
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in New Zealand. Consult its website via 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: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.
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/
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: An extended index and middle finger together expresses disdain and frustration.
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 garnishesPlease 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: Wednesday, July 20, 2022