Travelling from anywhere
Not on our list yet? You're still very welcome.
We plan for travellers from every country. Here's how entry, flights and trip length work wherever you're starting — and we'll cover your specifics on the first call.
Before you fly
Entry works one of three ways
Australian citizens
Passport only — nothing to apply for.
Visa-waiver passports
About sixty countries including Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, most of Europe and the Gulf states. Apply for an NZeTA online before flying and pay the visitor levy with it.
Everyone else
A visitor visa applied for online in advance — China, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, South Africa and many others. Allow several weeks in busy periods.
Your passport should be valid for three months beyond the day you leave. We tell you which group you're in at the first call; the current rule is always at immigration.govt.nz.
Full guide to NZeTA, visas and the levyGetting here
How flights usually route
East and Southeast Asia
Non-stop from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Bali; 9–12 hours.
Canada
Non-stop from Vancouver (about 14 hours), or via Los Angeles and San Francisco.
South America
Non-stop from Santiago and Buenos Aires to Auckland; 11–13 hours.
Africa
Via Johannesburg to Sydney or Perth, then across the Tasman; or via the Gulf.
South Asia beyond India
Via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or the Gulf — one stop, 16–22 hours.
Pacific Islands
Frequent non-stop services to Auckland from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands and New Caledonia.
Auckland is the main gateway; Christchurch and Queenstown have direct flights from Australia and some Asian cities.
How long to come for
A simple rule: the longer the flight, the longer the stay.
Under 5 hours away
4–9 nights
One region or one island, and a long weekend is realistic.
5–14 hours away
8–14 nights
One island done properly; both from about twelve nights.
A day or more of travel
14–21 nights
Both islands, slowly, often with a stopover on the way.
Starting points
Three ideas that work from anywhere.
South Island · 8–12 nights
The Southern Road
Christchurch → Tekapo → Mount Cook → Wānaka → Queenstown → Milford Sound
North Island · 5–8 nights
North Island Discovery
Auckland → Hobbiton → Rotorua → Waitomo
Both Islands · 12–18 nights
Best of Both Islands
Auckland → Rotorua → Wellington → Kaikōura → Queenstown → Christchurch
Tell us where you are.
Pick your country below and a planner replies within one business day with the entry steps for your passport, sensible flight routings, and a first shape for the trip. No obligation.