🥝 New Zealand

Official government travel advice

Advice changes quickly. Check it before you travel and again before you leave.

Costs

Prices here are about 86% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.

Practical information

Entry

Visa-waiver nationalities mostly use the quick NZeTA, whereas many other passports require a Visitor visa. Immigration New Zealand's checker is the tool to use for that. Applications are made online through Immigration New Zealand, and its site shows the processing time and the current fee, which should be looked up there (guides give different figures). An International Visitor Conservation and Heritage Levy is also paid by most visitors, and the amount is one to look up on the official site. A passport that stays valid beyond the visit, plus funds and onward travel, should be shown. Rely only on the official immigration.govt.nz site.

Immigration New Zealand - Check if you need a visa or an NZeTA OfficialOfficial checker for your passport.
Immigration New Zealand - NZeTA OfficialWho can use an NZeTA and how to get one.
Immigration New Zealand - Visitor visa OfficialRequirements, fee and application.
Immigration New Zealand OfficialAll visa and entry information.
MPI - travelling to New Zealand (biosecurity) OfficialWhat you must declare at the border.
Tourism New Zealand OfficialOfficial tourism site.

Culture and safety - take note

Biosecurity rules are extremely strict, with on-the-spot fines: declare ALL animal, plant and food items, and have hiking boots and camping gear cleaned. Show respect for Māori culture by keeping off tables, asking before entering a marae, and treating sacred (tapu) sites carefully. Kiwis take a relaxed approach, and tipping is optional. Driving is on the left, and the narrow, winding roads call for extra time. Safety outdoors matters, as mountain weather changes fast: carry layers, register trip plans, and apply sunscreen, since UV is strong. Pack repellent, since sandflies bite at lakes and fiords. Learn the 'drop, cover, hold' drill, as earthquakes occur. Halal food can be found in the big cities.

NZ SafeTravel OfficialOfficial outdoor and travel safety advice.
MetService OfficialWeather forecasts and warnings.

Emergency

111 for police, fire and ambulance.

Local laws and customs

Drugs and strict import rules

Canadian advice says penalties for illegal drugs are severe, and UK advice says importing them can bring a prison sentence of up to 12 years. Canadian advice adds that rules and quarantine measures for food, animal products and medications are very strict, with New Zealand Customs publishing the list of prohibited and restricted items. It also notes that some prescription medicines may be illegal.

Source: UK FCDO travel advice: New Zealand, safety and security (checked 4 Nov 2026)
Source: Government of Canada travel advice: New Zealand (checked 4 Nov 2026)

Taxis and scams

Taxi and app driver checks

A passenger (P) endorsement on the licence is required of taxi and app-based drivers, and they must display an ID card so passengers can match the photo to the driver, says New Zealand's consumer protection site. A small passenger service licence label shows in the windscreen. Agree how the fare works before the trip; the driver must not charge more than the agreed fare or the meter. Take complaints to the operator first, then to NZTA.

Source: New Zealand Consumer Protection: Taxis and other ride-share services (checked 4 Nov 2026)

Who can help

local government

New Zealand Police (111 and 105)

Helps with: National police. Call 111 when you need an emergency response from Police, Fire or Ambulance. Call 105 to report things that do not need urgent police help.

Who qualifies: Anyone in New Zealand, including visitors.

Phone: 111

Official website

Source · checked 2026-11-04

ngo

New Zealand Red Cross

Helps with: New Zealand's national Red Cross society. Contact its national office in Wellington by phone or post for its humanitarian services.

Who qualifies: People in New Zealand who need its services.

Phone: 0800 733 27677

Address: 69 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington

Official website

Source · checked 2026-11-04

embassy

Diplomatic missions in New Zealand (MFAT order of precedence)

Helps with: For a lost passport or serious trouble, contact your own country's embassy. The foreign ministry page lists heads of mission in New Zealand and the city each is based in.

Who qualifies: Citizens of each country, through their own embassy or high commission.

Official website

Source · checked 2026-11-04