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Travel Guide
Visiting New Zealand
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.
Discover
Top Attractions in New Zealand
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Bay of Islands
A sheltered bay containing 144 islands in the Far North of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is one of the country's most popular sailing and fishing destinations. It also holds deep historical significance as the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, the founding document of modern New Zealand. Dolphin watching, island-hopping, and visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are the main draws.
UNESCO World Heritage
Franz Josef Glacier
One of the few glaciers in the world that descends into temperate rainforest, Franz Josef is one of the most accessible glaciers on New Zealand's rugged West Coast. The ice flows down from the Southern Alps to within a few hundred metres of the valley floor. Guided heli-hike tours land on the upper glacier and provide access to the blue-ice formations and crevasses of its dramatic surface.
UNESCO World Heritage
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in New Zealand. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for New Zealand.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in New Zealand
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 111 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for New Zealand where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on th
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police111
Ambulance111
Fire111
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting New Zealand
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the New Zealand page at Yoogo.
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. ATMs are readily available in cities and larger towns. It is worth carrying some cash for smaller rural businesses and markets.
New Zealand maintains relatively low crime rates and consistently ranks among the least corrupt countries in the world. Standard travel precautions apply. Be aware of natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanic activity, as the country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Always follow local guidance in geothermal areas such as Rotorua.
A rental car is almost essential outside major cities, as public transport between regional areas is limited. Traffic moves on the left. Most intercity driving is on undivided highways with one lane in each direction, so allow more time than you might expect. Coach services connect major destinations at affordable prices, and domestic flights link key cities, though they can be expensive. Ferries cross between the North and South Islands.
New Zealand experiences four seasons, with summer running December–February and winter June–August. Summer offers the longest daylight hours and is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The Christmas to New Year period is very busy and accommodation in popular areas books out months in advance. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
English is the primary language, spoken by nearly the entire population. Maori (te reo Maori) is an official language and you will encounter Maori place names and words throughout the country. Note that 'wh' in Maori is typically pronounced as 'f', so Whakatane sounds like 'fa-ka-ta-nee'. New Zealanders also use distinctive local slang: 'tramping' means hiking, 'jandals' are flip-flops, and 'togs' are swimwear.
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand. Standard up-to-date immunisations are recommended. Healthcare is of a high standard, though medical costs for visitors can be significant, so comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised. Declare all medicines at the border, particularly any quantity exceeding a three-month supply.
Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand. Service charges are not added to bills. That said, leaving a small tip for exceptional service is welcomed, particularly in restaurants and for tour guides, but it is entirely at your discretion.