New Zealand Travel Tips

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO NEW ZEALAND

LANGUAGE

The most commonly spoken language in New Zealand is English while Maori and New Zealand Sign Language have special status as also being official languages. According to Census 2018, English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Northern Chinese (including Mandarin) and Hindi are the most widely spoken languages.

Transportation Signs

Airports: You’ll find English language signage everywhere.

Train Systems: In English

Taxis: In English

Uber: Is in New Zealand

Buses: Drivers speak English

English Directions: In English

Menus: In English

APPS

Translation apps work more or less the same way, share the same basic features, and can be used offline if you download language packs.

WeChat: Online, Android, iOS, Mac OS, Windows

WeChat is now one of the most popular forms of social media used by visitors to New Zealand outside of Facebook and has become indispensable among young urban Chinese consumers. You can download an international version, which has a translation function.

• Key feature: does just about everything

Google Translate: Online and app (Android and iOS)

• Key feature: real-time speech and text image translation

Virtual Private Network

For an extra layer of security, you could set up a VPN (virtual private network) before your trip.

CURRENCY

• The New Zealand Dollar is the official currency of New Zealand

• Symbol NZ$

• Abbreviation NZD

• Conversion NZ$1 = US$0.63 (September 2024)

• Central Bank The Reserve Bank of New Zealand

All major credit cards are accepted in New Zealand, with Visa and Mastercard the most widely used. Many retailers in main centres also have Apple Pay. Travellers’ cheques are no longer accepted.

You can exchange foreign currency for New Zealand currency at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are in international airports and most city centres. ATM’s are readily available in urban area.

New Zealand currency is available in: 

• Coins with values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2. 

• Notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. 

TIPPING

Tipping in New Zealand is not obligatory, even in restaurants and bars.

ELECTRONIC PLUGS AND TRAVEL ADAPTORS

New Zealand operates on a 230/240 watt power voltage: 230/240 and 50 Hertz. Plug I

A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because New Zealand operates on a 230/240 supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on. Your adapter will need to fit the following plug types;

For New Zealand there is one plug types, Type I

• Plug type I is the plug which has three flat pins in a triangular pattern.

VISA

Having a valid passport, the right visa and completing the entry requirements are key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand. Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand Visa.

You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen travelling on a New Zealand passport or on a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement

• An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport

• A foreign passport holder with a valid visa for New Zealand - including a Permanent Resident visa

If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period such as for a holiday, you need to request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel if you are:

• A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand which permits you can stay up to three months.

If you don’t meet the above, then you’ll need a visitor visa. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa is online. Note: applying for and receiving a New Zealand Visa will take you longer than for other countries so allow plenty of time.

Useful Documents To Have

• Passport

  Original passport or travel document of your country with at least three months remaining validity on the date of travel and at least two visa pages clear of any markings, the passport should be in good condition without any damage that could render it invalid.

• Travel itinerary

  Travel itinerary is a travel reservation to and from New Zealand in your name, not a ticket, the itinerary should include your travel dates, flight numbers, and any layovers or connections, this document helps show your planned travel route and duration of stay.

• Proof of Funds

  Proof of enough money for your stay and to leave New Zealand, such as personal bank statements, pay slips from your employer, or tax records, these documents help verify that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and for your return journey.

HEALTH

Vaccines and Medications: 

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with New Zealand Customs on arrival. Doctor's prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs in New Zealand. 

SAFETY

Before travelling, check the New Zealand Safe Travel site for official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas.

Staying Safe While Travelling in New Zealand

• Always lock your accommodation and vehicle and keep windows secure when you're not around. 

• Don’t hitchhike or accept lifts from strangers. When we walked the 3,000km Te Araroa, we hitched on several occasions and were met with nothing but kindness.

• Don’t carry large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery. 

• Store valuables securely, ideally in a safe at your accommodation. Never leave valuables or important documents in parked vehicles. 

• Never leave bags, backpacks, wallets or cameras unattended in any public place, especially airports, ferry terminals or bus/railway stations. 

• If you're out at night, keep to well-lit places where other people are present. Don’t take shortcuts through parks or alleyways. Take a taxi or get a ride with someone you know.

Scams
New Zealand is a relatively safe travel destination but we are not crime free. It is important you take the same precautions to look after yourself and your possessions as you would at home.