Immigration New Zealand has reported a rise in the number of young people from the UK who have successfully applied for a working holiday visa, allowing them to live, work and travel in the country for up to 23 months. Figures from January-May 2013 show a 12.8 per cent rise in applications from the UK, compared to the same period in 2012.

More than 4,400 people from the UK were granted a working holiday visa in the first five months of 2013, with many more expected to apply during the notoriously busy summer months - with August/September being the period when most applications are made.

New Zealand's working holiday visa allows UK residents between the ages of 18-30 to work in a variety of jobs during their stay in the country, including skilled employment. The visa is valid for up to 23 months, although you can only work for 12 months and is ideal for those looking to book a gap year as it takes the strain off travel finances and provides valuable additions to the CV. The application process for the visa is very straight forward and can be approved within just three days when submitted online.

Below we have outlined some specific opportunities for working holidays in New Zealand:

Organic farm work

Visitors can live and work for free with Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF). Workers generally do not receive financial payment but the host provides food, accommodation, and opportunities to learn, in exchange for assistance with farming or gardening activities and hands-on experiences, such as earth building, cooking, wine, cheese and bread making, crafts, worm farming and composting. Jobs with WWOOF are available throughout New Zealand. Further details can be seen at www.wwoof.co.nz   

Conservation jobs

There are hundreds of on-going conservation jobs throughout the country, which can be joined at any time during the year. Projects range from helping in Wellington Zoo to being a hut warden in one of New Zealand's National Parks or restoring the country's historic beaches. Employees need to show dedication, hard work and willingness to help and learn. Further details can be seen at www.conservationvolunteers.org.nz         

Ski instructors

New Zealand has developed a deserved reputation as an international skiing destination with 11 commercial ski fields across the North and South Islands from Mt Ruapehu in the North (the country's only skiable volcano) to Wanaka in the South. The season runs from June-October but there are still opportunities available for anyone looking for a last minute job as a ski instructor. Further details are available at: http://www.nzsia.org/ski/careers/employment-in-nz

There are unlimited places available annually to UK residents on the Working Holiday Visa and applications can be made online via www.newzealandnow.govt.nz.  

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Further media information

For more information on working and living in New Zealand, please visit www.newzealandnow.govt.nz You can also call Immigration NZ on 09069 100 100 (calls cost £1 per minute).

For media information, please contact Jenny Groutage at The Brighter Group on 0207 326 9880 or email jenny.groutage@brightergroup.com