Travel to New Zealand

Entry into New Zealand

The New Zealand Government has announced borders are open for international travel. 

• From 11:59pm 1 May 2022, vaccinated visitors from visa waiver countries, and visitors from other countries who already hold a valid visitor visa can enter New Zealand and self-test on arrival.

• All visa categories will reopen from October 2022 onwards, including visitor and student visas.

• For further information please visit the New Zealand government website here.

Due to Covid19 – travel restrictions apply to entry into New Zealand. Please check here for the latest information from the NZ government.

Vaccinations

Most non-New Zealand citizens must meet COVID-19 vaccine requirements before travelling to New Zealand by air.

Any vaccine that has been approved by at least 1 government health authority or approval authority is approved for entry into New Zealand. 

There are 35 vaccines that are approved. 

For the most recent information please visit the COVID-19 New Zealand website

Visas

As of August 2019, it is mandatory for all visitors to New Zealand to obtain an electronic  Travel Authority (eTA). Visit https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/ for more information and to complete the online application form.  

All visitors to New Zealand must have a valid passport for at least three months beyond the intended stay in New Zealand.

Citizens of some countries must obtain a Visitor’s Visa. Visa information and the visa application form are available on: www.immigration.govt.nz.

If you require a Visitor’s Visa, please allow at least 5-6 weeks for processing. Please attach a copy of your registration confirmation letter to your application.

If you are a citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, you do still need to apply for an eTA and you must:

• Hold a valid ticket from New Zealand to a country where you have the right of entry
• Have sufficient money to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand
• Hold a passport valid for 3 months beyond the date you intend leaving New Zealand
• Remain in New Zealand only for the time granted on your arrival

If your travel itinerary includes a transit stop in Australia you may need an Australian Transit Visa. Details about this and how to apply can be found at the Australia Immigration website. 

Failure to obtain this visa in advance of your travel may result in you being unable to board your aircraft.

Booking your travel to Auckland

Auckland Airport is serviced by several international airlines. Click here to find out more. 

Domestic and regional airlines including Air New Zealand and Qantas also provide frequent services to Auckland from other New Zealand destinations. For airline contact details please click here.

For domestic travellers, there are also intercity coaches which will arrive in the centre. Click here to read more.

You can also travel by train from Wellington. The Northern Explorer train operates -

• Auckland to Wellington - Monday, Thursday and Saturday
• Wellington to Auckland – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

On your arrival at Auckland airport

Click here to read about New Zealand arrival procedures. 

New Zealand has a national biosecurity system that is considered one of the most robust in the world. Please note that all food and plant and animal material (such as feathers, skins, bone or biological samples) must be declared on arrival and will be checked by officials. This is to ensure that New Zealand is kept free of dangerous pests and diseases that could jeopardise our important horticultural and agricultural industries, which play a significant part in our national economy.

Please ensure shoes which have been worn on farms in your home country are thoroughly cleaned. All dirt, grass and other matter must be removed from the bottom (especially the grooves in the soles of the shoes) and sides of the shoes. To avoid delays upon arrival in New Zealand, please place your shoes in a plastic bag in an easily accessible place in your luggage in case Customs do wish to inspect them.

If you will be visiting any New Zealand farms while you are here, please ensure your footwear is clean before arrival.

When returning to your own country you may be required to declare any visits to farms whilst you have been in New Zealand. Please ensure your shoes have once again been thoroughly cleaned and placed in a plastic bag in an easily accessible place in your luggage.

For more information, please click here.

Transport from the Auckland airport

The airport is only 40 minutes from the CBD. A number of bus, shuttle, taxi and rideshare services can pick up from the terminal forecourts.

Buses

SkyDrive

SkyDrive (operated by Ritchies Transport) offers an express shuttle service between Auckland Airport and SkyCity in Central Auckland.

The first bus leaves the SkyCity bus terminal at 5.00am, direct to the airport. Buses run every 30 minutes with the last bus from the domestic terminal at 22.30pm. Buses leave from bus stop A at the domestic terminal. Tickets may be purchased directly from the bus driver (card payment only), or via the SkyDrive website at skydrive.co.nz.

Taxis and Shuttles

Auckland Airport licenses specific taxi and shuttle companies to ensure airport visitors and travellers receive a high standard of service.

Taxi and shuttle ranks are located outside the arrivals area (door 8) at the international terminal and outside door 4 at the domestic terminal. You can pre-book with one of the companies listed below or just turn up at the terminal ranks – taxis and shuttles are always available.

Indicative fares from the airport into the city is between NZ$38 – NZ$75 one-way for a taxi and shuttles ($35 for one person plus $8 for each extra person together in the same group). For specific fare pricing, contact the taxi and shuttle companies directly.

Auckland Airport charges $5 per pick up and $3 per drop off, inclusive in the fixed fare rate.

Find further details here.