I chose to work in New Zealand on a temporary basis using a "Working Holiday Visa".     Through email and various Skype conversations I was able to secure a job working as a nanny to three small children.  Lucy (11), James (9) and Drew (9).  The two twin boys proved to be quite a handful! 

The family were based near Waimai in a light-brick one storey house with lots of lovely large glass windows.  What immediately striked me as different to my small appartment in London, was the severe diffference in the amount of space available.  In New Zealand (one of the children told me - James I think) there are apparently more sheep than people!  I would not argue with that!  It seems that everyone has a decent sized garden - even in the more built up areas and small towns.

The people of New Zealand are noticeably friendly and will go absolutely out of their way to help you.  In huge contrast therefore to, you guessed it, the British (I can say this as I am 100% POM as the Kiwis call us) who will readily send tourists in the wrong direction just to save time and hurry on.  The entire family could not have made me feel more welcomed into their home.  What I loved about the job - was the balance that I was able to achieve between work and travel.  The hours of job were not long and I was given weekends off which meant that there was lots of time for seeing all the things that I had placed post-it notes next to in my Travel Guide.  Another bonus of being a nanny, is that often (for practicality) you can be given a car.  I was one of these fortunate people!  It made getting out and about to see these attractions so much easier, and an increased sense of flexibility.

I would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of working abroad on a seasonal contract in New Zealand to go for it.  If you heart is in it - then there is no way that you cant have an absolutely fantastic time in the land of the long white cloud.  I know I did.