In 2025, hospitality and tourism jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship are booming—and international applicants are at the heart of this expansion. With the tourism industry bouncing back post-COVID and hospitality businesses growing fast, employers across New Zealand are looking abroad to fill a wide range of in-demand positions.
If you’re passionate about working in scenic locations, enjoy people-centric roles, and want to earn between $52,000 and $70,000 annually with the added benefit of visa sponsorship, this may be your best chance to launch an exciting career abroad.
🇳🇿 Why Choose New Zealand for Hospitality and Tourism Jobs?
New Zealand has always been a favorite destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers. But for job seekers, it also offers a robust hospitality industry, strong labor protections, and a welcoming immigration policy for foreign talent.
Here’s why it’s a great move in 2025:
-
Visa sponsorship for skilled hospitality workers
-
Generous salaries (starting from $52,000 annually)
-
Pathways to permanent residency
-
Employer-provided housing in some roles
-
Work in world-renowned tourist spots like Queenstown, Rotorua, and Auckland
-
Opportunities for career progression in hotel management, culinary arts, and tourism operations
💼 Most In-Demand Hospitality and Tourism Jobs (With Sponsorship)
In 2025, New Zealand’s hospitality and tourism sectors are growing rapidly. The government’s support for immigration and employer accreditation means many companies are hiring foreigners on work visas.
1. Hotel Front Desk Agents / Receptionists
-
Annual Salary: $52,000 – $60,000
-
Greet guests, manage check-ins, provide travel information
-
High demand in cities and resort towns
-
Requires strong communication and basic tech skills
2. Chefs and Sous Chefs
-
Annual Salary: $58,000 – $70,000+
-
All levels of chefs are needed, from commis to executive chefs
-
International cuisine specialists are especially valued
-
Most employers offer visa sponsorship + accommodation
3. Housekeeping Supervisors and Room Attendants
-
Annual Salary: $50,000 – $62,000
-
Hotels and lodges are expanding staff to meet growing tourism
-
Often includes free uniforms, meals, and lodging support
4. Tour Guides and Tourism Operators
-
Annual Salary: $52,000 – $66,000
-
Operate tours for scenic, cultural, and adventure tourism
-
High need in Rotorua, Queenstown, and Fiordland
-
Many employers sponsor seasonal and full-time visas
5. Restaurant Managers / Food & Beverage Supervisors
-
Annual Salary: $58,000 – $72,000
-
Oversee restaurant staff and ensure quality service
-
Required in both fine dining and casual eateries
-
Fast-track to resident visas under Green List pathways
6. Baristas and Bartenders
-
Annual Salary: $52,000 – $60,000
-
Needed in boutique cafes, hotels, and bars across NZ
-
No formal degree required—experience is king
7. Event Coordinators and Venue Staff
-
Annual Salary: $55,000 – $68,000
-
Plan and execute weddings, conferences, and corporate events
-
Strong customer service and organizational skills are key
🛂 How to Get a Visa-Sponsored Job in New Zealand (Hospitality & Tourism)
New Zealand makes it relatively simple for skilled workers to obtain work visas—if you have a job offer from an accredited employer.
✅ Step 1: Match Your Skills to the Job
-
Employers prefer 1–3 years of hospitality/tourism experience
-
Basic English (IELTS 5.5+ may be required for some roles)
-
Certifications in hospitality or food safety are a bonus
✅ Step 2: Target Accredited Employers
All companies offering visa sponsorship must be government-accredited under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Check the latest list here:
🔗 immigration.govt.nz/employers-accredited-list
✅ Step 3: Search and Apply on These Trusted Platforms
-
-
LinkedIn (Filter by “visa sponsorship”)
🧳 What Are the Visa Options for Hospitality Workers?
1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
-
Valid for 3 years with a path to residency
-
Requires job offer from an accredited employer
-
Ideal for chefs, hotel workers, and tourism guides
2. Seasonal Work Visa
-
Short-term (up to 7 months)
-
Often used for hotel and resort jobs during tourist peaks
-
Many employers offer repeat contracts
3. Straight to Residence Visa
-
Some roles (like chefs or managers) on the Green List may qualify
-
Immediate eligibility for residence once job is secured
🏡 Cost of Living in Key Hospitality Regions
| City | Rent (1-bedroom/month) | Meals (monthly avg) | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | $1,700 – $2,200 | $500 – $700 | $160 |
| Queenstown | $1,400 – $1,800 | $450 – $600 | $120 |
| Rotorua | $1,100 – $1,500 | $400 – $550 | $100 |
🔹 Some employers include meals, housing, or transportation perks in the contract.
🧾 Example Employers Offering Sponsorship in 2025
-
SkyCity Entertainment Group – Hotel & Casino operations
-
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ – Multiple hospitality roles
-
Sudima Hotels – Eco-friendly hotels with barista and F&B staff roles
-
RealNZ – Adventure tourism and tour guides
-
Heritage Hotels – Offering chef, front desk, and housekeeping roles
📌 Required Documents to Apply
Here’s what you’ll typically need:
-
Updated CV (NZ format)
-
Passport (valid for at least 12 months)
-
Proof of work experience (letters or contracts)
-
Certifications (if applicable)
-
Police clearance
-
Medical report (for AEWV)
-
IELTS/TOEFL score (if required)
🏆 Success Tip: How to Stand Out
-
Get your CV professionally reviewed to meet Kiwi standards
-
Mention flexibility (weekends, night shifts, remote locations)
-
Highlight multilingual skills—a big plus in tourism!
-
Show proof of great customer service (reviews, references)
🌟 Real Testimonials
“I moved from South Africa to Rotorua in 2023 as a chef. Within 18 months, I was promoted and my visa got upgraded to permanent residence. New Zealand changed my life.”
– T. Moyo, Chef at a 5-star hotel
“I started with a six-month hospitality contract in Queenstown. The employer sponsored my visa extension. Today, I work full-time and enjoy the best work-life balance imaginable.”
– N. Singh, Hotel Receptionist
📅 What to Expect in the 2025 Hiring Season
-
High demand for chefs, baristas, tour operators, and hotel staff
-
Fast-tracked visa processing for accredited employers
-
Remote interviews and virtual onboarding for international staff
-
Emphasis on sustainability in tourism-related hiring
-
Opportunities to bring dependents under family visa categories
🎯 Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about hospitality or tourism and want to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking countries, New Zealand in 2025 is ready to welcome you. With guaranteed annual salaries of $52,000 to $70,000, real chances for visa sponsorship, and a lifestyle that’s second to none, there’s never been a better time to apply.
Start now. Prepare your documents, search for accredited employers, and position yourself for a life-changing move to New Zealand.