Considering a trip to Aotearoa New Zealand or simply curious to learn more about this unique destination? This comprehensive FAQ provides clear and concise answers to some of the most common questions about New Zealand—covering everything from travel essentials and local culture to geography and lifestyle. Whether you're planning a visit, moving, or just exploring, this guide offers valuable insights to help you better understand the country.
Ans: The NZeTA is a requirement introduced in 2019 for most travellers visiting or transiting through New Zealand for a short stay. It is an electronic travel clearance designed to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for eligible foreign nationals.
Ans: Check out the New Zealand ETA Eligible Countries webpage for this information.
Ans: A New Zealand Transit ETA allows passengers briefly transiting through a New Zealand airport (staying under 24 hours and within the airport's transit zone) to make multiple entries over a two-year period. More information on the Transit ETA can be found on the webpage: Transit ETA for NZ.
Ans: Yes. Travellers who hold an Australian residence card but are not Australian citizens must apply to the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for tourism or transit purposes. For detailed information, please refer to the New Zealand ETA for Australian Permanent Residence Card Holders.
Ans: Yes, cruise ship passengers from nationalities not on the visa waiver list need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before boarding their cruise, regardless of the number of New Zealand ports on the itinerary. For complete information, check out the NZ ETA for Cruise Ship Passengers webpage.
Ans: This ETA is for short-term tourism or business visits and does not permit employment. Check out the New Zealand ETA for Tourism to get in-depth details of this visa type.
Ans: You will need your valid passport’s bio page (valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand) and a recent passport-sized photograph scan. Do refer to the New Zealand ETA Documents Required.
Ans: The total fee depends on the type of ETA and other factors. New Zealand ETA fee-related information is available on the New Zealand ETA Fee page, where you can use the fee tool to calculate your fee.
Ans: Yes, through Super Rush Processing, you can get your NZ ETA within 24 hours for urgent cases. For complete information, refer to the Urgent NZ ETA webpage.
Ans: You can check the status on the New Zealand ETA Application Status page by entering your order ID number and passport number and completing the captcha.
Ans: No, the New Zealand ETA cannot be extended. Once it expires, you must reapply for a new one before your next visit.
Ans: All travellers must complete the New Zealand Travel Declaration online before their journey, providing personal, travel, and health information.
Ans: You can visit New Zealand any time! The temperature difference between summer and winter is not huge across most of the country (only about 10°C), making it a wonderful year-round destination.
Ans: The seasons in New Zealand differ from those in the Northern Hemisphere. So, December to February are the warmest months, and June to August are the coldest. But don't worry about the cold months ; winters are usually short and pretty mild. Check out the Best Time to Visit New Zealand Webpage and you will find more details to help you plan your perfect trip!
Ans: Indeed, New Zealand accepts the majority of popular foreign credit cards. Additionally, certain stores, banks, and motels accept travellers’ cheques. If your card has a PIN, you may withdraw cash from ATMs wherever you are. You may also use a Visa or MasterCard to pay for excursions online.
Ans: Good news! New Zealand does not have any snakes or dangerous wild animals, so you can relax and enjoy being outdoors.
Ans: Absolutely! The water in New Zealand’s cities and towns is of excellent quality and totally safe to drink straight from the tap. Boil, treat, or filter river or lake water before drinking.
Ans: The main international airports are in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Some flights from Australia also go to Rotorua, Hamilton, Palmerston North, and Dunedin. For comprehensive and in-depth information on the international airports, see the Airports in New Zealand webpage.
Ans: New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, can't fly, has fluffy material instead of feathers, and has a large beak for bugs. They exclusively live in New Zealand and are active at night. On dimly lit "Kiwi houses," you may see them. New Zealanders call themselves Kiwis, and the kiwifruit and New Zealand dollar on the stock market are both referred to as Kiwis.
Ans: The nightlife scene, especially in larger cities, is quite lively, featuring DJs and bands. You will find all sorts of nightclubs, pubs, concerts, and live shows. There are also four casinos in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Queenstown.
Ans: Absolutely! New Zealand offers a wealth of fun activities for kids, from exploring nature and wildlife to theme parks, interactive museums like Te Papa, zoos, and engaging experiences like horse riding and snow activities. Kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds are abundant. Local visitor centres can point you towards even more activities.
Ans: Kiwis are typically down-to-earth, relaxed, and optimistic, which makes them very welcoming to tourists. They are known for their liberal views, environmental leadership, and strong support for LGBT rights. New Zealand boasts a diverse population with Māori, Pan-Asian, and European influences.
Ans: New Zealand’s main language is English, with Māori also an official language. Kiwis have unique slang, like 'dag' (joker), 'bro/bugalug' (mate), 'chook' (chicken), 'dunny' (toilet), 'fagged out' (tired), 'hard yakka' (hard work), 'racked off' (angry), and 'strewth' (wow).
Ans: People who live in cities may find it difficult to adapt to the slower pace of life in New Zealand. Due to a lower population and a close relationship with nature, expect more space. In general, people are friendly, and those who welcome their neighbours have a strong sense of community.
Ans: Travellers are strongly advised to obtain local, professional travel insurance upon booking to safeguard their investment. This protects against unexpected events such as flight delays, weather disruptions, or medical emergencies.
Ans: Your travel schedule will determine this. You should ideally do both! Each island is beautiful in its own right and has its own special charms. However, we advise picking one island to explore in depth rather than attempting to visit both in a short amount of time. Next time is always an option!
Ans: New Zealand is known for fresh, abundant food with Pacific Rim influences (Europe, Asia, and Indonesia). Being an island nation, cuisine is seasonal. Local specialities include lamb, bluff oysters, salmon, whitebait fritters, and pavlova. Most areas offer diverse international cuisine, with more options in cities. Enjoy fish & chips at the beach, another Kiwi favourite. New Zealand caters well to gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-intolerant diets.
Ans: While the standard minimum driving age for rental cars in New Zealand is 25, some companies permit 21-year-olds to rent if they hold a full, current driver's licence. However, this often comes with a "young driver surcharge", potential restrictions on vehicle types, and possibly a minimum license holding period. Always verify the specific rental company's terms and conditions.
Ans: Smoking is illegal in all cafes, bars, restaurants, and other public places. In hotels and other lodging establishments, as well as in rental automobiles, smoking is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the full grounds of several houses are smoke-free. Please let us know if this feature causes you any issues.
Ans: In New Zealand, tipping is not mandatory, but if you receive excellent service or a job well done, you may appreciate a modest payment. Ordering at a counter in bars, cafes, and restaurants sometimes involves putting loose change in a tip jar. Any acknowledgement is immensely appreciated.
The NZ ETA website has all the necessary information about applying, who needs one, and how long it is valid. You can also find helpful guides and independent travel blogs that discuss the ETA process and other travel tips for New Zealand.
Step1: Complete the online application form with your personal details and passport information.
Step2: Proceed to securely pay online using your credit card.
Step3: Check your email for payment confirmation and receipt of your New Zealand eTA, which will be sent electronically.
