Before You Go

Passport: All visitors to New Zealand require a passport valid for three months after the duration of their intended stay in New Zealand, from their country of citizenship.

Visas: Visitors from more than 50 countries do not require a visitor's visa for stays less than three months. You do require a valid passport, a return or onward ticket to another country, and sufficient money to support yourself during your stay. You do not need a visa if you are a citizen or resident permit holder of New Zealand, An Australian citizen or resident traveling with a valid Australian passport or return visa, or a citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand.

Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required.

Currency: New Zealand currency is the Dollar (NZD), which comes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 cent pieces as well as 1 and 2 dollars. There are no one-cent pieces, everything you buy is rounded either up or down. All major international credit cards can be used in New Zealand and Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. If your credit or debit card is encoded with a PIN number you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated at banks and shopping centres throughout the country. Banks do not give advances on American Express cards, however, you will need to visit an American Express office to do this.  Exchange rates fluctuate, use this currency converter for up-to-date rates.

Tipping: Tipping is not expected in New Zealand, however, if you feel you received exceptional service, feel free to leave a tip. 5-10% of the bill is adequate.

Time Zone: GMT +12. Daylight savings time starts the first week of October and ends at the end of March. New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning the seasons are opposite of North America. To find out the time difference from your city, use the time zone converter.

Electric Current: Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three (as pictured) or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. You may need an adaptor and/or electricity converters.