Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for New Zealand depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for New ZealandEmergency Numbers
- General
- 111
Currency
- Name
- New Zealand Dollar
- Code
- NZD
- Symbol
- $
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type I
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
NZST (UTC+12) — NZDT (UTC+13) in summer
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Ski season: June–October. Summer (December–February) is ideal for hiking and beaches
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Not expected | Occasional round up for great service appreciated |
| Taxis | Not expected | — |
Dress Code
- Casual and practical
- Smart casual for city restaurants
- Outdoor gear for hiking and national parks
Social Etiquette
- Māori culture is integral to New Zealand — learn a few words of te reo Māori
- Remove shoes when entering a New Zealand home — it's standard
- The haka is a sacred cultural expression — observe respectfully, never mock it
- Welcoming culture — direct but warm
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Strict biosecurity: declare EVERYTHING at customs or face fines of up to NZD 400
- Zero blood alcohol tolerance for drivers under 20 and professional drivers
- Standard BAC limit: 0.05% for drivers over 20
- Clean and green: littering is taken seriously; leave no trace in national parks
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Thank you | Kia ora | kee-ah OH-rah |
| Welcome | Haere mai | hah-eh-reh MY |
| Good / Well done | Ka pai | kah PIE |
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