Auckland skyline with Skytower in view fom Devonport

Kia Ora New Zealand

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After 2 years of waiting, the adventure finally begins! Followers of the website will be aware of the plans to dust off the backpack and start my biggest adventure to date. Yet these were foiled by the global pandemic back in 2020. Out of the blue, previously issued Working Holiday Visa’s (WHV) for New Zealand were reissued setting a deadline of 13th September to arrive in Aotearoa- the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’.


What is a Working Holiday Visa?

A Working Holiday Visa or WHV is a specific visa aimed at younger travellers allowing them to work and travel simultaneously to fund an extended stay in a certain country. Many countries offer them, all with their own little twists and requirements. In this instance, New Zealand offers WHVs to a number of different nationalities. For me, that means an initial 12-month visa. New plans outlined between the UK and New Zealand will allow travellers from the UK to apply up to the age of 35 and will be able to extend for up to 3 years. The exact start dates for the changes are sketchy at the moment but are thought to be in place by 2024.

backpacking through rainforest

Is your country on the list to apply for a WHV? Check out a full list of eligible countries right here. After years of travel restrictions and years of us taking travel for granted, what better time to get out and explore the world?


Life Down Under

Over the next few months, I will be in and out and up and down New Zealand. Following the sun to Northlands seemed the sensible option. Especially with a title like the ‘winterless north’. Then, mid-October sees me revisit one of my favourite countries, Australia. As you all know, this country was where I was bitten by the travel bug and the reason I am in this position today. Yes, a holiday from a holiday! Then back to New Zealand and eventually travelling from North Island to South Island via plane, train and automobile (and the odd ferry here and there). Prior to all of this, I start my journey in the ‘City Of Sails’, Auckland.

From here I will be doing regular updates of each destination and some top tips and hints to help anyone else looking to explore Aotearoa – ‘The Land Of The Long White Cloud’. Daily updates will be made to social media channels Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok, so be sure to like, follow and share!


What is coming to Travel With Cooky?

Auckland Skyline from Devonport. Mount Victoria
Auckland Skyline

Auckland is the former capital and is still New Zealand’s largest city. From navigating the city transport to some of the top viewpoints of the city. I will be breaking down my top 5 tips and tricks of the ‘City Of Sails’.

Next up will be the devastatingly beautiful Bay of Islands. Aptly named by Captain James Cook, this must-see destination is hugely popular with tourists and residents alike. From the Waitangi Treaty grounds and birthplace of a nation to the heaps of hiking trails. I will be giving you my top 5 must-sees and do’s at this perfect paradise hotspot.

Plus, are you visiting New Zealand on a working holiday visa? I will be giving the top tips for opening bank accounts and getting your IDR tax number… which proved quite a headache. As always, I learn from my mistakes so you don’t have to.


Covid Restrictions Dropped

New Zealand finally opened their borders after nearly 2.5 years. Closing off to the rest of the world to protect the citizens from the Covid-19 pandemic. A strategy still widely debated here in New Zealand. However, borders are now open and welcoming travellers again with open arms.

Not only this but since mid-September, the ‘traffic light covid system’ has been totally dropped. This means that all mandatory mask rules and social distancing dropped. Even Covid vaccine requirements for visitors have been eased. So what’s your excuse to not visit?

There really is no better time to escape the monotony of daily life… in a country, you have been stuck in for two years. Surely this is your opportunity to escape for the adventure of a lifetime too?


Travel With Cooky

My work as an Independent Travel Agent has thrived over the past 18 months. I am so grateful to now manage this on full-time basis. So please get in touch with any enquiry and let me help you see the world for yourself. My new contact number is available over on my social media pages. Otherwise, get in touch at ryan@travelwithcooky.com

1 thought on “Kia Ora New Zealand”

  1. Pingback: Eat, Drink, Stay In The Bay Of Islands – 🌏Researchrent

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