New Zealand Work & Train Program
Get ready for an epic 24-week adventure that blends work experience, skills acquisition and exploration across New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.
Spend 12 weeks gaining hands-on paid work experience with a local adventure tourism company, building skills and connections in the industry. The other 12 weeks are all about adventure—hiking in Fiordland, climbing in Bannockburn, packrafting untamed rivers and mastering outdoor skills in remote wilderness.
You'll explore legendary spots like Queenstown, Wānaka, Mt. Aspiring National Park and Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park while creating memories with like-minded adventurers who share your passion for travel, nature and discovery.
Download the Work & Train Booklet
This is a guide to what you can expect to do on program, the experiences you will have and the activities you will participate in. The order in which the activities occur might vary.
The Why?
This program is your gateway to building a lifestyle in New Zealand and mastering outdoor skills while gaining real-world experience with one of New Zealand’s most legendary adventure tourism companies.
Perfect for those travellers wanting an experience that combines adventure, career growth and cultural immersion, this journey is about pushing boundaries, learning from epic environments and living in the heart of New Zealand’s adventure capital.
From hiking through native bush to packrafting in remote rivers and navigating unique rock faces, your journey will take you deep into the wild while soaking in the Kiwi culture.
Where Will You Go?
This journey will take you from the adrenaline-fueled resort town of Queenstown to the serene wilderness of Fiordland National Park, from the alpine peaks of Mt. Aspiring National Park to the rainforests of the West Coast.
Explore hidden trails, take in panoramic views from Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park and discover local secrets that go beyond the typical tourist path. Along the way, you’ll encounter Māori legends, native flora and fauna and New Zealand’s legendary outdoor culture.
Whether you’re camping beneath the stars, climbing above the Pacific Ocean, or working in adventure tourism, you’ll experience the South Island like never before.
Program Dates & Price
Secure your spot on one of our upcoming programs:
- 29 Oct 2025 - 15 Apr 2026
- 28 Oct 2026 - 14 Apr 2027
The program price includes everything listed in the program inclusions and program itinerary.
- USD $9,500
What's Included?
- Highly experienced program instructors who are with you from start to finish
- All activities and experiences outlined in the itinerary
- All transport for the duration of your program
- All necessary technical equipment and all national park entry fees
- Pure Exploration Certificate of Guiding, NZOIA Bush Leader, NZOIA Rock Leader, Advanced Outdoor First Aid Course, Packrafting course, Swift Water Rescue 3 Qualification, Logbook Experience and Sign Off
- Access to your own "Traveller Area" where you can manage your personal program details
- Relevant and important documents to prepare you for your program
- 24/7 Emergency Phone number during program
- Customer service team for all program support
Work Experience
During your 24-week program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on, paid work experience with AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, a world-renowned leader in adventure tourism.
Your role will be based on company needs and your suitable skills. In the past students have worked in roles like customer service, operations, or photo & video. While a job isn’t guaranteed, we’ll guide you through the interview process with a 95% success rate of participants being hired.
This real-world experience with an iconic adventure tourism company is invaluable for your resume and future career. It's the perfect opportunity to network and build connections within the industry.
Just a heads-up: while we’ll set up an interview with AJ Hackett Bungy or another adventure tourism company, the final hiring decision is entirely theirs. We’ll support you through the process, but employment isn’t guaranteed.
Beyond The Program
Peggy decided she wanted a change in her career and needed to spend more time in the outdoors; coming across our New Zealand Work & Train Program she saw it as the perfect opportunity to mix work experience with outdoor training.
Currently travelling, she off to work as a free lance tour guide taking people all over the world on epic outdoor adventures - first stop hiking the Great Wall of China!
"The Work & Train Program has taught me that I can overcome any hurdles coming my way in my adventures and always be brave in trying new things and following through with it. I have also become more resilient in facing uncomfortable situations and having more confidence in myself. Don’t forget there’s type 2 fun as well! You are always proud of yourself after those memorable epic adventures!"
Peggy G. Singapore
Qualifications You Gain
Pure Exploration Certificate of Guiding
with an outline of the skills you have learned and
terrain types you have covered.
New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA)
Bush Leader and Rock Leader Qualifications.
Complete a packrafting course and experience swift water rescue safety techniques. Granting you the Rescue 3 Qualification.
Comprehensive Two Day
Outdoor First Aid Course & Certificate.
Gain advanced logbook training
and experience that is signed off by highly
qualified guides and instructors.
Testimonials
Program Gallery
