Au Pair Jobs in New Zealand

Guide to Working as an Au-Pair in New Zealand

There are lots of working holiday seasonal-jobs-working-holidays in New Zealand but au pairing is one of the most popular. Working as an au pair or nanny in New Zealand is a great way to see the country, earn a little money and live for free with a local family. The experience of being a nanny here can be an incredible experience especially if you would like to save money and experience the sights in your spare time. If you are planning a gap year to New Zealand au pairing is a great avenue as you get free accommodation meaning you get to save money for travels.

A typical Kiwi host family will have 1-3 children, usually aged between 1 and 12. All families have been vetted and have usually had au-pairs stay in the past. Sometimes both parents will go to work, or one might be home. Most families live in houses with gardens, and you will have access to a car if you can drive. You will get to have your own room and also get free time to yourself. New Zealand is a very outdoors country due to the warm climate so you will get time to enjoy the local surroundings with your family.

Duties & Working Week

• You will get to care for and entertain your host children
• Attending children’s parties
• Taking and collecting from school
• Preparing and cooking meals
• Helping with homework
• Tidying and cleaning the house e.g. putting away toys and light housework

Salary

Expect around $150-$350 New Zealand dollars per week.

Benefits of Applying through an Agency

• Au pair placement 
• A private room and full board
• Pre-arrival matching and placement with your host family
• A contract

Who is Eligible to Apply

If the idea of working abroad in New Zealand as an au pair appeals to you then you will need to:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of application
• Be a non-smoker
• Have a valid driver’s license with an approved translation or an international drivers license
• Be eligible for, and meet all the requirements for, the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
• Have childcare experience and references to support this.
• Be able to commit to a 6-12 month placement
• Have a clean police record
• Complete a successful interview 

Application Cost

If you are applying from the United States, agency usually charge around US$500 for this service. From other countries the fee can vary. You can also apply for a working holiday visa and then apply with a local agency based in New Zealand which can be cheaper but more difficult to actually get a job.

Recommended Agencies

• Au Pair Link New Zealand
• Interexchange Au Pair New Zealand