From Ireland to New Zealand: How a Working Holiday with Stray Changed Everything

Title: Irish Expat & Former Stray Travel Admin Coordinator

Bio: Rory moved from Dublin to Auckland on a Working Holiday Visa. He traded his customer service office job in Ireland for an admin role with Stray Travel in New Zealand, finding a passion for the Kiwi lifestyle and outdoor adventure.

Quick Review Verdict: Would return to New Zealand in a heartbeat

Experience: Working holiday in New Zealand with an admin role at Stray Travel

Route: Dublin to Auckland

Visa: New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for Irish citizens aged 18 to 30

Best For: Travellers considering a working holiday and a career change in New Zealand

Top Highlight: A famil trip around New Zealand, with bungy jumping, skydiving, white-water rafting and alpine hiking

I used to work in customer service for a health insurance company back in Ireland. After one particularly draining day, I realised I needed a proper change. I started researching countries that felt culturally familiar but would still push me out of my comfort zone. New Zealand kept coming up as the perfect fit, with similar values, English spoken everywhere and stunning scenery, so I decided to take the leap, and it led me somewhere I never expected, to a job at Stray Travel on the other side of the world.

Taking the Leap: Moving from Dublin to Auckland

I signed up with Global Work & Travel and initially looked for bar work or landscaping jobs. Then my agent suggested something different, an admin role at Stray Travel. I'd never heard of them before, but after a quick search and an online interview, I was offered the position. Suddenly, my dream of moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa felt real.

For anyone in Ireland weighing up the same move, these are the key requirements for the visa as set out by Immigration New Zealand.

My First Week: Experiencing New Zealand on a Famil Trip

Just a week after starting, I was sent on a famil (familiarisation) trip around New Zealand. It was one of the best things that could have happened. I got to experience firsthand all the incredible activities I would soon be selling, from bungy jumping and skydiving to white-water rafting, alpine hiking and so much more. Not only did it give me genuine knowledge and passion for the product, but it also helped me understand exactly what our travellers were looking for.

Adjusting to the Kiwi Lifestyle & Workplace Culture

When I returned to Auckland and started working full-time in the office, I quickly fell in love with the Kiwi lifestyle. Coming from Ireland, where I'd never been away from home for more than two weeks, moving across the world was a big adjustment. Thankfully, the team at Stray made it easy. They were incredibly welcoming, patient and supportive, especially in those early months when I was still finding my feet. It was, without a doubt, the most positive working culture I've ever experienced.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ireland to New Zealand Working Holiday

What Is the Age Limit for Irish Citizens on a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

Irish citizens can apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa between the ages of 18 and 30. You also need a valid Irish passport, and you can only hold this visa once, even if a previous one went unused, so it's worth planning your timing carefully.

How Much Money Do Irish Citizens Need to Enter New Zealand?

You need at least NZD $4,200 to cover your living expenses while you're in New Zealand. Bank or credit card statements can be used as evidence. You'll also need a ticket to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay, or proof you have enough money to buy one.

Can You Work in Office or Admin Roles on a New Zealand Working Holiday?

Yes, the Working Holiday Visa lets you work in temporary jobs for up to 12 months. Many working holiday makers take up hospitality, fruit picking or farm work, while others find office and admin roles like mine at Stray Travel. The visa also allows up to six months of study or training in total.

How Long Does a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa Take to Process for Irish Passport Holders?

Immigration New Zealand currently processes 80% of Ireland Working Holiday Visa applications within 2.5 weeks. Once your visa is issued, you have 12 months to arrive in New Zealand. The visa can't be delayed or cancelled, so it pays to apply once your travel plans are firm.

Why I Highly Recommend a Working Holiday with Stray Travel

As my time in New Zealand came to an end, I felt incredibly torn. I was excited to see my family and friends back home, but I was heartbroken at the thought of leaving behind the friends I'd made and the life I'd built. Saying goodbye to New Zealand was one of the hardest things I've ever done.

Looking back, I can honestly say I would return to New Zealand in a heartbeat. Working at Stray Travel gave me so much more than just a job. It gave me confidence, lifelong friendships and memories I'll cherish forever. If you're thinking about exploring New Zealand and want to do it with a company that genuinely cares about both its travellers and its team, I couldn't recommend Stray Travel enough.