How to enter New Zealand as a traveler
Travel Info > Traveling Basics > “How to enter New Zealand as a traveler.”
All going to plan, you’ll be taxiing in New Zealand before you know it.
Please note, that while we do our best to ensure this information is accurate, travelers should conduct their own research, beyond the scope of this article before visiting. This article was last updated on 16th February 2024 and may no longer be relevant. New Zealand is a notoriously difficult country to enter and we would hate for you to be turned away at the border.
Getting your visa
If you’re planning to visit New Zealand, there are a few options depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, either way, you should research this early in your trip planning as these can take weeks to process:
Visitor Visa:
People traveling on a passport from certain countries must apply for a Visitor Visa to visit New Zealand.
With this visa, you can:
Holiday in New Zealand.
Visit family and friends in New Zealand.
Study for up to 3 months.
Include your partner and dependent children in your visa application.
The length of stay can be either 6 months (multiple entry) or 9 months (single entry).
The cost starts from NZD $211.
Processing time is typically 80% within 4 weeks.
NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority):
Some people, including citizens of visa waiver countries, can travel to New Zealand with an NZeTA instead of a visa.
The NZeTA allows you to visit New Zealand for short stays (up to 3 months) for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
Check if you need an NZeTA or a visa based on your specific situation.
Exemptions:
You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you fall into one of the following categories:
A New Zealand citizen traveling on a New Zealand passport or a foreign passport with a New Zealand citizen endorsement.
An Australian citizen traveling on an Australian passport.
A foreign passport holder with a valid visa for New Zealand, including a Permanent Resident visa.
Application Process:
Determine if you need to apply for a visitor visa or an NZeTA.
Check your eligibility and gather the necessary supporting documents.
Apply for your visa online through the official New Zealand immigration website.
Remember to check the specific requirements based on your nationality and travel plans.
Book your rental motorcycle
Reservations fill quickly, especially during the New Zealand summer months (December to February). Make sure that we have the motorcycle you are after and that you have it reserved.
Customs
If you thought the visa process was difficult, once arriving in New Zealand you’ll be subjected to customs and border security. This process is so stringent that it makes for entertaining reality TV here in New Zealand at the expense of locals and tourists alike.
New Zealand is an isolated country, therefore it has a reasonably fragile ecosystem. Upon arrival, you’ll be asked to declare any items that you are bringing into New Zealand, especially food, plants, and animal products.
Be aware of what you can and cannot bring.
If you’re bringing over any adventure motorcycling gear, (jackets, boots, tents, anything) make sure it is thoroughly cleaned otherwise you can expect it to be confiscated for further cleaning and/or fumigation of some sort, which can take days.
On holiday
Once through customs, send us a message and we’ll come collect you from the airport (assuming you’ve made the wise choice of booking a rental motorcycle from us).
Other resources
Other resources to include:
Your local government advice
