Travelling to New Zealand is easy.
For practical information and travel advice before you leave, click here.
Before travelling to a country, you need to know the basic facts. New Zealand is a small country, similar in size to Great Britain or Japan. With a population of just over 5 million people it is gloriously uncrowded. Learn more about New Zealand here.
Visas & Immigration
We enjoy welcoming visitors to New Zealand. To ensure you have the experience to remember, make sure you’ve done your homework and have everything sorted before you leave.
Before travelling to New Zealand, you need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months longer than your expected departure date. If you come from a country that needs a New Zealand visa to enter, please be sure to apply in advance.
From 1 October 2019, visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to coming to New Zealand. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). For more information on the ETA and IVL, visit Immigration New Zealand.
Bio Security
In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry, or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment. You may risk a fine if you fail to comply.
Learn more about what you can and cannot bring with you to New Zealand here.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to visit New Zealand.
However, all travellers are strongly encouraged to practice healthy habits like washing hands and are welcome to wear a mask especially in busy places and be up to date with their vaccinations before travelling to New Zealand.
For peace of mind during your trip to New Zealand, you may also want to consider medical and travel insurance.
Time Zone
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
In spring, we change our clocks forward 1 hour to New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT). In autumn, we change our clocks back 1 hour to New Zealand Standard Time (NZST).
The Daylight Saving Time in New Zealand starts on 29 September 2024 at 2 AM.
Learn more about the history of Daylight Savings in NZ.
Currency & costs
The currency used is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Weather in November
In November the weather is warming up and the days are getting longer, so you can start to enjoy beaches and coastal drives in the North Island.
In Auckland, the average high temperature is 20°C and the average low is 12°C. There are only seven days of rain on average.
Electricity
New Zealand’s electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts and uses angled two or three pin plugs (the same as Australia and parts of Asia).
Internet & phone coverage
-Staying connected in New Zealand is easy with a little forward planning.
You can use your telco’s roaming service while in New Zealand or avail of one of the local SIM cards from One NZ, Spark, 2degrees or Skinny. Also, check your smartphone to see if it enables an eSIM.
The University of Auckland will provide complimentary access to its guest Wi-Fi network exclusive to the delegates’ use.
You can also check if your institution has Eduroam access when you are in the University premises.