Korea has a bilateral working holiday agreement with New Zealand. The Working Holiday Visa for Korean nationals aged 18–30 costs NZD 215 (approximately ₩175,000) and allows 12 months of unrestricted work anywhere in New Zealand. Unlike Australia's 417 visa, the New Zealand WHV does not require regional work to extend — however, extension beyond 12 months is not available under the WHV (you must transition to a different visa). The visa is applied for online at Immigration New Zealand's website.
New Zealand's minimum wage is NZD 23.15/hour as of 2026. Seasonal work in the horticulture and viticulture sectors (Marlborough wine region, Hawke's Bay orchards, Southland) pays NZD 20–30/hour and provides accommodation at many farms. Popular Korean WHV destinations include Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch.
For skilled work beyond the WHV, New Zealand uses the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Your employer must be accredited with Immigration New Zealand and your role must meet a minimum salary threshold (approximately NZD 29.66/hour or NZD 55,844/year in 2026 — equal to the median New Zealand wage). The AEWV replaced the Temporary Work visa in 2022 and is employer-specific. In-demand occupations (on the Green List) may qualify for faster pathways to residence.
New Zealand has a Korean community of approximately 35,000–40,000, concentrated in Auckland (particularly the North Shore suburbs of Albany, Birkenhead, and the CBD area). Auckland has Korean supermarkets, Korean restaurants, Korean churches, and Korean language schools. Christchurch and Wellington have smaller but established Korean communities. Korean-language radio programs and community newspapers serve the Korean-New Zealand community.
Korean students studying in New Zealand for 3 months or more require a Student Visa (fee NZD 375, approximately ₩306,000). Requirements include an offer of place from a New Zealand educational provider, evidence of sufficient funds (NZD 15,000/year for living costs plus tuition), English proficiency (IELTS 5.5–6.5 depending on program level), and medical and character requirements. Processing usually takes 4–8 weeks. Students enrolled full-time can work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during scheduled breaks.
| University | Location | Annual Tuition (Intl) | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | Auckland | NZD 28,000–38,000 | Engineering, Medicine, Law |
| Victoria University Wellington | Wellington | NZD 25,000–33,000 | Law, Policy, Arts |
| University of Canterbury | Christchurch | NZD 22,000–30,000 | Engineering, Sciences |
| University of Otago | Dunedin | NZD 24,000–32,000 | Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences |
New Zealand universities are not as globally renowned as Australian or UK counterparts, but offer high quality of life, accessible English education, and strong opportunities in agriculture, environmental science, and engineering related to New Zealand's specific industries. The University of Auckland is ranked in the global top 100.
After completing a degree in New Zealand, graduates qualify for an open work visa of 1–3 years depending on qualification level and study location: 1 year for postgraduate certificates and diplomas; 2 years for bachelor's degrees and postgraduate diplomas; 3 years for master's degrees and doctorates. Regional study locations may grant an extra year. This work visa leads naturally into the AEWV or Green List pathways to residency.
New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a points-based system for skilled workers. Candidates need a minimum of 160 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Points are awarded for: skilled employment in New Zealand (50 points for a job offer), age (30 points for 20–39), qualifications (up to 70 points), and bonus points for work in identified future growth areas or shortage occupations. Korean applicants with a New Zealand job offer in a skilled occupation and a relevant degree typically score well above 160 points and receive an invitation to apply for residence.
New Zealand's Green List provides a direct and faster path to residence for workers in critical shortage occupations:
Korean healthcare professionals (doctors, dentists, nurses) and engineers are specifically well-suited to the Green List. New Zealand's Medical Council and Engineering New Zealand handle qualification recognition for Korean graduates.
New Zealand grants citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency and residence in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days in that 5-year period. New Zealand permits dual citizenship — you may retain Korean citizenship. The New Zealand passport provides visa-free access to 186+ countries and is one of the strongest passports in the Pacific region.
Korean passport holders must obtain a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before arriving in New Zealand. The NZeTA costs NZD 23 (approximately ₩19,000) when applied via the NZeTA mobile app (NZD 17 via app). Additionally, an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35 is collected with the NZeTA application. Total cost: NZD 58 (app) or NZD 58 (web). The NZeTA is valid for multiple trips over 2 years, with each visit up to 90 days. Apply online at least 72 hours before departure.
Direct flights from Incheon to Auckland (AKL) take approximately 11 hours on Korean Air and Air New Zealand. Christchurch is accessible via Auckland or through Sydney/Melbourne connections.
New Zealand is moderately expensive — budget NZD 120–200/day for comfortable independent travel. Renting a campervan (캠핑카) is the classic Korean traveler approach for seeing both islands at your own pace — campervans rent from NZD 80–180/day in the shoulder season.