The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job)
Starting a side hustle in New Zealand has never been easier - especially with more Kiwis wanting extra income, flexible work, and the freedom to use their skills on their own terms.
The best part? You don’t need a big budget, a business plan, or a huge social media following to begin. Many side hustles can start small, grow naturally, and fit perfectly around a 9–5 job.
Here are the easiest and most realistic ways to start a side hustle in NZ - even if you’re busy working full-time.
1. Offer Your Skills on Local Platforms
Got skills? Put them to work.
You can offer almost any service - handyman work, beauty, cleaning, gardening, tutoring, repairs, admin support - and start earning immediately.
Platforms like Yada make it simple:
- Clients post tasks
- The system matches them with specialists in their area
- You get notified instantly
- No chasing clients, no complicated marketing
Perfect for busy people who want work to come to them.
2. Turn a Hobby Into Extra Income
Many hobbies can become low-effort side hustles:
- Crafting or sewing
- Baking
- Photography
- Fitness coaching
- DIY repairs
- Pet care
Start small with friends, neighbours, or local groups. You don’t need a company - just offer a simple service and let word of mouth grow naturally.
3. Do One-Off Gigs or Micro-Jobs
Side hustles don’t have to be long-term commitments. One-off gigs are ideal when you have a full-time job.
Examples:
- Assembling furniture
- Delivering items between cities
- Helping someone move
- Minor home repairs
- Event setup
- Short cleaning jobs
These are quick, well-paid, and flexible.
4. Rent Out What You Already Own
Earn money without lifting a finger by renting things you’re not using:
- Tools
- Camping gear
- Your car (via services like Mevo or YourDrive)
- Spare room (Airbnb)
- Photography equipment
It’s passive income - and you don’t need extra time or effort.
5. Offer Digital Services From Home
If you prefer online work, there are plenty of digital side hustles:
- Social media management
- Content writing
- Graphic design
- Simple website creation
- Virtual assistant tasks
- Translation
You can do these after hours without leaving the house.
6. Teach What You Know
If you’re good at something, someone wants to learn it:
- Music
- Language
- Academic tutoring
- Crafting
- Software skills
- Cooking
Private tutoring is one of the highest hourly side-hustle earners in NZ - and sessions can be scheduled around your job.
7. Sell Products Online (Without Storing Stock)
Dropshipping and print-on-demand allow you to sell items without holding any inventory.
This includes:
- Clothing
- Mugs
- Custom prints
- Gifts
Orders are printed and shipped automatically, so you can run everything after work with minimal effort.
8. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Kiwis love their pets, and many need reliable people for:
- Dog walking
- Feeding visits
- Pet boarding
- House sitting
This is a great side hustle if you want flexible hours and enjoy spending time with animals.
9. Weekend Event Services
If you’re free on weekends, events are a goldmine:
- Photography
- Makeup and hair
- Balloon or event décor
- DJ services
- Catering
- Bartending
- Face painting
Event work often pays well, and you can book only the times that suit you.
10. Use Your Weekends for High-Demand Jobs
Some jobs spike in demand on Saturdays and Sundays - perfect for full-time workers.
These include:
- Gardening
- Rubbish removal
- Cleaning
- Car grooming
- Minor repairs
- Painting
- Deliveries
Short jobs = extra cash without burning out.
Starting a side hustle in NZ doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Choose something simple, flexible, and realistic with your schedule - and grow it step by step.
If you want the easiest way to get local, flexible work without advertising or cold messaging strangers, join Yada. You’ll get matched with clients in your area, and you can accept tasks only when it suits you - perfect for anyone balancing a full-time job.