Do I need to apply for a Visitor Visa before my trip starts?

Most travellers need either a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or a visitor visa to travel to New Zealand and which one depends on the passport you are travelling on.

Citizens of Waiver Countries

Passport holders of certain countries do not need to apply for a visitor visa before leaving for NZ but instead need to obtain a NZeTA online at a cost of NZ$ 17. On arrival you will be given a visitor visa for 3 months (or 6 months if a UK citizen). It can take up to 72 hours to process a NZeTA and can be done online here. You can also download an app to do this which allows you to scan your passport to instantly upload your details and scan your credit or debit card for ease of payment.

The following are visa waiver countries and territories:

Andorra
Argentina
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia (citizens only)
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong (residents with HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only)
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Korea, South
Kuwait
Latvia (citizens only)
Liechtenstein
Lithuania (citizens only)
Luxembourg
Macau (only if you have a Macau Special Administrative Region passport)
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Oman
Poland
Portugal (if you have the right to live permanently in Portugal)
Qatar
Romania
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (if you are a permanent resident)
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom (UK) (if you are travelling on a UK or British passport that shows you have the right to reside permanently in the UK)
United States of America (USA) (including USA nationals)
Uruguay
Vatican City

Other Citizens

Citizens from other countries need to apply for a visitor visa. You can stay for up to either 6 months (multiple entry) or 9 months (single entry). The cost starts at NZD $341 and it can take around four weeks to process. To find out more information visit https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/visitor-visa