Get paid to build your hospitality career in New Zealand.
Regent places hospitality students into paid 6 month placements at luxury lodges, alpine resorts and 5-star hotels across Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington, Christchurch and Rotorua. New Zealand law guarantees a minimum hourly wage of NZ$23.50 with holiday pay, ACC injury cover and full employment rights.
Apply for Internship in Middle New Zealand
Five regions, one application.
From Queenstown alpine lodges to five-star Auckland properties, choose where you want to work.
A small country that pays properly and trains you fast.
New Zealand’s tourism sector generates a significant share of national GDP, but with a population of only 5.2 million, luxury lodges and boutique hotels face constant staffing shortages. That gives motivated international students immediate access to front-line positions and real operational responsibility.
Learn why NZ is different →Genuine employment, not a training scheme.
New Zealand does not have an "intern rate". You are hired as an employee under standard New Zealand employment law, with the same protections, holiday pay and hourly rates as your local colleagues.
A wage, not a stipend
Real work must be paid at least the statutory minimum. There is no legal route to an unpaid hospitality internship here.
Full employment rights
A written employment agreement, holiday pay accruing at 8%, sick leave and the same protections as any local staff member.
Small teams, fast learning
Properties are smaller than in Dubai or Bangkok. You will be one of twenty, not one of two hundred, and you will be trusted sooner.
A straightforward visa path
For most nationalities under 30, the working holiday route is comparatively simple and does not require employer sponsorship.
A wage, an employment agreement, and the same rights as any New Zealander.
Every placement Regent arranges meets New Zealand Employment Relations Authority standards.
Statutory minimum wage
At least NZD $23.50 per hour, paid fortnightly or monthly, with PAYE tax and the ACC levy deducted properly at source.
Written employment agreement
A legally required individual employment agreement setting out your role, hours, rate and notice period before you start.
Holiday pay at 8%
Annual leave accrues from your first shift at 8% of gross earnings, either taken as leave or paid out when you finish.
ACC injury cover
New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme covers workplace and everyday injuries for everyone in the country, including you.
Meals on duty
Most hosts provide meals during your shifts. Remote lodges typically provide all meals as part of the package.
Staff accommodation at lodges
Alpine and remote lodge placements frequently include staff housing — decisive in Queenstown, where rent is the main cost.
Pick the department you want to be good at.
Placements are available across six key operational areas. Most hosts offer cross-training once you have mastered your primary station.
Model your take-home pay and savings.
Set your wage, hours and placement length. This calculator uses real New Zealand PAYE income tax brackets, the ACC earner's levy and 8% statutory holiday pay.
From application to your first shift in New Zealand.
A clear six-step progression. We verify eligibility and match you with partner properties before you incur any placement fees.
Online registration
Submit your CV and hospitality background. No fee to apply. We check your passport nationality for visa eligibility right away.
Screening interview
A 20-minute video consultation to assess conversational English, discuss your regional preference, and review your timeline.
Hotel interview & offer
Interview directly with the General Manager or HR of your host hotel or alpine lodge. Successful candidates receive an official offer letter.
Visa processing
We guide you step-by-step through Immigration New Zealand’s Working Holiday or Training Visa application with full document review.
Pre-departure & housing
Housing confirmed (lodge staff housing or vetted shared flat in Auckland/Queenstown), arrival flight coordinated, and bank setup checklist provided.
Arrival & induction
Airport meet, IRD tax number application, local SIM card, orientation, and introduction to your host hotel team for shift onboarding.
What our interns say about working in New Zealand.
"Working at an alpine lodge in Queenstown was the best decision of my degree. Earning NZ$24.50 an hour with staff accommodation included allowed me to save over $10,000 while skiing on my days off."
"The front office team at my 5-star hotel in Auckland gave me real responsibility within two weeks. Managing guest relations and the PMS gave me experience I could never get in a classroom."
"New Zealand employment law is amazing for interns. Holiday pay, ACC injury cover, and regular overtime rates are paid automatically. Regent made the visa and transition completely seamless."
Who can apply for New Zealand placements?
We accept applications from students and recent graduates worldwide. Check the essential requirements before submitting your form.