House Sitters in New Zealand: The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Rent-Free Travel

I was standing on the edge of Lake Taupo, staring at a mountain that looked suspiciously like Mount Doom, eating a meat pie that cost more than my nightly accommodation. It was a few years ago, during a two-week solo sprint across New Zealand’s North Island. I was hopping from hostel to hostel, burning through savings, and completely unaware that just a few kilometers away, someone was likely staying in a lakefront villa for free.

If someone had told me back then that I could have traded a bit of dog walking for that villa, I would have dropped my pie.

Fast forward to December 2025. While Caro and I are currently writing this from Europe, that solo trip of mine still haunts me—in a good way. I’ve seen nearly 60 countries, yet New Zealand remains one of the most ridiculously picturesque places on earth. The green is greener, the mountains actually look like they’ve been drawn by a fantasy artist, and the sheep outnumber the people.

But here’s the kicker: Caro and I haven’t done New Zealand together yet. It is high on our bucket list, but we made a pact. When we finally take the campervan down to the land of the long white cloud, we aren’t doing hostels. We are going to house sit.

We know the landscape of house sitters in New Zealand has to offer because we’ve spent months researching exactly how we’re going to pull off our future trip. Whether you are a Kiwi homeowner needing a break or a traveler looking to save thousands on rent, the platform you choose matters.

Below is the honest, no-fluff guide we’ve compiled for ourselves—and now for you.

Why New Zealand is the Holy Grail of House Sitting

When I traveled the North Island alone, I realized quickly that New Zealand is expensive. Food is pricey, petrol is a shock to the system, and accommodation can drain your budget faster than you can say "Kia Ora."

This is why house sitting is the ultimate hack for this specific country. You aren't just saving money; you are accessing a lifestyle that is usually reserved for millionaires. We are talking about farm stays in Otago, beach houses in the Coromandel, and apartments in Wellington.

However, before you pack your bags, you need to understand the house sitter definition in the Kiwi context. It isn't just about crashing on a couch; it's a serious exchange of trust.

The Community Vibe

To my surprise, New Zealand has a massive house-sitting community relative to its size. It’s ingrained in the culture. Kiwis love to travel, and they love their pets. This creates a high volume of house sitting opportunities year-round.

But unlike Europe or the US, where there are dozens of competing apps, New Zealand is dominated by a few key players. Choosing the wrong one is like bringing a knife to a sheep-shearing contest—it just won’t work.

The Major Platforms: Where to Look

We have broken down the current pricing and "vibe" of the main platforms operating in NZ as of December 2025.

1. NZ House Sitters (The Local Favorite)

If you are looking for a platform that feels like a community rather than a corporation, this is it. It is part of the same network as Kiwi House Sitting and Aussie House Sitters.

This is likely the first place Caro and I will sign up when we book our flights. Because it is free for homeowners, you get a lot of locals who might not want to pay the high fees of international sites. The interface isn't flashy, but it gets the job done.

Key Insight: Because the barrier to entry is low for owners, you might find more casual arrangements here. However, this also means you need to be diligent about vetting the sit. If you are wondering about the average pay for house sitters on this site, stop. This is purely an exchange platform—care for stay.

2. Pawshake New Zealand (The Paid Gig)

This is a different beast entirely. Pawshake is not for the long-term traveler looking to live rent-free for a month; it is for the professional pet sitter looking to make an income.

If you are looking for actual house sitting jobs where money changes hands, this is your spot. Sitters typically charge between $35–$65 NZD per night.

For Caro and me, this isn't our style. We prefer the exchange model because it feels more like staying with friends. But if you are a local in Auckland trying to make extra cash, or if you want to understand the difference between pet boarding vs house sitting costs, Pawshake is the benchmark.

3. TrustedHousesitters (The International Heavyweight)

We use Trusted House Sitters all over the world. It is the platform we are currently using in Europe, and it has a strong presence in New Zealand.

The big advantage here is the verification. You get third-party ID checks, insurance guarantees, and a robust review system. If we were looking for a high-end sit in Queenstown, we would rely on our profile here because our reviews from Switzerland and Italy carry over.

If you are serious about this, you can use a discount code for Trusted House Sitters to knock the price down, making it comparable to other options.

4. Homesit NZ (The Agency)

This is for the old-school crowd. It’s not an app; it’s an agency.

This is less about "traveling" and more about providing a service. They interview you. They check your background manually. If you are looking to turn this into a house sitting career, agencies like this are a good training ground, but they lack the freedom we crave.

Additional Ways to Find House Sitting Gigs in NZ

Strategizing Your Kiwi Adventure

So, you have picked a platform. Now, how do you actually land the sits? Based on my previous travels and our current success rate, here is the strategy.

1. The Profile "Green" Factor

New Zealanders (Kiwis) pride themselves on being outdoorsy. Your profile needs to reflect that. If you are scared of mud, you are going to struggle. When we build our NZ-specific profile, we will emphasize our hiking experience and comfort with nature.

You should definitely read our guide on creating a house sitting profile that stands out. Mention that you can handle isolation, many of the best sits are rural.

2. The Reference Game

The house-sitting community is small. One bad review can sink you. Conversely, one glowing review from a local can open the entire country to you.

If you are just starting, you might wonder how to get house sits without prior experience. The trick? Start local. Do a weekend sit in a nearby suburb before applying for that dream farm in Wanaka. Verified reviews are gold currency. If you are unsure who offers these, check out which companies provide verified reviews for housesitting services.

3. The Interview

When you get a request for a video call (and you should always do a house sitting video call), be punctual. Time zones in NZ are tricky for international travelers.

We always ask about the internet speed immediately. New Zealand is stunning, but rural internet can be… nostalgic (read: slow). If you are digital nomads like us, this is non-negotiable. You can check our tips on house sitting for remote workers to see what questions to ask.

Logistics: The Boring But Essential Stuff

When I was in Taupo, I realized that public transport in NZ is great between cities, but useless for getting to hidden gems.

You Need Wheels

Most house sits in NZ will require a car. Owners might let you use theirs, but never assume. We have a whole article on lending your car to a house sitter, but in NZ, I’d recommend renting or buying a campervan if you are there long-term.

Visas and Customs

New Zealand border control is intense. They do not joke around with biosecurity. If you have muddy hiking boots, scrub them before you fly, or they will fine you.

Also, be careful what you say at the border. If you say you are coming to "work" as a house sitter, you might trigger visa issues. It is a grey area. Always understand the house sitting legal issues and read up on what to tell customs when you're house sitting abroad. Generally, if no money changes hands, it is considered tourism, but rules change.

The Weather

Pack for four seasons in one day. Seriously. I walked up a mountain in a t-shirt and came down in a hail storm. If you are wondering what should I pack for my house sit in NZ, the answer is layers.

The Animals: It’s Not Just Poodles

In Europe, we look after a lot of apartment cats and pampered doodles. In New Zealand, you are more likely to encounter working dogs, chickens, and maybe a few sheep.

House sitting a dog in a city is different from watching a farm dog. Farm dogs have energy levels that defy physics. You need to be ready to walk, a lot.

If you prefer a slower pace, house sitting for cats is widely available and usually allows for more time to explore the scenery.

There are also plenty of house sitting without pets options, often holiday homes that need security or garden maintenance, though these are more competitive.

What If Things Go Wrong?

It happens. A pipe bursts, or a pet gets sick.

The key is communication. House sitting safety starts with having emergency contacts on the fridge. During my solo trip, I learned that cell reception disappears in valleys. Always check if the house has a landline or Wi-Fi calling.

If you are worried about cancellations, which can ruin a trip to the other side of the world, read our guide on recovering from a house sit cancellation. Having a backup plan (like a refundable hostel booking) is smart.

Is It Worth It?

I still dream about the landscapes I saw in Taupo. The thermal pools, the Huka Falls, the crisp air. But I also remember the drain on my bank account.

Is house sitting worth it? For New Zealand, the answer is a screaming yes. It is the only way to truly immerse yourself in the Kiwi lifestyle without going broke.

We are counting down the days until we can swap our European chalets for a bach (holiday home) on the South Island. Until then, we hope this guide helps you beat us to it.

If you are ready to jump in but feel overwhelmed, start with our how to get started in house sitting our step-by-step guide. Or, if you need a specific platform recommendation for other regions, check out House sitters or even Rover for shorter pet care gigs.

Good luck, and save a meat pie for us.

Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐

• Do I need a work visa to house sit in New Zealand?

  This is a grey area. Generally, if you are not being paid (money changing hands) and are only receiving accommodation in exchange for pet care, it is often considered a volunteer or tourist activity. However, immigration officers have wide discretion. It is vital to check the current advice from New Zealand Immigration before you travel, as stating you are "working" can lead to entry refusal.

• Which house sitting platform is best for New Zealand?

  It depends on your needs. For the most local listings and lowest cost, "NZ House Sitters" is the top choice. For international travelers who want insurance and verified reviews, "TrustedHousesitters" is excellent. If you want to be paid for your time, "Pawshake" is the industry standard.

• Is a car necessary for house sitting in New Zealand?

  In most cases, yes. While Auckland and Wellington have public transport, many of the best house sits are in rural or suburban areas where a vehicle is essential for getting groceries and exploring. Some homeowners may allow you to use their car, but you should not expect it.

• Can I house sit in New Zealand with my own pet?

  It is extremely difficult. New Zealand has very strict biosecurity and quarantine laws for bringing animals into the country. Unless you are already living in NZ with your pet, bringing a dog or cat from abroad for a holiday is usually not feasible due to the cost and quarantine periods.

• How long are typical house sits in New Zealand?

  They vary wildly. You can find weekend sits for locals going away for a wedding, or long-term sits lasting 1 to 6 months for retirees traveling overseas during the Kiwi winter.