New Zealand

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in New Zealand. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in New Zealand.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.

US Embassy/Consulate

[64] (4) 462-6000; United States Embassy Wellington, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand; AucklandACS@state.gov; https://nz.usembassy.gov/

Telephone Code

64

Local Emergency Phone

111

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Currency (Code)

New Zealand dollars (NZD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I

Plug Type I

Major Languages

English, Maori, Samoan, Northern Chinese, Hindi, French, Yue

Major Religions

Christian 37.3%, Hindu 2.7%, Maori 1.3%, Muslim, 1.3%, Buddhist 1.1%, other religion 1.6%, no religion 48.6%

Time Difference

UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April; note: New Zealand has two time zones: New Zealand standard time (UTC+12) and Chatham Islands time (45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time; UTC+12:45)

Potable Water

Yes

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Left

Tourist Destinations

Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound; Bay of Islands; Queenstown; Lake Taupo & Tongariro National Park; Lake Matheson; Lake Pukaki; Mount Cook National Park; Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers

Major Sports

Rugby, cricket, netball, basketball, soccer, sailing

Cultural Practices

An extended index and middle finger together expresses disdain and frustration.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is uncommon in restaurants unless the service was excellent. Some restaurants provide a tip jar on the counter. Tipping is uncommon in taxis, but you may round up the fare. It is not customary to tip at hotels.

Souvenirs

Abalone, paua shell, and greenstone jewelry; stone and wood Maori tribal masks, statues, baskets, and weapons; sheepskin rugs, merino wool blankets, chamois cloths, other wool/lanolin items; Rimu timber clocks, Kiwi art, wine, honey

Traditional Cuisine

Pavlova — a meringue-like dessert with a crisp Cornstarch-based outer crust and a soft and moist core; whipped cream and fruits, such as kiwi or passion fruit, are used as garnishes


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022