Ultimate Guide to Visiting New Zealand in 2025

Pre‑trip essentials

Apply for an NZeTA or visa 

Most visitors from visa‑waiver countries (including the U.S. and most EU countries) need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead of a visa. Apply through the official Immigration NZ app; it costs about NZ$17 via the app (NZ$23 on the website) and is valid for two years, allowing multiple visits of up to 3 months each (UK citizens get up to 6 months per visit). You must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which is automatically added during the application. Apply several weeks ahead to avoid travel‑day stress.

Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)

Everyone entering New Zealand must submit the New Zealand Traveller Declaration online or via the app. It collects passport and travel details and declarations about items you’re bringing. You can submit your declaration from 24 hours before your flight, and you must declare risk goods like hiking boots and food. False declarations can result in fines of NZ$400 or prosecutions with penalties up to NZ$100,000 so be thorough and honest.

Book flights and rental cars early

Domestic flights offer jaw‑dropping views, especially over the Southern Alps. Always try to book a window seat — it’s often cheaper than scenic flights. Rental cars and camper vans sell out months ahead during peak season (Dec–Feb). I'd recommend booking 8 weeks in advance for busy periods and at least 4 weeks for off‑peak. New Zealand’s public transport is limited; almost all intercity travel is via InterCity buses, and the few rail lines are tourist‑focused, so having your own vehicle makes exploring far easier and, for the most part, cheaper.

Border & biosecurity: Protecting New Zealand’s nature

New Zealand’s isolation has created unique flora and fauna, but it also means strict biosecurity. Declare everything — hiking boots, tents, wooden souvenirs, food and outdoor gear. Biosecurity New Zealand warns that undeclared risk goods can lead to an NZ$400 instant fine or, for serious breaches, fines up to NZ$100,000 and even imprisonment. To speed up arrival, complete your Traveller Declaration online and have all items accessible for inspection.

Getting around: Driving, public transport and apps

Drive on the left and allow extra time

New Zealand drives on the left. Roads can be narrow, winding and mountainous, with one‑lane bridges common in rural areas. Speed signs are in kilometres per hour, seatbelts are compulsory and using a hand‑held phone while driving is illegal. Distances often take longer than Google Maps suggests, so build extra time into your itinerary and take breaks on long drives.

Limited public transport

Intercity bus services are mostly run by one company and rail services are mainly limited to tourist experiences. If you can’t drive, InterCity buses offer flexible passes, and scenic trains like the TranzAlpine provide spectacular views but cover limited routes. Cycling tours or group tours are alternatives, but for maximum flexibility a rental car or camper van is recommended.

Use Gaspy for cheaper fuel

Petrol prices vary widely across towns. Gaspy is a free community‑driven app that shows real‑time fuel prices, helping you pick the cheapest stations.

Don’t trust Google Maps for travel times

Winding roads, roadworks and photo stops can add hours. Allow buffer time and be conservative when planning drives. When in doubt, ask at visitor centres or check road statuses on the NZ Transport Agency website.

Camping & accommodation

Freedom camping rules

New Zealand allows freedom camping (camping outside formal campgrounds) but only in permitted areas. You must obey local signs, respect private land, and dispose of waste responsibly. The Department of Conservation (DOC) warns that fines apply for camping where prohibited. New laws mean that, from December 2024, only vehicles with fixed toilets can be certified self‑contained; travelling without a certified vehicle could result in fines up to NZ$2,400.

Download the CamperMate app to find freedom camping sites, public toilets, dump stations and Wi‑Fi hotspots. Always check local council rules because restrictions vary by region, and some areas have banned freedom camping entirely due to overcrowding.

Alternative accommodation options

If you don’t want to camp, there’s a range of hostels, motels, farm stays and holiday parks. Book accommodation early in peak season. For those travelling car‑free, consider organised bus tours or hop‑on/hop‑off services that include accommodation.

Money & budgeting

Pay in NZ dollars

At point‑of‑sale terminals, always choose NZD rather than your home currency. This avoids dynamic currency conversion fees, letting your bank handle the rate. Pretty much all shops and services accept debit/credit cards and contactless payments.

Use supermarket fuel dockets

Major supermarkets like Pak’nSave, Countdown (now Woolworths) and New World offer receipts that include fuel discount vouchers. Hand these in at participating petrol stations to save a few cents per litre.

Choose the right supermarket

Consumer NZ’s 2024 survey found Pak’nSave consistently has the cheapest grocery prices, saving around NZ$14 per week compared with New World and NZ$15.87 versus Woolworths. Pak’nSave has a no‑frills warehouse feel, while New World and Woolworths offer more variety at higher prices.

Skip tipping and pay at the counter

Tipping isn’t part of New Zealand culture. Many cafés have a tip jar, and EFTPOS machines may ask for a tip, but no gratuity is expected. Additionally, most restaurants require you to pay at the counter at the end of your meal rather than waiting for a server to bring the bill.

Dine at BYO restaurants

To save on alcohol, look for eateries labelled BYO (bring your own). You pay a corkage fee (around NZ$5–9 per person) and can bring your own bottle. A news report calculated that taking an NZ$11 bottle to a BYO with an NZ$8.90 corkage cost about NZ$20 total, saving around NZ$4.70 per glass compared with buying wine at restaurant.

Expect early closing and public holiday surcharges

Many shops close by 6 p.m. and cafés may shut mid‑afternoon, especially in small towns. On public holidays, shops that open often charge a surcharge to cover the legally mandated time‑and‑a‑half wages. Most stores must close on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and on ANZAC Day until 1 p.m., unless they have special exemptions.

Weather & packing

Pack for four seasons in a day

New Zealand weather is famously changeable. Even in summer you can experience sunshine, rain, hail and snow. Layering is key: pack thermal base layers, waterproof jackets, hats and sunscreen regardless of season.

Check the official MetService forecast

The MetService provides New Zealand’s official short‑ and long‑range forecasts, severe weather warnings and mountain forecasts. Download the MetService app or check their website before heading out. For multi‑day hikes, combine MetService with local DOC visitor centre updates.

Prepare for sandflies

New Zealand is free of dangerous animals like bears or snakes, but sandflies are notorious. They swarm around rivers and forests, especially on the South Island’s West Coast. Use insect repellents containing DEET or DIMP, reapplying regularly, and note that oral remedies like garlic and vitamin B are ineffective. Calamine lotion or antihistamine cream can relieve itching if you are bitten.

Culture & etiquette

Learn basic Māori words and pronunciation

Knowing a few Māori words enriches your trip and shows respect. Common greetings include kia ora (“hello/thank you”), mōrena (“good morning”) and tēnā koutou (“formal hello”). Māori vowels have pure sounds (a = “ah”, e = “eh”, i = “ee”, o = “or”, u = “oo”). Practise place names so locals can understand you — mispronouncing “Whangarei” or “Taupō” can cause confusion and a bit of laughter.

Respect tikanga (customary practices)

• Don’t sit on tables or put hats/bags on eating surfaces. In Māori culture, the head is considered tapu (sacred), and mixing bodily contact with food surfaces is considered taboo and unhygienic.

• Don’t touch someone’s head unless invited; this includes ruffling children’s hair.

• Don’t step over people or food; step around instead.

• At sacred sites (wāhi tapu), follow signage and local iwi guidance; do not eat or drink in these areas.

Understand Kiwi slang and communication style

Kiwis are famously understated and indirect. The phrase “yeah nah” can mean either yes or no depending on context. If in doubt, listen to tone and body language.

Kiwis often say “not bad” to mean something is good, and “sweet as” to mean everything is fine. They may complain about service privately but rarely confront staff. Take politeness cues from locals and don’t mistake laid‑back communication for indifference.

Respect wildlife and locals

New Zealanders love their natural world. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife — never feed birds or approach sea lions for selfies. Obey signage at bird sanctuaries and marine reserves. Locals also value personal space; queue politely, keep noise down at night and wait for your turn on hiking trails.

Food & drink: Pies, coffee and more

Know the pie hierarchy

Kiwis take their pies seriously. The annual Bakels New Zealand Pie Awards crown winners across categories like mince & cheese, steak & mushroom and vegetarian. The awards showcase the crème de la crème of pies, and many locals swear by award‑winning bakeries. Top‑tier pies are usually found at independent bakeries; petrol station and supermarket pies rank mid‑tier, while convenience‑store pies are best avoided. When in doubt, look for a bakery displaying a Bakels award certificate.

Coffee culture

New Zealanders are passionate about coffee. In Wellington and Auckland, cafés serve flat whites, long blacks and macchiatos with pride. Don’t expect Starbucks‑style flavoured syrups; the focus is on espresso quality. Cafés often close by 3 p.m., so get your caffeine fix early.

Itinerary planning: How long to stay

Don’t rush

With snow‑capped mountains, geothermal wonders, rainforests and pristine beaches, it’s impossible to see everything in two weeks. Aim for at least one week per island plus extra days in major cities to do justice to the landscapes. Many seasoned travellers recommend two weeks per island if you have the time. Trying to cram both islands into 14 days often leads to rushing past highlights.

North vs South Island

The North Island boasts subtropical beaches, geothermal parks (Rotorua), vibrant Māori culture and waterfalls. The South Island is renowned for alpine scenery, fjords and glaciers. Don’t believe hype that one island is superior; they offer different experiences. If you have limited time, choose one island and explore deeply rather than skimming both.

Build flexibility into your itinerary

Road closures, weather and spontaneous detours can throw off schedules. Keep some days unscheduled for rest or extra activities. Check for local events and festivals — summer concerts, Māori cultural festivals and farmers markets add memorable local flavour.

Need free Wi‑Fi? Visit libraries and i‑SITE centres

Free Wi‑Fi is limited in rural areas, but most public libraries and many i‑SITE visitor information centres offer free internet. They’re also great places to charge devices, gather brochures and chat with knowledgeable staff.

Final thoughts

New Zealand is a land of contrasts: rugged mountains and subtropical beaches, Māori traditions and modern cafés, isolated huts and welcoming locals. By following the tips above — applying for an NZeTA, respecting biosecurity rules, driving carefully, camping responsibly, learning local etiquette and taking your time — you’ll discover the richness beneath the postcard scenery. Pack your sense of adventure and curiosity, and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable experiences and new friendships.