Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in New Zealand. Consult 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
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
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/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
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
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
You are expected to take your shoes off indoors. Māori people will often say a prayer (karakia) to bless food before eating it, and they may greet you with a kiss on the cheek.
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: Thursday, May 09, 2024
