual work/heavy lifting is no issue. Will it be easy enough to find decent-ish paid jobs?

So, how possible is it for me to save any money in NZ being as frugal as I am? Ideally I am hoping to negate any damage to the savings and have a 'free' time in NZ. My flights to and from NZ will be from Malaysia and not the UK, so that will save some £££.

Also is there a 'best time' to arrive in NZ for job oppurtunities? North or south? etc etc any experience/anecdotes most welcome.

Also, can you leave NZ during the time of your working visa? (as in, could I pop to malaysia to see family, or back to the UK to see family? are there time limits on this?)

Thanks in advance.

[travelpunk]

Great seeing you again, buzzingtalk! I've never been to NZ so I don't have firsthand knowledge, but I think your frugality should bode well for you in most parts of the world.



Here are a couple of really popular classified ad related websites with jobs, cars, etc... just to get a feel for some pricing down there.

Trade Me (There are a lot of jobs listed on this one)

Gumtree

I've seen a number of van and vehicles listed for sale specifically marketing backpackers.
Here's one

I'm sure you can negotiate a great deal on one once you get down there.

As far as the visa thing, I don't think the working visa prohibits you from traveling to other countries. It just allows you to stay in the country legally to work. Not exactly certain about it, but I've met a number of people in Spain on working visas that freely travel to other countries.

Keep us posted!

[marc873]

Hey! Are you FB friends with the NZ Tpunks? They dont get on TP anymore, but would probably be a wealth of info for you...

[buzzingtalk]

hey good to see you all too

I still lurk on here but due to work commitments i haven't travelled to many places this board could help with. Have been in the middle east and europe mostly but now looking at further than asia.

@Marc no I don't think I know any of the NZ lot, could you link me up on facebook perhaps? Would be good to talk with some locals. I got in contact with a few kiwi's on reddit who said it is possible, although not common (mainly because people look to go there to have fun rather than knuckle down!)

[marc873]

Hey Sarah! I sent a 4 way message between all of you on FB! I want to follow the information just for fun!