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

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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

Step 01

Elgibility

Read through our website/contact us for an information booklet to see what roles & visas you are eligible for.

Step 02

Registration

Let us know what role/visa you are interested in, we will then support you with gaining your registration, including providing free guides. We are experts with the process and are here to help!

Step 03

Submit your CV

Once you have your registration approved, send through your CV via email and book in for a call on our website.

We will get to know you so that we can find you the best fit from your chosen role/location!

Step 04

Interview with our partners

We are partnered with companies in locations all across AUS/NZ/Dubai and we will set up suitable interviews that match what you are looking for – we have lots of fantastic opportunities!

Step 05

Make plans to move

We will provide you with set up guides and introduce you to others that we have placed in the same location. We are always available to help with your questions about the move!

VISA

Employment linked visas – apply after registration approved & job secured.

Working Holiday or certain Residency visas/not linked to employment – can apply before job role is secured.

Where We Recruit

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Reviews

I had a great experience with Healthcare Abroad.. Securing a job was quick and most importantly no stress with the help of Jon. Not only did they help me secure a role but they were also brilliant in assisting with the next steps. It was always reassuring knowing I had someone to turn to for advice and support.

I used Healthcare abroad to facilitate working as a physio in Auckland and would highly recommend anyone thinking of doing the same to reach out to them. They made the whole process as simple as possible.. Couldn’t have moved here without their help.

Health care abroad have been a pleasure to work with from the very beginning, going above and beyond helping with every aspect of the process. They have made my life a hell of alot easier and I would definitely recommend them to any physio or OT who would like to work abroad!

I got in touch with healthcare abroad to get more information about the processes involved with gaining registration, visas and obtaining employment. Healthcare abroad made the journey of moving to NZ a lot easier which I am very thankful for.

Healthcare Abroad were so helpful throughout the whole process of securing job roles and moving to New Zealand. The team managed to secure us all job roles in different clinical areas within the same city and We were linked with other physios out there.

The guys at healthcare abroad have been absolutely amazing at helping us through the registration process to work as Physio in NZ. Nothing was too much trouble and they have set us up in jobs that we both now love!

Healthcare Abroad have helped me immensely in getting out here and starting a new journey and I’m sure will continue to do so for many others! I couldn’t recommend them more! The only regret I have is not having done it sooner!

I would HIGHLY recommend using Healthcare Abroad when moving to Australia and NZ – so helpful, informative and easy .. what more could you want!!!

Healthcare Abroad first helped me with the registration process, and then helped me find the best job I’ve ever had, here in Christchurch. If you’re considering it, do it! it’s the best decision I’ve ever made, and the fact that Healthcare Abroad helped me do it for free was even better.

I would definitely recommend Healthcare Abroad for making the process of gaining NZ registration, finding and securing jobs and settling in as smooth as possible !

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.

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