New Zealand travel advice

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Risk level

NEW ZEALAND - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in New Zealand.

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Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in major cities. Theft generally occurs in the following places:

  • hotel rooms
  • tourist sites
  • recreational areas
  • unattended vehicles

Make sure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Far-right domestic terrorists have carried out attacks in New Zealand, the most recent being the 2019 shootings in Christchurch at two mosques.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:

  • government buildings, including schools
  • places of worship
  • airports and other transportation hubs and networks
  • public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

The Government of New Zealand maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through social media.

Local terrorism threat - New Zealand Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Fraud

There is credit card and ATM fraud.

When using debit or credit cards:

  • pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards
  • use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
  • avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
  • cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
  • check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure tourism

Adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

Serious accidents have occurred in New Zealand and some activity operators have been accused of negligence.

Tour operators may not meet international standards.

If you are participating in adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing, trekking, hiking, parasailing:

  • obtain detailed information on the activity before setting out
  • never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
  • make sure your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose
  • make sure your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
  • make sure you’re well-equipped and informed about weather and other hazardous conditions
  • consider purchasing or renting a distress or personal locator beacon (PLB)
  • tell a family member or friend about your itinerary, including when you expect to be back
  • know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
  • don’t venture off marked trails
  • don’t use the facilities or equipment if you have doubts about their safety

Remote areas

Some regions in New Zealand are very isolated and have small populations. Services may be scarce.

You may have difficulty getting adequate mobile phone coverage if you travel in a remote area by car.

  • Avoid travelling alone
  • Inform relatives of your itinerary
  • Check with local authorities before travelling if alerts have been issued for your destination

Useful links

Water activities

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common and can be dangerous. Several drownings occur each year.

In certain areas, sharks, seals and other wildlife pose a risk to swimmers.

  • Avoid unsupervised beaches
  • Follow the instructions and warnings of lifeguards
  • Respect the flag warning system, which provides notice of water conditions and safety risks on beaches

Diving and snorkelling

Ensure that your aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition.

Never dive alone. Choose excursions with experienced tour operators.

Useful links

Road travel

Road conditions and road safety are very good throughout the country.

Road conditions

Roads can be narrow, curvy and cover hilly terrain. Mountain roads, including those leading to ski hills, may be unpaved and without safety barriers.

Weather conditions can change quickly, particularly during winter. Snow, ice, fog, rain and strong winds can lead to dangerous driving conditions.

Landslides caused by heavy rain can block or wash away roads.

Road safety

Railway crossings may not have barriers, and bells may ring only during daylight hours, especially in rural areas.  Drinking and driving is common. Many road fatalities involve alcohol or drug use. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds.

Roaming animals in rural areas may pose further hazard. Dairy herds often cross main roads at milking time.

Pedestrians should use caution when crossing streets and be mindful that traffic is coming from the opposite direction than what they may be used to.

Useful links

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of New Zealand. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave from New Zealand.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Electronic travel authority

Canadian tourists entering New Zealand without a visa need to get an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) online before their arrival, even if transiting to another country.

The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years and allows multiple entries.

Other requirements

You must pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy when you request an NZeTA or apply for a visa.

Travellers to New Zealand must also complete a digital declaration form before they arrive. The New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) can be completed via their website or the NZTD mobile application.

Useful links

The following documents are required to visit New Zealand:

  • an onward or return ticket
  • a visa for the next destination if required
  • proof of sufficient funds

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

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Health

Relevant Travel Health Notices

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Hepatitis B

 Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Influenza

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Rabies

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •  washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is good and available throughout the country.

If you are injured in a work or a car accident, you may receive treatment at a public hospital.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Some prescription medication may be illegal in New Zealand. 

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

  • Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
  • Always keep your medication in the original container
  • Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
  • Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

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Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Imports

There are very strict rules and quarantine measures regarding the importation of food, animal products and medications.

Information about items which you can and cannot bring to New Zealand is available from New Zealand Customs Service.

List of prohibitions and restrictions - New Zealand Customs Service

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in New Zealand.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of New Zealand, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and New Zealand.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in New Zealand, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the New Zealand court.

If you are in this situation:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in New Zealand to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

Driving

Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.

You can drive in New Zealand with your Canadian driver license for up to 12 months. If you plan to stay for more than 12 months, you’ll need to get a New Zealand driver licence.

You should carry an international driving permit.

New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Act covers you for personal injuries if involved in an accident. However, the Act bars you from suing for losses stemming from personal injury resulting from the accident.

Useful links

Money

The currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

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Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting New Zealand. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

New Zealand is prone to floods, landslides and avalanches.

Cyclones

Cyclones usually occur from November to April. During this period, even small storms can quickly develop into major cyclones. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to New Zealand during the cyclone season:

  • know that you may expose yourself to serious safety risks
  • be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
  • stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
  • carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
  • follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Landslides

Severe rainstorms can lead to flooding and landslides. Flooding and landslides have resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. These events hamper the provision of essential services. Disruptions to air services and to water and power supplies may also occur.

  • Keep informed of regional weather forecasts
  • Avoid disaster areas
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities

Useful links

Wildfires

Bush and forest fires are common between October and April across the country. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

  • stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
  • follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
  • monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Fire weather information – Fire Emergency New Zealand

Avalanches

There are 12 alpine regions in New Zealand and avalanches can occur during any season. Learn about the risks of the terrain at your destination and carry the recommended equipment.

Seismic activity

Earthquakes and tsunamis

New Zealand is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis occur. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. It can travel long distances across the Pacific.

If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

Useful links

Volcanoes

New Zealand has six Volcanic Alert Levels, ranging from no volcanic unrest, through two levels of volcanic unrest, to three levels of volcanic eruption. Currently Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park is at alert level 2 due to high levels of volcanic gas emissions and steam plumes. There are a number of volcanoes and active thermal areas in the country, consider the risk before you go.

In the event of a volcanic eruption:

  • stay indoors to reduce your exposure to ash
  • keep windows and doors closed to prevent ash from entering
  • use a face mask when outdoors for respiratory protection
  • wear protective clothing if you need to be outdoors for extended periods
  • monitor local media
  • follow the instructions of local authorities

Useful links

  • Get Ready – New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency
  • GeoNet –  Geological hazard information for New Zealand

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Need help?

Local services

Emergency services

Dial 111 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Wellington - High Commission of Canada
Street AddressLevel 11, 125 The Terrace, Wellington 6011, New ZealandPostal AddressP.O. Box 8047, Wellington 6140, New ZealandTelephone+64 4 473-9577Fax+64 4 471-2082Emailwlgtn.consular@international.gc.caInternethttps://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/new_zealand-nouvelle_zelande/wellington.aspx?lang=engFacebookHigh Commission of Canada in New ZealandTwitterCanada in New ZealandConsular district

American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in New Zealand and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

 

Disclaimer

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services.

Risk Levels

  Take normal security precautions

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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