New Zealand Holidays
Coromandel's golden sand, Abel Tasman's coastal track, and Pacific surf from north to south. Plan your New Zealand beach holiday with flights and tips.
Today
Weather in New Zealand
Thu
Fri
Sat
SPF level in New Zealand
Autumn
SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for New Zealand
You can visit New Zealand without a visa for up to 6 months, but you need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave New Zealand.
At border control, you must show proof of a return or onward ticket and proof you have enough money for your stay.
Everyone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a free New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) online or via an app before arrival.
Your NZeTA application requires payment of an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy and can take up to 72 hours to process.
Good to know:
You must declare any items that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty, such as most food products, as there are strict customs and biosecurity rules.
If you are travelling through New Zealand to another country, you will also need to get a NZeTA before you travel.
Safety in New Zealand
New Zealand is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Thieves may target unattended vehicles, especially hire cars and camper vans in major tourist areas.
Avoid leaving possessions in unattended vehicles and do not leave valuables in hotel rooms.
Importing illegal drugs could result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
If you're taking part in extreme sports, check the company is well established and that your insurance covers you.
Monitor regional weather forecasts as conditions can quickly become dangerous in some coastal and exposed areas.
Bonus tips:
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months.
Familiarise yourself with safety procedures for earthquakes, which is to 'Drop, Cover, Hold'.
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Driving in New Zealand
A valid UK driving license is accepted in New Zealand for a maximum of 12 months, provided you haven't been disqualified from driving. An International Driving Permit is not essential, but recommended.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: New Zealand drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in New Zealand
As a visitor to New Zealand, you are not eligible for publicly funded health services unless you have residency status. It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical care can be expensive for non-residents. Check your policy covers adventure activities if you plan to participate in them.
No vaccinations required
Generally, New Zealand has high standards of public health. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it's always wise to consult your GP before travel. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Be aware of the strong UV radiation, even on cloudy days, and use sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses.
Cards & payments
Good. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in New Zealand, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in New Zealand
Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, and service staff are generally paid a living wage. It is not expected, but a small gesture for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Restaurant
Not customary, 0-10% for exceptional service
Bar/Café
Not customary, rounding up the bill is sufficient
Taxi
Not customary, rounding up the fare is acceptable
Hotel Porter
NZD $1-2 per bag is appreciated for excellent service
Hotel Housekeeper
NZD $2-5 per night for exceptional service
Tour Guide
NZD $10-20 per day for excellent service
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in New Zealand. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 30 NZD (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in New Zealand
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type I
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Good. Free WiFi is commonly available in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public libraries. Paid WiFi services are also offered at some locations.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is widely available in urban areas. WiFi is common, and mobile data is reliable, particularly in cities. Rural areas may have limited coverage.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
111
Police
111
Ambulance
111
Fire
111
Save 111 in your phone before travelling.
Calling New Zealand
Country code
64
To call New Zealand from abroad, dial 64 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
44 Hill Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone
+64 (0) 4 924 2888
Website
Auckland Airport
Christchurch International Airport
Wellington International Airport
Nelson Airport
Queenstown Airport
Dunedin International Airport
Recent updates
No recent updates for New Zealand.
Beaches in New Zealand
Anawhata
Aotea / Shelly Beach
Avatele Beach
Baddeleys Beach
Bathing Beach
Big Manly Beach
Big Oneroa Beach
Blackpool Beach
Blockhouse Bay Beach
Bluecliffs Beach
Boulder Bank
Brendan Beach
Bucklands Beach
Bushy Beach
Butterfield Beach
Campbells Bay
Carters Beach
Cheltenham Beach
Christmas Beach
City of Cork Beach
Cooks Beach
Coopers Beach
Cornwallis Beach
Devonport Beach
Duders Beach
Eastern Beach
Frazers Beach
Frogtown Beach
Gillespies Beach
Godley Beach Park
Granity Beach
Halls Beach
Harataonga Bay
Hataitai Beach
Hautai Beach
Heaphy Beach
Hobson Beach
Hokitika Beach
Hot Water Beach
Hunt Beach
Kaihoka Beach
Kaiti Beach
Kaitoke Beach
Kaitorete Spit
Karekare Beach
Karioitahi Beach
Kohimarama Beach
Koura Beach
Little Wanganui Beach
Long Beach
Lonnekers Beach
Māhia Beach
Makorori Beach
Maori Beach
Maraetai Beach
Matuku-takotako
Medlands Beach
Midway Beach
Milford Beach
Monro Beach
Muriwai Beach
Narrow Neck Beach
New Brighton Beach
New Chums Beach
Newdicks Beach
Nine Mile Beach
North Piha Beach
Ocean Beach
Ohinerangi Beach
Ōhope Beach
Omanu Beach
Ōrere Point Beach
Oreti Beach
Ōrewa Beach
Orongo Beach
Ōtānerua / Hatfields Beach
Otūmoetai Beach
Paengarēhia / Twilight Beach
Pākiri Beach
Pakiroa Beach
Pāpāmoa Beach
Parauwanui Beach
Pauanui Beach
Peka Peka Beach
Plimmerton Beach
Pōhara Beach
Point Chevalier Beach
Pouawa Beach
Pukehina Beach
Punaromia Beach
Red Beach
Ringaringa Beach
Saint Clair Beach
Saint Kilda Beach
Saint Leonards Beach
Sandy Beach Reserve
Scotts Beach
Shelly Park Beach
Smaills Beach
South Beach
South Piha Beach
Sulphur Beach
Swann Beach
Swimmers Beach
Tahuna Torea
Tāhunatōrea
Takapuna Beach
Tata Beach
Taylors Mistake Beach
Te Awa a te Atua Beach
Te Henga (Bethells Beach)
Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē / Ninety Mile Beach
Te Werahi Beach
Te Wharau Beach
Thorne Bay
Three Mile Beach
Tindalls Beach
Titirangi Beach
Tokerau Beach
Totaranui Beach
Tunnel Beach
Umupuia Beach
Uretiti Beach
Victory Beach
Waiake Beach
Waihi Beach
Waikanae Beach
Waimangaroa Beach
Wainui Beach
Waiotahe Beach
Waipaparoa / Howick Beach
Waipātiki Beach
Watercress Beach
Westshore Beach
Whangapoua Beach
Wharariki Beach
Whareroa Beach
Whatipu Beach
Whites Beach
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.