Experience life abroad from the inside, stay with a host family, feel at home in a new culture, and build confidence while exploring a new country. Learn the local language, make unforgettable memories, and get support from our team whenever you need it.
Free accommodation, meals & pocket money
Meet other au pairs
Up to 50% of your flight is paid
Being an au pair in New Zealand means experiencing a family culture built on balance, nature, and calm. Your routine may include school drop-offs, outdoor playtime, and relaxed evenings with your host family.
New Zealand families often enjoy spending time outside, and you’ll likely find yourself joining walks, activities, or weekend excursions.
This experience gives you insight into a lifestyle that appreciates simplicity and connection, all while offering you a close relationship with a family who welcomes you as part of their own ⛰🇳🇿
For au pairs in New Zealand, the pocket money isn’t specifically regulated by the government.
However, most au pairs in New Zealand typically:
Read more about pocket money payments here.
Typical schedules are 25–35 hours per week, with a maximum of around 6 hours per day. Au pairs must have at least 1.5 consecutive days off per week, and longer stays should include paid holidays (typically 4 weeks per 12 months).
Au pairs in New Zealand mainly support childcare (school runs, babysitting, homework help, playtime, preparing children’s meals) and light household tasks (tidying up after kids, children’s laundry, setting the table). Heavy housework, full-time cleaning, or nanny work is not permitted.
A formal au pair agreement is strongly recommended. It should specify duties, hours, pocket money, holidays, insurance, and house rules. Families using agencies must sign a standard contract.
Visa Requirements:
You can use online platforms or au pair agencies. Agencies can be very helpful with contracts, insurance, and ensuring the au pair meets visa requirements. At Nina.care, we help you find your host family and provide additional support after a match.
If issues arise, you should first try direct communication. If the situation cannot be resolved, the agreement can be ended with reasonable notice (commonly 2 weeks). Agencies can step in to mediate and help arrange a replacement if needed.
Looking for something else? Have a look at our help pages:
The weekly schedule is a valuable guide to help you understand your tasks and responsibilities throughout the week. While it provides structure, it isn’t fixed.
With clear, timely communication, it can be adjusted whenever you or your host family have any changes or commitments.
Having a schedule not only sets expectations but also helps prevent misunderstandings. From our experience, many challenges arise simply because no plan was put in place.
That’s why we offer this template, to support smooth communication and a positive experience between you and your host family.
Find detailed information about regulations in different countries
