Visa & Immigration

Having a valid passport and the right visa is key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand.

Effective October 1, 2019, visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to coming to New Zealand. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Please verify with your travel advisor immigration requirements for US Citizens or your particular category.

Upon arrival, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required a valid New Zealand visa.

Air Connectivity

Closer than you think: The average flight time is 13 hours, about the same time it takes to get to Europe from the West Coast. Hop on a plane around 9:30pm, have dinner, some New Zealand wine, and watch a movie before you fall asleep. Wake up to the smell of breakfast being served, and you’re here in New Zealand!

Flights: The majority of flights arrive in Auckland (AKL), New Zealand’s largest city located towards the top of the North Island. Domestic flights connect Auckland with 24 other airports throughout the country.

Airports: You can fly between all New Zealand cities and most major towns using domestic air services. Air New Zealand and Jetstar are the main providers. Their services are complemented by regional airlines, charter companies and scenic flight operators.

The major domestic airports include Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and Willington Airport. There are smaller domestic airports that will make your getting around the country a breeze.

Driving

Exploring New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes by car, campervan or motorhome is a popular way to get around. Even if you’re used to driving in other places, you need to be well aware of things like weather extremes, narrow, windy roads and different road rules before you begin on your journey.

In New Zealand driving is on the left side of the road. If you’re used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, this can be a challenge to remember especially when pulling out into traffic. Remember – if you are driving, you must be seated in the middle of the road – your front seat passenger will be the on edge of the road.

New Zealand’s diverse terrain means roads are often narrow, hilly and windy with plenty of sharp corners. Outside of the main cities, there are very few motorways. Most of our roads are single lane in each direction without barriers in between. You may also encounter gravel roads. It’s important to allow plenty of time, go slow and pull over in a safe place if traffic wants to pass from behind you. Take plenty of breaks so that you stay alert.

Currency & Costs

New Zealand’s unit of currency is the dollar (NZ$). All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely.

Tipping and Service Charges: Tipping in New Zealand is not obligatory, even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

Banking:New Zealand banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Some are also during weekends. Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.