Your First Week in New Zealand: Exact To-Do List

Your first week in New Zealand is about setting up the boring stuff so you can start working and travelling without friction. Do these roughly in order — some steps depend on the ones before them.

Day 1–2: get connected

1. Get connected. A New Zealand number can make employer and accommodation contact easier, but it is not a universal legal requirement. Compare prepaid options and confirm your handset works on local networks; see our SIM card and phone plan guide.
2. Find your first few nights of accommodation before you arrive, then take your time deciding on anything longer-term once you’ve seen the area in person.

Day 2–4: open a bank account

Ask a bank what identity, visa, address and tax details it requires, and whether you can start the process before arrival. Requirements and remote verification differ between banks. A bank account is useful for receiving wages, but hiring and payment arrangements depend on the employer and your circumstances; confirm payroll details with them early.

Day 3–5: get your IRD number

An IRD number is New Zealand’s tax number. Apply through Inland Revenue using the route for your arrival and visa circumstances; a New Zealand bank account is not a universal prerequisite. You can generally begin the process before you have a job. If you are paid before providing an IRD number and tax code, your employer must use the applicable higher non-notified withholding rate, so sort out your tax details as soon as possible. See our IRD number guide for the steps.

Day 3–7: start the job search

Start applying when you are ready and legally able to work — you do not need to wait for the IRD number to arrive before applying or interviewing. See our how to find a job in NZ guide and give payroll your correct tax details as soon as they are available.

Whenever it makes sense: the rest

• Get familiar with public healthcare and ACC. ACC may cover eligible accidental injuries, but it does not replace health or travel insurance. See our healthcare and ACC guide.
• Decide if you need a car. If your plan involves regional or seasonal work outside the main cities, having your own transport opens up far more job options — see our buying a car guide.
• Check the overseas-licence time limit before driving. The car-licence limit changes on 1 November 2026; translation requirements also apply in some cases. See our driver’s licence guide and NZTA’s current rules.

What trips people up

These are priorities, not universal day-by-day deadlines. The easiest order depends on your bank’s process, where you are staying, and the IRD application route that applies to you. Check current requirements with each provider rather than delaying an application because you do not yet have a job.