New Zealand Travel FAQs

With the exception of Australian and New Zealand passport holders, all international visitors need a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (NzETA) to enter New Zealand. It's essential to apply for the visa before arriving in the country. The type of visa required depends on the length and purpose of your visit.

Most passport holders can apply for a short stay (up to 3 months) holiday visa or NzETA online HERE

For entry into and exit from New Zealand, all visitors must have a passport valid up to 3 months after your departure date from New Zealand.

In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment.

To avoid penalties it is best to familiarise yourself with these guidelines prior to travel. For a detailed list of prohibited, restricted or declarable items, please click HERE.

No particular health certificates or vaccinations are required for entry into New Zealand.

Food hygiene standards and water quality are high, making it safe to eat anywhere and drink tap water.

If bringing personal medication into New Zealand, carrying the prescribing doctor's prescription or a letter detailing the medicines is advised. Any additional prescribed medication required while in New Zealand must be prescribed by a New Zealand doctor.

Special precautions:

Use high SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, sunglasses, and limit sun exposure during midday.

Abide by safety signs and swimming restrictions.

Only swim between the red & yellow flags at patrolled surf beaches.

Insect repellent is advisable, especially if visiting South Island beaches, lakes & forests such as the West Coast and Milford Sound where sandflies can be irritating.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.

Please ensure your luggage is clearly named with your contact details.

Luggage limits often vary between airlines, classes of travel and due to other factors such as airline memberships. The standard economy class luggage limit on Air New Zealand, Qantas and Virgin domestic flights is one piece of checked baggage - 23kg (50 lbs) plus 7kg (15 lbs) for a small cabin bag. Please note that Jetstar and some smaller regional airlines often have reduced luggage limits.

For all international flight passengers, including those transiting in New Zealand and those on domestic legs of international flights within the country, there are specific hand luggage restrictions.

Liquid, aerosol, or gel items (including toiletries) should be in containers of 100 mls or less (approximately 100 grams). These containers must be placed in a single transparent, resealable plastic bag, not exceeding 20cm x 20cm or 15cm x 25cm. Containers larger than 100 mls, even if partly filled, won't be permitted through security screening.

Prescription and non-prescription medicines, medical items, and baby products are exceptions to the 100 ml limit. However, they must be presented separately during airport security screening, accompanied by relevant documents (like prescriptions or medical certificates matching the passenger's name on the boarding pass). Their allowance is subject to the security officer's discretion.

Prohibited items for hand luggage encompass weapons, explosives, flammable substances, corrosive materials, and items with sharp edges or points that could cause harm. Any banned items or excessive liquids, aerosols, or gels will be confiscated during security checks at the airport.

Valuables such as laptops, cell phones, and cameras are permitted as cabin luggage but will undergo security screening procedures.

New Zealand’s summer months are December, January and February (average maximum temperatures ranges between 20–25°C (68°–77°F) and the cooler winter months are June, July and August with average maximum day temperature ranging between 10–12°C (around 50°F) in the south and 15–17°C in the north (around 60°F).

Much of the North Island has a Mediterranean climate and the South Island has warm summers and cold winters.

Rainfall is generally distributed evenly throughout the year, although topography and altitude impacts average rain and snowfall tremendously.

For further information on current weather conditions and general climate information specific to each part of the country, please click HERE.

In keeping with New Zealand’s relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions.

‘Layers’ is the main thing to remember when packing for New Zealand. The weather can change from sunny and hot to cold & wet all within one day. Bring casual clothes that can be layered. T-shirts, sweaters and a coat. Whether you are travelling in the summer or winter, you can never predict the weather, particularly in the mountains. Good walking shoes are advisable for outdoor excursions and you can expect some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat.

Remember, some regional flights (like Invercargill to Stewart Island) may have luggage restrictions. Bring a small bag for this part of your trip. Usually, you can store extra luggage at the departing regional airports.

Annual national public holiday observed are as follows;

New Year’s Day: 1st January

Waitangi Day: 6th February

Easter: Good Friday and Easter Monday

ANZAC Day: 25th April

King’s Birthday (except WA): First Monday in June

Labour Day: 4th Monday in October

Christmas and Boxing Day: 25th and 26th December

Please note that if these holidays fall on a weekend, they are usually observed on the following Monday.

Various towns & cities also observe their also own additional anniversary days.

In New Zealand, the electrical current is 230–240 volts (AC 50Hz). The power outlets are different to Europe and the USA so visitors should have an adaptor for their electrical devices if required.

Most major hotels provide hair dryers and have universal outlets for shavers at 240v or 110v.