What is an Au Pair?

An au pair: More than just childcare

An au pair is more than just a caregiver — they become a part of your family. Coming from overseas, au pairs provide in-home childcare while sharing their culture and language, creating a unique, enriching experience for your children.

What is an Au Pair?

More than just childcare

More than just childcare

An au pair is more than just a caregiver — they become a part of your family. Coming from overseas, au pairs provide in-home childcare while sharing their culture and language, creating a unique, enriching experience for your children.

What is an au pair

Flexible, personalised care at home

An au pair is a young person from overseas, typically aged 18 to 30, who joins a host family in New Zealand to provide in-home childcare in exchange for room, board, and a weekly allowance. It’s much more than just a childcare solution — it’s a unique cultural exchange experience that enriches both the family and the au pair.

Au pairs become part of the family, building strong bonds with the children and sharing their culture through language, traditions, and everyday life. They help with tasks like school drop-offs, cooking meals for the kids, tidying up after playtime, and supporting daily routines. In return, host families offer a welcoming home, guidance, and support as their au pair adjusts to life in New Zealand.

Hosting an au pair is a rewarding way to introduce your children to new cultures, languages, and perspectives — while gaining flexible, personalised childcare from someone who truly becomes a trusted part of your family.

What defines an au pair?

While there are no strict rules, au pairs generally meet the following criteria:

  • Aged between 18-30
  • Proficient in English (often as a second language)
  • High school graduates or equivalent
  • Fully insured for medical, travel, and personal liability
  • Committed to a 6-12 month live-in arrangement with a Kiwi host family

  • Hold a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa

At Au Pair Link, we support au pairs from the moment they arrive in New Zealand. Our comprehensive au pair training including a certified ST John first aid course covers cultural insights, child safety, New Zealand lifestyles, and tips to help them settle into their new home and community with confidence.

How does an au pair differ from a nanny or daycare?

The biggest difference? Au pairs bring the world into your home.

By welcoming someone from another country, your family gets to experience another culture first-hand. Children gain exposure to new languages, traditions, and stories, helping them develop valuable life skills like empathy, curiosity, and open-mindedness.

Unlike most nannies, au pairs come specifically for cultural exchange, creating meaningful connections that go beyond everyday childcare. They’re not just a caregiver — they become a part of your family, sharing their culture in a way that’s both fun and educational.

Au pairs are typically young adults aged 18 to 30, bringing energy and enthusiasm to your home.

For your kids, an au pair can feel like a “cool” older sibling — someone they can relate to, play with, and look up to. Their youthful energy is ideal for keeping up with active children, whether it’s hours of playtime, outdoor adventures, or just being ready to jump in and help with the unexpected.

With their adventurous spirit and a fresh outlook, au pairs bring an exciting dynamic to your family’s daily life.

Hosting an au pair offers built-in flexibility that traditional childcare options often don’t provide.

Unlike daycare or nannies who charge extra for after-hours care, au pairs live in your home, meaning you can co-create a schedule that suits your family’s needs — including evenings, weekends, and emergency care. That added flexibility makes a huge difference for busy families juggling work, school, and activities.

An au pair isn’t just someone who looks after your children — they’re someone who becomes part of your family. With au pair link, you’ll gain reliable, personalised care and an enriching cultural experience that leaves a lasting impact on your household.

Au Pair Link

Flexible & Value

  • Up to 45 weekly hours of childcare, max 10 hours daily

  • Long-term, stable care with less turnover

  • In-home support when you need it

  • Select nationality and preferred languages

  • Thoroughly screened & checked

  • Child Care Training & First Aid

  • Choose an au pair with similar hobbies & interests

Pay nothing until you match with your au pair

Nanny

Low support & lots of work

  • More expensive than an au pair

  • Fixed work hours with limited flexibility

  • Less focus on family bonding and shared experiences

  • Childcare approach and values may not align with your family

  • Limited to what’s available locally

  • Cultural exchange isn’t a focus

  • Your responsibility to screen

  • Often no professional support

You’re left to handle almost everything on your own

Daycare

Low support & lots of work

  • No in-home help

  • Limited control over caregivers

  • Set operating hours, less flexibility

  • Additional fees for late pickup

  • Limited one-on-one attention

  • No personalised care for your child

  • Limited communication with daycare staff

  • Cultural exchange not a priority

  • Less focus on cultural exchange

  • Higher costs for extended care

You’re left to handle almost everything on your own

Testimonials

Hear from families who have experienced the joys, challenges, and unforgettable moments of hosting an au pair.

Jodie Mexted

“We have used Au Pair Link twice now and found it excellent. We have ended up with wonderful Au Pairs who were a lovely addition to our family, who went over and beyond their requirements and responsibilities.”

Christian Newman

“We are so happy with our amazing Au Pair, Kelly from Au Pair Link! The process has been seamless and the team have been so patient with me getting us set up. They are thorough and efficient, and have answered all my questions to ensure we were making the right decision.”

Lucy Hine

“Au Pair Link are extremely helpful, professional and supportive. We have loved having Au Pair Link involved with our family.”