Immigration Info New Zealand

Planning Your Backpacking Trip

Your flight to New Zealand is most likely to be the most expensive part of your trip: so if it is possible try and book your ticket for a ‘down’ period or less busy season. To give you an idea, the busiest times of the year, and therefore the most expensive tickets, are sold during the northern hemisphere summer (June to August) and at Christmas time. Cheap tickets are often available during the months of March and October.

Insurance is always a good idea no matter how safe the country you are travelling in. Areas of coverage that backpackers particularly need always take note of when paying for their insurance: work-related accidents, basic 'adventure sports' (i.e. white water rafting); stolen luggage; also medical, emergency, accident, repatriation and legal cost recovery.

Booking accommodation from your home country? Backpackers are advised to book in advance for their first night in Australia – otherwise, you can simply turn up. NZ has plenty of accommodation on offer for budget travellers, and moreover, it is extremely cheap.

Want to live and work in Australia? Want to live and work in Australia? Australia needs skilled workers! 200,000 jobs are advertised weekly, and the unemployment rate is the lowest in years. 102,500 Skilled Visas are to be granted by June 2008.

Want to travel to Australia? The Australian Visitor visa allows people to travel to Australia for tourism or business. Applicants from certain countries can conveniently and securely apply online for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

Want to work and holiday in Australia? This Australian visa provides an opportunity for young people from selected countries to holiday and work in Australia for a period of 12 months, allowing them to explore the country.

Want to study in Australia? Each year over 150,000 international students arrive in Australia. The Overseas Student Program (OSP) allows people who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents to study in Australia.

Want to manage, purchase or set up a business in Australia? The Business Skills visa class encourages successful business people to settle permanently in Australia and contribute to the Australian economy by developing new or existing businesses.

Want to retire in Australia? The Retirement visa is for people over the age of 55, who have no dependants (other than a spouse), and can support themselves in Australia. Enjoy your retirement!

Want to join your partner/spouse in Australia? The Australian Partner visa is for people who have an eligible Australian spouse/partner or interdependent partner, or who wish to come to Australia to marry their Australian fiancé.

Want to join your children in Australia? Parents may be able to migrate to Australia if they have a child in Australia who is an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident. Visas are available for parents of working age and those of pension age.

The UK Government seeks skilled workers & professionals to fill shortages created by the growing UK economy. Free UK visa eligibility assessment.

Planning Your Backpacking Trip