Oceania
New Zealand
Compact, outdoorsy and very safe: great hiking, road trips, adventure sports and a big backpacker and working-holiday scene. Expensive, with fast-changing weather, slow winding roads and few big-city thrills.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa1 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyNZDUS$1 ≈ NZ$1.78Details
- Price level86%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType I230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency111Police 111 · Ambulance 111 · Fire 111 · All emergencies 111
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe in towns and cities; follow any local boil-water notices.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityOne of the world's most accepting countries, with Auckland's Karangahape Road the main scene.Details
- Internet215 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 145 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the leftDrive up to 12 months on a valid foreign licence, with an IDP or approved translation if it isn't English.
Where to go in New Zealand
17 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AucklandCity | 5/5 | $2,530–3,370 | Dec–Mar | 38/100 |
| QueenstownMountain town | 5/5 | $2,690–3,650 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar | 30/100 |
| WellingtonCapital city | 5/5 | $2,360–3,090 | Jan–Apr | 42/100 |
| ChristchurchCity | 5/5 | $2,130–2,810 | Dec–Mar | 51/100 |
| RotoruaCity | 5/5 | $1,960–2,690 | Nov–Apr | 56/100 |
| WanakaMountain town | 5/5 | $2,530–3,370 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar | 36/100 |
| TaupoTown | 5/5 | $1,960–2,690 | Nov–Apr | 56/100 |
| Bay of IslandsRegion | 5/5 | $2,020–2,810 | Dec–Apr | 55/100 |
| Milford SoundRegion | 5/5 | $2,530–3,370 | Nov–Apr | 34/100 |
| Lake TekapoTown | 5/5 | $2,360–3,140 | Nov–Apr | 41/100 |
| CoromandelRegion | 5/5 | $2,530–3,370 | Dec–Apr | 38/100 |
| TaurangaCity | 5/5 | $2,130–2,920 | Dec–Apr | 51/100 |
| DunedinCity | 5/5 | $1,960–2,690 | Dec–Mar | 53/100 |
| NelsonCity | 5/5 | $1,960–2,690 | Dec–Apr | 57/100 |
| Waiheke IslandIsland | 5/5 | $2,920–3,930 | Dec–Mar | 26/100 |
| KaikouraTown | 5/5 | $2,640–3,480 | Dec–Mar | 34/100 |
| Franz JosefTown | 5/5 | $2,810–3,650 | Dec–Apr | 28/100 |
When to visit New Zealand
December–March is summer, best for hiking and beaches (book early). March–April and October–November are quieter. June–September is ski season around Queenstown and Wanaka.
Good to know
Entry
- Visa-waiver visitors need an NZeTA: NZ$17 in the app or NZ$23 online, plus the NZ$100 International Visitor Levy, paid together.
- Everyone completes the free New Zealand Traveller Declaration online or in the NZTD app before arrival; a paper form remains for those who can't.
- Visitors may work remotely for overseas employers or clients, but not for New Zealand businesses.
- Biosecurity is strict: declare food, hiking boots and outdoor gear; undeclared items bring instant fines.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Freedom camping only where allowed; vehicles need self-containment certification for many sites
- Drink-drive limit is 0.05% blood alcohol, zero for drivers under 20
- Holding a phone while driving brings fines and demerit points
Etiquette
- Follow your host's lead at marae; remove shoes before entering the meeting house
- Carry all rubbish out of parks and tracks
- Pull over to let traffic pass on rural roads
- Check, clean and dry gear between rivers and lakes
Tipping
Not expected; rounding up or 10% for great restaurant service is appreciated. Many cafés add about 15% on public holidays.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- NZeTA, Immigration New Zealand
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration
- Department of Conservation
- ACC
- Speedtest Global Index: New Zealand
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.