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11,691 mi away
£1 NZ$2.28
Today
11:22 pm
+12h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in New Zealand
New Zealand
17°
Light drizzle
Sat
14°
17°
Sun
11°
17°
Mon
9°
12°
Tue
10°
15°
Wed
10°
13°
Thu
11°
13°
Fri
12°
12°
SPF level in New Zealand
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for New Zealand
What British travellers need to know
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
Tips when travelling
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'.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
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 road
left
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
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
Save 111 in your phone before travelling.
Calling New Zealand
Country code
+64
To call the British High Commission in Wellington, dial 00 64 4 924 2888.
To call New Zealand from abroad, dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, then 64 (New Zealand's country code), and finally the local number, omitting the first zero.
Language in New Zealand
English(primary)
UK Embassy
British High Commission Wellington
44 Hill Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
16 days ago
Travel disruption
- The instruction to check airline updates now omits 'before travelling'.
- The instruction to review your travel insurance policy now omits 'before you travel'.
Airports in New Zealand
Beaches in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can visit New Zealand for tourism or business purposes for up to 6 months without a visa. However, you must hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and you may need to show evidence of onward travel arrangements and sufficient funds to support your stay.
New Zealand is considered a very safe country with a low crime rate. However, petty theft can occur, particularly in tourist areas. It's always wise to take precautions, such as securing your belongings and being aware of your surroundings. Exercise caution when hiking or participating in adventure activities and adhere to local safety guidelines.
The best time to visit New Zealand depends on your interests. Summer (December-February) offers warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities and beach holidays. Autumn (March-May) brings pleasant temperatures and stunning foliage. Winter (June-August) is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Spring (September-November) features mild temperatures and blossoming landscapes.
New Zealand offers diverse attractions, including the Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua's geothermal areas, Tongariro National Park, Queenstown (adventure capital), Fiordland National Park (Milford Sound), and the glaciers of the West Coast. Each island offers unique landscapes and experiences.
New Zealanders are generally friendly and informal. It's customary to greet people with a handshake. Showing respect for Māori culture is appreciated, particularly when visiting marae (meeting grounds). Remove your shoes before entering someone's home. Tipping is not customary, but it's appreciated for exceptional service.
New Zealand cuisine features fresh seafood, lamb, beef, and locally grown produce. Popular dishes include roast lamb, fish and chips, Māori hāngi (earth oven cooking), and pavlova (meringue dessert). New Zealand is also known for its excellent wines, craft beers, and coffee.
New Zealand has a well-developed infrastructure, making it easy to get around. Rental cars are a popular option for exploring both islands. Domestic flights connect major cities. Inter-city buses and trains offer scenic routes. Ferries connect the North and South Islands. Consider booking transport and accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
While New Zealand is generally safe, be aware of common scams such as email phishing, fake rental listings, and overpriced tourist traps. Be cautious when providing personal information online or to strangers. Only use reputable tour operators and accommodation providers. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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.