Gap Year Programs in New Zealand

New Zealand is a highly sought-after destination for many students wishing to complete an internship abroad. It boasts around 15 hours of sunshine in summer, from December to February. Plus, Kiwi hospitality is second to none and the country has a vibrant government and business sectors. IGS offers internship opportunities across a broad range of fields. A favorite among several previous interns is at the yacht club, taking roles like race technicians and boat designers for clients. We also have positions in event planning, rugby club, community garden, and at a local political newspaper. Your free time is spent on excursions, together with local guides and other students. The South Island is worth visiting, so don’t forget to add this to your bucket list.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

EA Ski and Snowboard Training is looking for skiers to join us in New Zealand on a winter gap year. If you love the outdoors, travel, and have a passion for skiing, then this ski instructor internship program is for you. What is the ski instructor internship program? The internship is a course designed to set you up as a ski instructor within a single season. You'll train, qualify, and work as a ski instructor - all in one season. Afterward, you are guaranteed a paid job offer after qualifying as a ski instructor. Choose from 5 world-class ski resorts across New Zealand to train and work at this winter. You'll train with the best, gain an internationally recognized instructor qualification, and get work experience for your CV. The courses are open to any intermediate to advanced skier eligible to work in New Zealand, including working holiday visa holders! Apply today to see if you qualify!

Based in Queenstown, this program combines skills acquisition with the opportunity to truly embrace an outdoor lifestyle. Over 12 weeks, you'll hike, rock climb, pack raft, camp, and explore the backcountry in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Our favorite handpicked locations will provide you with a well-rounded learning experience and genuine connection with the diverse environment within the South Island. From iconic destinations like Milford Sound to hidden local gems that aren't on generic travel itineraries, you'll explore the diverse landscapes surrounding you as you embrace the Kiwi culture. If you're looking for a gateway to living, working, and exploring New Zealand, look no further. The industry connections and networking opportunities created through this program will unlock endless value for your future. This small group tour through New Zealand is perfect for those looking to take a gap year, change their careers, or simply look for a deeper connection to nature.

Take a life-changing gap year abroad with Linguistic Horizons! We offer internships in various fields, volunteer, study abroad programs, foreign language immersion, nutrition, and alternative medicine programs. Our program destinations include South America, Europe, and Oceania. Choose from Spain, the UK, Peru, or New Zealand! You may also combine destinations or add side trips to other countries. Our programs range in length from 2 weeks to 1 year. Choose the duration that works best for you!

Participate in this gap year program in Queenstown, New Zealand, with therapeutic support for young adults ages 18-22. Spring | Feb 18 – Apr 28, 2025 Fall | Sep 17 – Nov 25, 2025 Embark on the ultimate gap year adventure with our transformative program, designed to support your mental health and well-being. We blend thrilling adventure, immersive travel, cultural exploration, meaningful volunteering, dynamic internships, and communal living with essential life skills to ensure a holistic growth experience. Picture yourself mastering independence, learning to run a household, and becoming an exceptional roommate and housemate. Our program stands out by featuring a live-in therapeutic coach who provides 24/7 in-the-moment coaching, wellness lessons, and personal development support. This unique component ensures you receive constant guidance, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. This isn’t just a gap year—it’s a journey to self-discovery in the world's most awe-inspiring playground. Join us in New Zealand and redefine what it means to explore, learn, grow, and thrive. This is your chance to experience unparalleled adventure and personal well-being.

Launch your marketing career with confidence through Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable and top-rated provider of Sales & Marketing internships. Designed to provide practical, real-world experience and boost your resume, these internships help you build creative, analytical, and communication skills while exploring how marketing strategies are developed and applied across diverse cultural and consumer scenarios. Choose from exciting destinations including Australia, Bali, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, USA, and Zanzibar. Whether you're focused on digital marketing, brand strategy, market research, or sales, we offer placements tailored to your goals. Programs run from 2 to 24 weeks and include a guaranteed internship, quality housing, airport pickup, orientation, and 24/7 in-country support. You can potentially earn up to 16 US academic credits through our School of Record or receive personalized support to earn credit through your home university. Take the first step toward a global career in business. Apply today and gain the experience to stand out in the world of Sales & Marketing.

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volunteers has provided safe, affordable and ethical volunteering and gap year projects. Join a program today for a life-changing experience.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Feeling like life needs a jolt of excitement? Ready for the next big thrill? If you are up for up to two years of non-stop adrenaline, we have the perfect spot! Global Work & Travel guarantees a working holiday in New Zealand that is smooth, seamless, and, most importantly, absolutely unforgettable! We will provide step-by-step guidance so you’ll arrive knowing that all those stressful essentials will be sorted out before leaving your home country. Upon arrival, our local team will set you up with a paid job opportunity, private airport transfer, and three nights of accommodation in a hostel for the ultimate jet lag recovery. Plus, you’ll have a New Zealand bank and tax account and a new mobile number. Enjoy a range of awesome local Kiwi experiences, such as a ferry ride to Rangitoto Island, a walk around the skywalk, and so much more! We’re here to support you every step of the way to assist with your visa, flights, permanent accommodation, and other needs.

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.