New Zealand is one of the most attractive destinations for a paid hospitality internship: an English-speaking country, a tourism industry that welcomes visitors from all over the world, and the chance to earn a real salary while you gain experience. This guide explains how PIC Management’s six-month paid hospitality internship in New Zealand works: who can apply, what you will earn, what it costs and how the process runs.
The programme at a glance
| Destination | New Zealand (hotels and hospitality establishments) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months |
| Departments | Food & Beverage, restaurant service, culinary and kitchen, front office, housekeeping |
| Pay | At least the New Zealand legal minimum wage stated in the offer: NZD 23.95 per hour |
| Hours | Minimum 30 hours per week; around 40 hours per week in practice |
| English | Fluent |
| Support | Local team from arrival to the end of the programme |
Who can apply?
- Students currently enrolled in a programme directly related to the internship: hospitality, food service, tourism, culinary arts or a related field.
- Fluent English — you will work with guests and colleagues in English every day.
- A serious, independent and motivated profile.
- Able to commit to the full six months.
Candidates who are not enrolled in a relevant study programme are not eligible: the internship must be directly linked to your course.
How much can you earn?
The offer is based on the New Zealand legal minimum wage of NZD 23.95 per hour; some establishments may pay more. As a reference given in the offer:
- about NZD 718.50 gross per week at 30 hours;
- about NZD 958 gross per week at 40 hours.
Actual earnings depend on the hours you work, the host establishment and your employment agreement, and are subject to New Zealand tax.
What does it cost?
| Item | Amount (as stated in the offer) |
|---|---|
| New Zealand programme fee (placement, settlement services, local support) | NZD 5,450 |
| PIC Management fee (candidate management, selection, support) | USD 1,000 |
| Immigration New Zealand visa fee | Depends on nationality — up to NZD 1,455 under the conditions applicable at the time of application |
Flights, insurance and day-to-day living costs are your own budget. Fees can change: always check the current amounts on the programme page before applying.
Support on arrival
Once your visa is approved, a dedicated local team helps you settle in:
- help finding accommodation and advice on flight dates;
- airport pickup and two nights in Auckland;
- an orientation session;
- help opening a New Zealand bank account and getting a tax number;
- a SIM card and travel arrangements to your internship destination;
- ongoing support throughout the programme.
How the process works
- Apply with your CV and proof of enrolment in a related programme.
- Selection by PIC Management, then interview with the host establishment.
- Visa application to Immigration New Zealand. The visa decision belongs to the New Zealand authorities.
- Arrival and settlement with the local team.
- Six months of paid work in your department.
Placement depends on your profile, your English, the interview and the positions available; employer names remain confidential and are shared only with suitable candidates during recruitment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose the city?
Destinations depend on the host establishments recruiting at the time. You can state your preferences during the process.
Is it a real job or an unpaid internship?
It is paid: the offer states at least the New Zealand minimum hourly wage, with a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Is this the same as the USA J-1 programme?
No. Compare both in New Zealand or USA J-1: which paid hospitality internship?
Ready to apply? See the full offer and apply here: New Zealand Paid Hospitality Internship Program.