£1 NZ$2.30
Today
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Weather & climate
Weather in New Zealand
New Zealand
17°
Overcast
Thu
15°
17°
Fri
15°
18°
Sat
17°
17°
Sun
16°
17°
Mon
15°
16°
Tue
12°
14°
Wed
11°
13°
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:
Do not leave possessions in unattended vehicles, especially hire cars or camper vans in tourist areas.
Avoid leaving valuables in your hotel room and use the hotel safe if possible.
If driving, be aware highways can be narrow, winding and hilly, so follow local driving advice.
Carry your UK photocard driving licence to drive legally for up to 18 months.
Familiarise yourself with local earthquake safety procedures, which advise to ‘Drop, Cover, Hold’.
Bonus tips:
Leave details of your itinerary with family or friends when travelling, especially to remote areas.
Check your travel insurance covers you for adventure activities and ensure your hire car company provides insurance.
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.
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
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
UK Embassy
British High Commission Wellington
44 Hill Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone
Website
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.