NZeTA
$17 NZD via app
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is required for visa-waiver travellers (incl. UK, US, EU, Canada). It’s NZ$17 through the official NZeTA app (NZ$23 on the website) — allow up to 72 hours. Valid for 2 years.
Travel
Getting here
New Zealand is worth the journey — here’s how to make it smooth.
Before you fly
Entry requirements
Requirements and fees change — always double-check the official Immigration NZ website before you travel.
IVL
$100 NZD
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is paid at the same time as your NZeTA or visa. It rose from NZ$35 to NZ$100 in October 2024. Australian citizens and residents are exempt.
Passport
6 months
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand (three months for some nationalities). Check it today — renewals can take a while!
⚠️ Only use the official government NZeTA app or website — third-party sites charge extra fees.
Biosecurity: declare, declare, declare!
New Zealand has some of the strictest border biosecurity laws in the world, protecting our unique native plants, birds and farming industries. Every bag can be x-rayed or sniffed by detector dogs.
- Hiking boots, tents & sports gear — must be declared and should be thoroughly cleaned of soil before you pack.
- Any food — fresh fruit, meat, dairy, snacks from the plane, even a banana in your handbag.
- Honey & bee products — generally not permitted; always declare.
- Plants, seeds, wooden items, shells and feathers.
Penalties: failing to declare risk items can mean an instant NZ$400 infringement fine — and serious cases can lead to prosecution. If in doubt, declare it or use the amnesty bins. Declaring is free!
Arriving
Auckland Airport (AKL)
Most international guests will land at Auckland Airport, about 20 km south of the city centre. International and domestic terminals are a short walk (~10 min, follow the green line) or free shuttle apart.
🚌 SkyBus to the city~45–60 min · 24/7
🚕 Taxi to CBD~NZ$80–110
📱 Uber / Ola / ZoomyDedicated pick-up zone
🚗 Rental carsIn both terminals
Prices are approximate and vary with traffic and time of day. Auckland traffic at peak hour can easily double travel times.
Flight time reference
How far is it?
Approximate flight times to Auckland
Wellington~1 hrs
Sydney~4 hrs
Vancouver~13 hrs
London~26 hrs (1 stop)
Auckland is UTC+12 in April (NZST). Give yourself a day or two to shake off the jet lag before the wedding!
Hitting the road
Driving in New Zealand
Keep left!
We drive on the left-hand side of the road. Take extra care at roundabouts (give way to the right) and when pulling out of car parks. You can drive on a valid overseas licence (in English, or with an approved translation) for up to 12 months.
Roads take longer
NZ roads are often narrow, winding and single-lane each way. Google’s time estimates are optimistic — add 20–30%. Watch for one-lane bridges, gravel roads, slow tractors and farm animals. Open-road limit is 100 km/h.
Parking
Central Auckland parking is pricey — use the AT Park app or council buildings. Check signs carefully; towing is enforced. Many hotels charge for parking, so ask when booking.