Travel to New Zealand

• Visa information
• Arrival in New Zealand
• See more of New Zealand
• General information

Visa information

All visitors to New Zealand must have a valid passport for at least three months beyond the intended stay in New Zealand.

Citizens of some countries must obtain a Visitor’s Visa. Visa information and the visa application form are available from Immigration New Zealand. If you require a Visitor’s Visa, please allow at least five to six weeks for processing.

If you are a citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, you do not need to apply for a visa to visit New Zealand but you must:

• Hold a valid ticket from New Zealand to a country where you have the right of entry
• Have sufficient money to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand
• Hold a passport valid for three months beyond the date you intend leaving New Zealand
• Remain in New Zealand only for the time granted on your arrival

Visa-free countries

Andorra	Hong Kong**	Oman
Australia	Hungary	Poland
Argentina	Iceland	Portugal ***
Austria	Ireland	Qatar
Bahrain	Israel	Romania
Belgium	Italy	San Marino
Brazil	Japan	Saudi Arabia
Brunei	Korea (South)	Singapore
Bulgaria	Kuwait	Slovak Republic
Canada	Latvia*	Slovenia
Chile	Liectenstein	South Africa
Cyprus	Lithuania*	Spain
Czech Republic	Luxembourg	Sweden
Denmark	Malaysia	United Arab Emirates
Estonia*	Malta	United Kingdom
Finland	Mexico	United States of America****
France	Monaco	Uruguay
Germany	Netherlands
Greece*****	Norway

*	Visa waiver does not apply to people travelling on alien's (non-citizen's) passports issued by these countries.
**	Residents of Hong Kong travelling on Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or British National (Overseas) passports.
***	Portuguese passport holders must also have the right to live permanently in Portugal.
****	Including nationals of the USA.
*****	Greek passport holders whose passports were issued on and after 1 January 2006. (Greek passports issued before 1 January 2006 are not acceptable for travel after 1 January 2007).

Please refer to Immigration New Zealand for the most current list.

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Arrival in New Zealand

Many international flights to Wellington transfer through Auckland or Christchurch. 

Auckland Airport

All passengers must claim their baggage and exit the Customs Hall.  The international terminal is separate from the domestic terminal.  You can transfer terminals via a free shuttle bus or follow the blue line which is approximately seven minutes’ walk.  

Christchurch Airport

All passengers must claim their baggage, exit the Customs Hall and then check through their bags at the Connections Desk within the International Arrivals Hall.

Arrival at Wellington

Upon arrival at Wellington Airport, you will be able to travel from the airport to the city (approximately 20 minutes) by shuttle bus service or taxi.  The taxi fare is approximately NZ$36.

See more of New Zealand

If you wish to experience more of New Zealand during your visit, we suggest you check out the following websites:

• New Zealand – plan your visit
• Wellington Tourism
• Wellington Upcoming Events
• Wellington Bar and Restaurant Guide
• Things to do in Wellington

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General information

Climate

December is early summer in Wellington with an average daytime temperature of 18°C. 

Currency/Banking

There are many banks situated close to the meeting venue which offer currency exchange facilities. 

Banking hours are generally 9am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday.  Money-changing facilities are available at international terminals at the airports.  Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are found in most towns and cities throughout New Zealand.  International credit cards are accepted throughout the country and travellers cheques can be changed at banks, hotels, resorts and most city stores.

Electricity

The standard voltage of supply in New Zealand is 230/240 volts, 50 hertz.  Most hotels and motels provide 100 volt a.c. sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.

Goods and Services Tax

Goods and services in New Zealand are subject to a 12.5 percent tax (GST).  This tax is usually included in the price and, if not, it is clearly stated.  This tax cannot be claimed back when leaving the country.

Language

English is the common language of New Zealand. Maori, an official language of growing importance, is spoken mainly in the Maori community.

Laptops

You will need an RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat, angled two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply.

Population

New Zealand’s multicultural population of about four million is predominantly New Zealand-European. Sixteen percent of the people are indigenous Maori, while Pacific Island and Asian ethnic groups make up four percent each.

Special Requirements

Please give details of any special diet, special needs or disability assistance required when you complete your online registration in July.

Time

New Zealand time is 13 hours (daylight saving) ahead of GMT.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected and is only offered for good service.