Help a host family with childcare
Au Pair New Zealand
Au Pair New Zealand
Live with a host family, care for children, and experience New Zealand!
As an au pair in New Zealand, you’ll live with a vetted host family for 6 to 12 months, care for your host children for up to 45 hours per week, and experience New Zealand as a local. You’ll receive a stipend, private bedroom, and meals. This intercultural experience is a great way to help others and gain insight into Kiwi culture with the safety and support of a program.
In an effort to increase opportunities abroad we're hosting information about Dream Au Pair in New Zealand. Learn more about Dream Au Pair.*
Key Info
Location
Suburbs of major cities such as Auckland and Wellington
Program Dates
Arrival orientations held multiple times throughout the year
Application Deadline
Sign up at least 3 months before your desired travel date
Duration
6 or 12 months
Requirements
- 18-30 years old at program start date
- High school graduate
- At least 200 hours of childcare experience
- Driver’s license (preferred)
Program Highlights
Welcoming Hosts
Stipend, private bedroom, and all meals included
Beautiful Locations
Placements in the suburbs of cities such as Auckland
Group Orientation
Pre-arrival (online) and in-country (in-person) orientations
Become Part of a Family Abroad
Help with your host children's development
Friends from Around the World
Connect with fellow au pairs from all over the globe
Process
Sign Up
Complete an application with Dream Au Pair in New Zealand
Connect
Meet your host family through video chat
Travel
Get your visa and flight and head to New Zealand!
Au Pair Life
The Homestay
The homestay is the heart of this program. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to host-family living on your Au Pair New Zealand program:
Safe Placements
- Host families are screened for safety.
- Families submit applications and references, have an interview, and pay a program fee. They are not paid for hosting you.
Typical Family
- Families vary in personality and size but most have two or three children and they’re all excited about cultural exchange.
- Most families reside in the suburbs of cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, are middle class, and have young children; some have elementary-aged children.
Matching Process
- You’ll have an opportunity to connect with potential host families through video chats.
- Matching can take a few days to a few weeks.
Living with a Family
Living with a host family is about connecting with the family members and integrating into their life. Families want au pairs who:
- are eager to learn about New Zealand and New Zealand culture.
- behave like an ambassador from their country and a role model for the children.
- are responsible and enjoy caring for children.
- engage with them over meals and share their culture.
The Au Pair Role
The term “au pair” means “on par” or “equal,” meaning you’re meant to be on equal terms with your host family. As an au pair you’ll live with a welcoming host family and care for the children. Childcare will make up about 35 hours/week of your time in New Zealand, enough to be a crucial part of the kids’ day-to-day lives but with time to get out and explore as well.
Childcare
Caring for your host children can include:
- taking them to and from school
- engaging them with activities
- light housework (tidying and cleaning)
- preparing their meals
- helping them with homework
You’ll connect with your host family before you arrive to find out what they’re looking for in an au pair.
Hours & Stipend
- Up to 45 hours per week
- Stipend of NZD $210-390/week
- Completion bonus of $10 per week ($520 for an annual placement)
- When you connect with a potential family, you can discuss the childcare schedule so you know what to expect.
Free Time
- You’re entitled to two full days off per week.
- Four weeks of paid vacation, 11 paid holidays, and up to 10 sick days for a 12-month placement (pro-rated for shorter placements).
- Cities such as Auckland and Christchurch are filled with tons of activities and beautiful sights!
- Some participants link up with each other to explore. We’ll connect you with anyone in your region.
*Disclosure: InterExchange may receive a commission from Dream Au Pair for a successful referral
