New Zealand, with its breathtaking views of mountains, fjords, beaches, and rainforests, is famous for some of the world’s most stunning landscapes (did you know its natural beauty inspired the filming of the colossal movie The Lord of the Rings?).

It’s no surprise that many au pairs each year choose this wonderful destination for their cultural exchange!

Whether you’re a future au pair looking to immerse yourself in Kiwi life or a host family seeking flexible childcare and cultural exchange, this guide has everything you need to get started! But before you start packing your bags or preparing a guest room, there are a few essential requirements for au pairs and host families in New Zealand.

Au Pair requirements: No Kiwi Without the Basics 🥝

To live with a host family and explore Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand), you must:

• Be 18–30 years old
  
• Be unmarried and have no children
  
• Have a good command of English
  
• Have at least 4,200 NZD in savings and enough funds to cover travel costs
  
• Have never previously visited New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa
  
• Be from one of the eligible countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, Turkey, Uruguay, USA, Vietnam
  
• Be ready to live with a host family and help with childcare and light household tasks
  
• Plan to stay for the duration of your Working Holiday Visa
  

If you tick all the boxes, congratulations! You’re ready to start your New Zealand adventure. If not, don’t worry. There are plenty of other countries where you can become an au pair.

Why Choose New Zealand?

Life as an au pair in New Zealand is more than helping with childcare; it is about experiencing life in the country firsthand while living with a Kiwi family. You can expect to help with children and assist with light household duties each week. You will enjoy free time to explore New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, live as part of the family, share meals, and learn local traditions. There is also an opportunity to improve your English skills and immerse yourself in Māori culture. Whether you are surfing, hiking, or enjoying a family barbecue, every day offers a new adventure.

New Zealand offers:
🌄 Incredible natural landscapes and outdoor adventures
👨‍👩‍👧 A chance to be part of a welcoming Kiwi family
🌏 A unique cultural experience with Māori traditions and local communities
🧳 Travel opportunities across the country, from North Island beaches to South Island mountains
💛 A safe, friendly environment to grow personally and professionally

It’s the perfect mix of cultural exchange, adventure, and everyday family life. You can check the list of responsibilities and house rules here!

Borders Are Open! Time to Apply!

New Zealand has reopened Working Holiday Visa applications after pandemic restrictions, so au pairs can start planning their Kiwi adventure on a rolling basis. Make sure to check when applications open for your country so you can apply as soon as possible.

Host Families Requirements

Want to host an au pair in your Kiwi home? Here’s what you need to be eligible:

• Have at least one child under 18 living in your household
  
• Provide your au pair with a private room
  
• Include your au pair in childcare and light household tasks
  
• Speak English daily in your household
  
• Have a different nationality from your au pair
  

If that all sounds good, fantastic! You can begin the process of welcoming an au pair into your home. If you don’t meet these requirements, unfortunately, you cannot get an au pair, but there are other ways to explore childcare and cultural exchange options.

The experience is not only about having a childcare worker in your house, but also about sharing your own culture and being open to learning about theirs, too. Au Pairs are first and foremost doing a cultural exchange and it is important that they have the possibility to learn about the culture and explore the country!

Hosting an Au Pair is a once-in-a-lifetime chance of surrounding your family with a genuine contact with different cultures and languages.

Ready to Start Your Kiwi Adventure? 🇳🇿

New Zealand is waiting to welcome you! At Nina.Care, we help you find the perfect match and make the au pair experience smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Ready to say kia ora to your next adventure? Let’s make it happen!