New Zealand Travelling Infomation

Travel Insurance

With the exclusion of accidental injury, hospital and medical services in New Zealand are not free for international visitors. In the case of an accident New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme will cover medical and hospital bills - but not loss of income during treatment. Before travelling to New Zealand it is advisable to organise travel insurance with a provider in your home country.

New Zealand Customs

New Zealand is an isolated country free from many pests and diseases. To protect our unique environment and agriculture, border controls are strictly enforced and New Zealand Customs impose heavy penalties on individuals who break these rules. Even inadvertently carrying an apple into the country in your carry-on luggage could result in a hefty fine - so take care!

On Arrival you must declare the following goods:

  • Food of any kind
  • Plants or parts of plants (alive or dead)
  • Animals (alive or dead) or their products
  • Equipment used with animals
  • Straw items
  • Wooden items and curios
  • Sea shells
  • Equipment such as camping gear, golf clubs, and used bicycles
  • Biological specimens.

New Zealand adheres to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The importation of weapons and firearms is strictly controlled. Visitors entering New Zealand with personal medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid potential problems with Customs. Drug trafficking is a serious offence. Never agree to carry packages or bags for others, unless you are entirely sure of their contents.

New Zealand Driving Rules

Drivers Licenses

If you have a current overseas driving license or an international driving permit you can drive for one year after you first arrive in New Zealand. After a period of one year you must apply for a New Zealand driver's license - you will have to pass a theory test, and depending on your country of origin, a practical test. In New Zealand always drive on the left side of the road.

Give Way Rules

If you are going straight ahead, give way to all vehicles coming straight through from your right. If you are turning, give way to all vehicles not turning. If you are turning left, give way to vehicles coming towards you that are turning right. If you are turning right, give way to vehicles on your right that are turning right. If you are leaving the path of the centre line, you are turning. You must give way to vehicles that are following the centre line.

Roundabouts

Single lane roundabout: Give way to your right
Multi lane roundabout: Give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from the right as you enter the roundabout

Seat Belts

All passengers in vehicles must wear seatbelts, and fines are regularly imposed on vehicle occupants caught without a seatbelt. So remember to buckle up!