Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?

It depends on your passport. Most travellers from major English-speaking countries, Europe, and many other nations do not need a traditional visa for short stays but you will need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you board your flight.

Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport are the main exception: they do not need a visa or NZeTA and receive an Automatic Resident Visa on arrival.

To confirm what you need for your specific passport, use the official tool at immigration.govt.nz. Aroha Luxury Tours sends all guests a pre-departure information pack that covers entry requirements well before travel.

What is the NZeTA and how do I apply?

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a mandatory pre-travel authorisation for visitors from visa-waiver countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, most of Europe, and many others. It replaced the previous visa-free entry arrangement in October 2019.

Key facts:

•  Apply online at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or via the official NZeTA app (iOS and Android).

•  Allow at least 72 hours before departure although most are processed faster.

•  Valid for 2 years and allows multiple visits within that period.

•  US and most visa-waiver country holders can stay up to 3 months per visit. UK citizens may stay up to 6 months.

•  You must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100 at the time of application.

•  Cruise ship passengers of any nationality must also hold an NZeTA.

Apply well ahead of travel. The NZeTA is separate from the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), which must also be completed online before arrival.

What is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)?

The IVL is a NZD $100 levy paid by most international visitors to New Zealand when they apply for an NZeTA or visitor visa. The funds go directly toward conservation projects, tourism infrastructure, and protecting the natural environments that make New Zealand exceptional.

The levy is not optional. It is embedded in the NZeTA and visa application process.

Transit passengers holding a transit NZeTA or transit visa are not required to pay the IVL.

What documents do I need at the New Zealand border?

•  Valid passport (minimum three months beyond your intended departure date).

•  NZeTA approval (or valid visitor visa for non-waiver countries).

•  Completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) submitted online no earlier than 24 hours before arrival.

•  Evidence of onward or return travel.

•  Sufficient funds for your stay.

Note: From 17 June 2024, all supporting documents submitted with visa applications to Immigration New Zealand must be in English. Certified translations are required for non-English documents.

Aroha Luxury Tours provides a pre-departure information checklist to all guests before travel.

What are New Zealand's biosecurity rules and what can I bring into the country?

New Zealand has some of the strictest biosecurity regulations in the world, designed to protect its unique native ecosystem.

Do not bring into New Zealand:

•  Raw or unprocessed food, fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, or dairy products.

•  Plants, seeds, soil, or organic material of any kind.

•  Items that have been in contact with animals or livestock.

All items must be declared on your NZTD form. Disposal bins are available at airports. Failure to declare biosecurity-risk goods carries an immediate fine of NZD $400. More serious violations carry fines up to NZD $100,000.

Border officers may inspect mobile devices, laptops, and cameras. Failure to comply with a request to provide passwords can result in fines of up to NZD $5,000.

When in doubt, declare it. The process is quick and staff are helpful.

What are the main international airports in New Zealand?

New Zealand has three major international gateway airports:

•  Auckland International Airport (AKL) — the main entry point, North Island.

•  Wellington International Airport (WLG) — limited international connections, central New Zealand.

•  Christchurch International Airport (CHC) — the main South Island gateway.

Auckland handles the majority of long-haul international flights from North America, Europe, and Asia. Aroha Luxury Tours can arrange airport transfers and private arrivals coordination from any of these airports.