Travel To New Zealand: What Americans Need To Know

New Zealand is a popular destination for tourists and travellers from all over the world, including the United States. In this article, we will explore the requirements and restrictions for American citizens wishing to visit New Zealand, including any necessary visas, vaccinations, and safety precautions. We will also discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel between the two countries and provide an overview of the current travel advisory level for New Zealand as per the U.S. Department of State.

Travel requirements and restrictions

As of May 1, 2022, fully vaccinated United States passport holders can enter New Zealand without needing to self-isolate or quarantine. The same applies to unvaccinated visitors from the United States. However, it is important to note that pre-departure and on-arrival COVID-19 testing may be required, depending on the latest government advice.

All travellers to New Zealand are required to fill out a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) form. This can take up to 72 hours to process, so it is important to apply in advance. The NZeTA is valid for multiple visits for up to two years. If your NZeTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a visa via the New Zealand Embassy website.

U.S. citizens travelling to New Zealand for tourism, certain student programs, and short-term business trips are required to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This levy is assessed when a person applies for an NZeTA or New Zealand visa.

When entering New Zealand, a customs officer may examine electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. They may ask for your password and fines of up to NZD $5,000 may be enforced for failure to comply.

New Zealand has strict biosecurity procedures to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases. All biosecurity-risk goods must be declared or disposed of in marked bins at airports and seaports. If you do not declare goods considered biosecurity risks, such as honey, fresh fruit, seeds, and plants, you may be fined NZD $400.

When travelling to New Zealand, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations. For example, penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. In addition, driving under the influence could result in jail time, as roadside sobriety checks are common and the blood alcohol limit is lower than in most U.S. states.

It is also worth noting that New Zealand has volatile natural disaster conditions, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcano eruptions, and cyclones. Adventurous sports such as bungee jumping, skydiving, hiking, and kayaking are popular, but injuries and deaths can occur. It is important to use caution and have appropriate insurance coverage when participating in these activities.

Border updates

As of May 1, 2022, New Zealand's borders are open to all fully vaccinated United States passport holders, who are not required to self-isolate or quarantine. The country's maritime borders are also open to vessels, including cruise ships and recreational yachts.

From July 31, 2022, New Zealand's air and sea borders were fully open to visitors from anywhere in the world, depending on their vaccination and visa status.

The following groups can enter New Zealand from anywhere in the world and self-test on arrival:

• New Zealand citizens and residents, regardless of vaccination status
• Vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents; unvaccinated Australian citizens who live in New Zealand
• Holders of valid work and student visas; vaccinated travelers with a border exception
• Vaccinated travelers on a working holiday scheme
• Vaccinated travelers from visa waiver countries, including the United States
• Vaccinated travelers arriving under the Accredited Employer Work Visa category
• Vaccinated travelers applying for a work visa in New Zealand
• Vaccinated travelers on tourist, visitor, and student visas

U.S. citizens traveling to or transiting through New Zealand under the visa waiver program are required to have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). This can take up to 72 hours to process, so apply well in advance of your trip. The NZeTA is valid for multiple visits for up to two years.

If your NZeTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a visa. Visit the Embassy of New Zealand website for the most current visa information.

U.S. citizens traveling to New Zealand for tourism, certain student programs, and short-term business trips are required to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This levy is assessed when a person applies for an NZeTA or New Zealand visa.

Safety and security

New Zealand is a relatively safe destination for travel, but it is not crime-free. Crime levels are generally low, but street crime does occur in major towns and cities. Thieves may target unattended vehicles, especially in tourist areas, so it is important to keep valuables secure. There is also a high threat of terrorist attack globally, and while New Zealand has a strong anti-discrimination stance, there are still isolated incidents of homophobia-related crimes.

General Safety

• Keep your possessions secure at all times, especially in vehicles and hotel rooms.
• Use a hotel safe if possible to store valuables.
• Keep passports, travellers' cheques, and credit cards separate.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone late at night.
• Avoid unlit areas and taking shortcuts through parks or alleyways.
• Don't carry lots of cash, valuables, or expensive jewellery.
• Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended.
• Be aware of people around you when using ATMs and hide your PIN.
• Keep your credit cards in a purse or wallet close to your body, where it can't easily be snatched away.
• Report lost or stolen possessions as soon as possible to the nearest police station.

Outdoor Activities and Adventure Tourism

• Check the weather conditions and be prepared for extreme weather and natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.
• Monitor regional weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities and the National Emergency Management Agency in the event of a natural disaster.
• If you are planning to visit remote areas, check with local tourist authorities for advice and register your details with a visitor information centre or leave details with family or friends.
• If participating in extreme sports, ensure that the company is well-established and that your insurance covers you.
• Always wear a life jacket when boating.
• Check the weather and conditions before embarking on any outdoor activities.
• Take the right equipment, including communication devices so you can call for help.
• Don't rely on mobile phone coverage, especially in the backcountry and marine areas. Consider taking a distress beacon.

Driving and Road Safety

• Drive on the left-hand side of the road and follow the posted speed limits.
• Always rest before starting a road trip, especially after a long flight.
• Carry your driver's licence with you at all times when driving.
• All drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt.
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, except to make an emergency call.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime and penalties are severe.
• There is a zero alcohol limit for drivers under 20.
• If driving slowly, pull over where it's safe and let faster traffic pass.

Alcohol Safety

• The legal purchase age for alcohol is 18.
• Drinking alcohol in public places with liquor bans, such as the central business district or around sports stadiums, could lead to a fine or arrest.
• You can be fined for drinking alcohol on public transport, including taxis.
• Intoxicated people cannot be served alcohol or allowed entry to licensed premises such as pubs, cafes, and bars.
• If you do drink, get a friend to take you home or get a taxi.

Credit Card and Identity Safety

• Be careful who you give personal information to.
• Minimise the number of cards and IDs you carry in your wallet.
• Keep an eye on your credit card every time you use it and shield your PIN.
• Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.

Health and medical care

New Zealand has a very good public healthcare system. Citizens and permanent residents have their emergency care covered by a universal health care system, and major necessary care such as surgeries or cancer treatment is paid for by the publicly funded health care system. However, wait times for treatment, especially to see specialists, can be weeks or months.

The New Zealand Government helps pay for medical costs if you are injured in an accident. This service is provided by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). If you get hurt under accidental circumstances in New Zealand, you are covered, even if you caused the accident. When you visit a general practitioner (GP) or hospital, you’ll be asked to fill out a form so the ACC program will cover the cost of your care.

If you are a visitor to New Zealand, you will not be eligible for publicly funded health care. It is recommended that you get travel insurance to cover the costs of any health care you may need. Visitors are not legally required to have private health or travel insurance to enter New Zealand, but they will still need to cover many other areas of health care while in the country. These include:

• Travel or repatriation – Medical repatriation from New Zealand can be extremely expensive because of the distances involved.
• Minor health care – Visitors need to pay for a visit to a GP or after-hours clinic for minor care.
• Any vision, dental, or prescription support – Visitors need to pay for this too.
• COVID-19 care – If you contract COVID-19 while in New Zealand, and you are a visitor, you may be liable for quarantine costs.

If you are an expat or immigrant in New Zealand, you will benefit from private health insurance. This will give you more say about your health care and allow you to see a specialist when you need to. It will also cover travel health benefits that New Zealand’s system does not cover.

In an emergency, dial 111 for Police, Fire and Ambulance services. The number can be called on a mobile phone even if the phone is out of credit.

• Healthline (24-hour health advice from registered nurses): 0800 611 116
• New Zealand National Poisons Centre (New Zealand-wide 24 hours): 0800 764 766
• Lifeline (New Zealand-wide 24 hours): 0800 543 354
• Youthline (New Zealand-wide 24 hours): 0800 376 633
• Rape Crisis Line (New Zealand-wide 24 hours): 0800 88 33 00
• Victim Support (New Zealand-wide 24 hours): 0800 842 846

Transport and travel within New Zealand

New Zealand is a long, narrow country, sparsely populated and split into two islands by the Cook Strait. The country is known for its stunning scenery, which makes for remarkable road trips. Most people arrive in either Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington, all of which are well served by public transport. However, once you leave the big cities, there are vast expanses of rolling countryside, tall mountains, and areas of native bush to navigate.

Driving in New Zealand

Driving is a convenient and flexible way to get around New Zealand, especially when visiting attractions away from the main routes. Many of the country's best-known national parks are remote, so having a car will allow you to properly explore them. Traffic tends to be light outside of the major cities, and you don't have to worry about wildlife on the roads as much as in neighbouring Australia.

Keep in mind that car rentals can be expensive, and insurance costs can be high for drivers under 25. If you are travelling between the North and South Islands, make sure your rental vehicle is allowed on the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries, and book your vehicle on the ferry in advance to guarantee a spot.

When driving in remote areas, there can be long distances between gas stations, so be sure to fill up your tank before leaving any town. Some roads, especially in rural areas, are gravel or dirt, and there are many windy and narrow stretches. One-way bridges are common, particularly on the South Island. Distances in New Zealand can be deceptive, as road travel is often slow due to single-lane roads, roadworks, and "slips" (landslides).

If you are driving over any of the South Island's mountain passes in winter, snow chains are mandatory in some areas, including the road to Milford Sound. Car rental agencies offer chain rentals and can show you how to use them.

Campervan Travel

Travelling by campervan or motorhome allows you to save on accommodation costs, as there are many campsites and holiday parks situated in scenic spots, including inside national parks. Numerous companies offer campervan rentals, and if you plan on "freedom camping" (staying overnight in free designated parking areas), you'll need a certified self-contained vehicle.

Bus Services

Bus services connect New Zealand's cities and towns, with coaches providing good links between most large urban centres. These can be booked in advance and are reasonably affordable. However, to reach many rural locations and national parks, you'll have to rely on less frequent local buses. InterCity is the national bus company, offering onboard WiFi and sometimes toilets. They also offer flexible bus passes, which include ferry passage on the Interislander ferry.

There are also hop-on, hop-off buses that cater to tourists and backpackers, but these tend to be more expensive and may not appeal to everyone due to their party vibe.

Train Travel

Trains in New Zealand are mostly used for moving freight and commuters within cities, but there are a few scenic regional routes worth considering. Great Journeys New Zealand operates three scenic routes: the Northern Explorer (Auckland to Wellington), the Coastal Pacific (Picton to Christchurch), and the TranzAlpine (Christchurch to Greymouth through Arthur's Pass). There are also some tourist trains departing from Dunedin's historic railway station, typically used for day trips.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are available throughout New Zealand, from the Far North down to Stewart Island. Booking these flights is easy, and there are airports in the major cities and throughout the regions. Flying is the quickest way to travel between the North and South Islands, but it has a greater environmental impact than other forms of transport.

Frequently asked questions