All travellers require a valid passport for entry into New Zealand. This must be valid for 3 months beyond the intended date of return from New Zealand.
UK visitors can travel to New Zealand for up to 6 months - either as a tourist or for business reasons, without requiring a visa. For visitors from other European Economic Area (EEA) countries, the USA or Canada this visa-free travel is granted for up to 3 months. Travellers are required to be able to show a return air ticket and to prove - if asked, that they possess enough financial resources to pay for their stay in New Zealand. Alternatively, a certified letter from a New Zealand resident confirming their sponsorship of the traveller can be provided. We recommend that all children travelling to New Zealand have a standard passport for two reasons:
A standard passport, that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of return is the safest option for both adults and children.
On 25 February 2019, the New Zealand Government confirmed details of the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is a new security and facilitation measure that will help to speed things up at the border.
From July 2019 travellers will be able to request an ETA, and it will become mandatory for travel from 1 October 2019 onwards.
Who needs an ETA:
From 1 October 2019, all air travellers from 60 visa waiver countries, and all cruise travellers, will need to hold an ETA before travelling to New Zealand. An ETA will last up to 2 years and cost NZD $9.00 for mobile application requests and NZD $12.00 for web browser requests.
Exemptions:
Australian citizens will be exempt, however Australian permanent residents will need to hold an ETA but will not be required to pay for an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
For more detailed information please visit New Zealand Immigration
Before you arrive in New Zealand, you will receive a New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card. You must tick "Yes" in the Customs section of your arrival card if you are bringing any of the following into New Zealand:
You need to have purchase receipts available for any goods that may be called into question.
You do not have to declare your clothing, footwear, jewellery, or toiletries. These are regarded as personal effects as long as they are intended solely for your own use.
The following categories outline what you are permitted to bring into New Zealand. Anything above the limits stated will be liable for customs charges.
Goods under NZ$ 700, max. 50 cigarettes or 50g of tobacco or cigars can be brought into New Zealand duty free.
Regarding alcoholic beverages you are allowed to bring up to 4.5 litres of wine or beer and one bottle of spirits (max. 1,125ml) into the country. The minimum age limit for bringing alcohol or cigarettes into New Zealand is 17 years.
It is not permitted to bring animals with you to New Zealand unless these have passed through very strict quarantine screening procedures prior to travel. For detailed information relating to quarantine regulations please refer to the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website: www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation.
In order to protect New Zealand's unique flora and fauna there are also very strict guidelines concerning what kinds of grocery items, plants and other organic products can be imported. The following items are either not permitted for import or should be declared upon arrival: items containing straw, wood products or carvings, animal skins, certain kinds of shells, oriental medicines, fresh or dried plants, and seeds.
It is not permitted to bring most food products with you, especially fruit and honey. One exception is baby food (sealed in tins or glas jars). Any kinds of food items, outdoor equipment used for camping, hunting or other outdoor activities need to be declared on the arrival card which all passengers are required to complete prior to landing in New Zealand.
Another point to note is that you should not have any mud sticking to your shoes (including sport shoes) on arrival. You must declare any shoes you have that have mud on them or one-off fines can be handed out. This rule applies because of the danger of certain overseas fungae to various New Zealand native flora. There are import restrictions or bans that apply to weapons and trade items. All luggage is checked via x-ray monitors and often by hand on arrival. Sniffer dogs are also used to find various banned products or vegetation. If needed, chemicals are used in extreme circumstances if any goods appear of concern. If you are not sure about whether to declare anything to the authorities we recommend you declare it. They are very fair in their treatment of travellers and this way you can pass through customs very quickly. Any banned items that are not declared are liable for stiff fines or - in very extreme cases (drugs, etc), jail.
Motorhome Bookers has done its best to compile the above information as accurately as possible. However, we cannot accept any responsibility for any inaccuracies that may come to light. Legally binding statements with regards to any customs and immigration regulations can only be provided by that country's embassy and consulate situated in your country of residence. For further information regarding entry into New Zealand please refer to the following websites:
Visas, entry requirements: www.immigration.govt.nz
Customs regulations: www.mpi.govt.nz/