Physio Abroad – New Zealand
New Zealand offers stunning natural beauty, an active lifestyle, and welcoming workplaces.
Physios are in high demand in NZ and we have lots of opportunities available in locations throughout NZ.
Our team will support you every step of the way—from guiding you through the registration process and advising on popular locations and visas, to organising interviews, connecting you with others, and assisting you throughout your move.
Physio Roles
Enquire Today
Private Practice
MSK Physiotherapy – High Demand for Overseas Physios in New Zealand
Caseload:
Varied MSK caseload within well-established private clinics.
Opportunities to work with sports teams and in specialist areas such as women’s health, Pilates, hand therapy, and a range of ACC rehabilitation contracts (optional), including:
-
TBI / Concussion
-
Vocational Rehab (VOC)
-
Pain Management
-
Functional Independence Training
Experience Level Recommended:
We recommend 2+ years of post-graduate experience.
Employers are particularly interested in candidates with private practice experience (even part-time), or those with senior MSK backgrounds.
For applicants with a strong private practice background, the experience requirements may be more flexible
For specialised roles (e.g. women’s health, hand therapy), relevant prior experience is required.
Locations:
We are partnered with MSK employers throughout New Zealand, offering a wide range of locations.
REHAB – Neuro, VOC
REHAB Opportunities – Select Locations
Neuro Physiotherapy
-
Work with adult neuro clients, including TBI, concussion, and occasional SCI or complex poly-trauma
-
Mostly community-based roles, with some clinic or residential opportunities
- Mixed Elderly/Neuro roles can also become available
Experience: 3+ years post-graduate experience senior neuro background high preferred
Vocational / Workplace Rehab (VOC)
-
Support clients with return-to-work plans and onsite injury prevention
-
Locations: Larger cities like Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington
-
Experience: 2+ years (flexible across physiotherapy areas)
Location & Travel Requirements
-
Roles primarily based in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington
-
Car: Many positions require a personal vehicle; some employers offer a pool car
Health Boards (Public System)
Health Board Physiotherapy Roles – Potential Future Opportunities
Caseload:
Opportunities (when available) may include a mix of:
-
Inpatient
-
Outpatient
-
Community
-
Paediatrics
Experience Level Recommended:
3+ years’ experience, or equivalent to Band 6 / senior level, is highly preferred.
Locations:
Positions may be available throughout New Zealand, depending on experience and availability.
Note:
We currently do not have active Health Board vacancies, but we have placed candidates in these roles before, and opportunities may become available again in the future.
Steps To Working With Healthcare Abroad
Where We Recruit
Reviews
Physio FAQs
See General FAQs-
We have partnerships with employers all across NZ!
Once you have your NZ physio registration approved, we can help you choose a location which is a good fit for you – we can also provide you with location guides.
Our team is from the UK and have lived in NZ so we can provide you with honest feedback and help you find the best fit!
-
THE PEOPLE! New Zealanders are very welcoming and approachable so you are made to feel at home very quickly.
THE SCENERY! There are lots of amazing travel opportunities from beaches to mountains and everything is very accessible allowing you to explore lots of New Zealand.
THE JOBS! We have really good feedback about the companies/roles in NZ, with friendly management and a great work-life balance. New Zealand would suit those who enjoy a relaxed life and outdoor activities.
-
We recommend 2+ years of post-graduate experience.
Employers are particularly interested in candidates with private practice experience (even part-time), or those with senior MSK backgrounds.That said, employers may consider applicants with less experience if you have a strong MSK or private practice background, and/or have completed relevant postgraduate courses or certifications.
Please note, we do not have roles for new graduate physios.
-
If you are applying for an Accredited/Straight to Residency Visa (NZ) children/partners can be added to your visa/they can apply for subsequent visas based on your successful application – conditions apply.
If you are applying for a Working Holiday Visa – these are individual visas.
-
We will arrange interviews once your registration has been approved and ideally, maximum 3-4 months before your planned start date – this gives you enough time to hand in your notice/get organised to leave/apply for your visa etc. and also means that the role is not left open for too long for the employer.
We can also organise interviews nearer to your start date depending on which visa you hold/are looking to apply for.
The maximum time we can organise interviews in NZ is 6 months before, but this will depend on the role/location and we feel 3-4 months before gives you more/accurate choices.
-
- The most popular visa is the Accredited Employer Work Visa/AEWV, all age groups can apply for this visa and you can stay for up to 5 years. The cost for this visa is NZD $1540 and you will need your NZ Physio registration and a job offer before you can apply.
- The Working Holiday Visa/WHV is also an option for certain age groups/passport holders, this visa allows you to work for 12 months, but it can be less preferred by some employers. The fee for a 12 month WHV is NZD $670, you also need to have NZD $350 in savings for every month you intend to stay and enough money for a return ticket. UK passport holders are eligible for x3 WHV’s.
- As Physio is currently on the Green List, you can also have a look at the Straight to Residency Visa – NZD $6450 (capped at 55 years old) – you will need your NZ Physio registration and a job offer before you can apply.
- Medical/Police Checks may be requested for visas (additional fees apply)
- As employers can have a preference for different visas, we advise you to wait until you have your registration and are at the interview stage to apply for your visa.
-
The main fees you need to be aware of are for your Visa (above) and transferring your Physio licence which is NZD $847 + an Annual Fee of NZD $555 (some companies will cover the annual fee)
We will secure you a full-time role for when you arrive which can range from NZD $65-105k.
The service we provide is completely free for those that would like to be placed in a role with one of our partners
-
Allowing for around 6 months would be ideal!
The registration process timeframe can vary depending on how long it takes to source the documents required, we would suggest you allow for 3 months (but it could be much quicker!)
Once your registration has been approved, we find 3-4 months is an ideal timeframe for the next steps (securing a role + visa/handing in your notice/getting organised, etc!).
-
If possible, try to have your registration approved and interview in the NZ winter (May-August) as this is when the most jobs are available.
-
We work with employers who can offer a relocation allowance (e.g. upfront amount which can be used for flights/accommodation) for those who are moving on a long-term visa.
-
Yes – Healthcare Abroad has growing communities across New Zealand.
Our strongest communities are currently in:
-
Auckland
-
Wellington
-
Christchurch
-
Tauranga
Once we’ve secured you a role, we’ll be happy to connect you with other healthcare professionals we’ve supported in your area. It’s a great way to build a network and feel settled more quickly.
-
Latest News
-

Working in healthcare in Wellington!
Physio Tiarna shares her experience of living in Wellington (NZ)
-

Read why Rosie LOVED Tauranga and who it could be a good fit for!
Rosie shares what it’s like to live in Tauranga (NZ)


