Practical Info A–Z
Visa — NZeTA
Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a traditional visa for New Zealand, but since 2019 they require a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy).
NZeTA + IVL
- NZeTA: Apply online via the official NZeTA app or the Immigration New Zealand website. Cost: 17 NZD (app) or 23 NZD (website). Approval usually within 72 hours, often faster. Valid for 2 years, multiple entries, maximum 90 days per stay.
- IVL: Additional levy of 35 NZD for conservation and tourism infrastructure. Paid together with the NZeTA.
- Total: 52 NZD (app) or 58 NZD (website) — one-time for 2 years.
Working Holiday Visa
For 18–30-year-olds (Germans up to 30, some nationalities up to 35): 12 months stay and work permit. Cost: 455 NZD. New Zealand is, alongside Australia, the most popular work & travel destination — farm work (shearing sheep, picking fruit, especially kiwifruit in the Bay of Plenty), hostel jobs, and tourism work are easy to find. Quota: unlimited for Germans, but apply online (Processing: 2–4 weeks).
Important
- Apply for NZeTA at least 72 hours before departure — the app is the fastest way.
- Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned stay.
- Return or onward flight ticket may be required upon entry.
- Since 2025, biometric data (fingerprints, photo) are collected upon entry.
Achtung
New Zealand has the STRICTEST biosecurity controls in the world. NO fresh food, fruit, honey, meat products, plants, soil, wood, or dirty outdoor equipment (hiking boots!) allowed. DECLARE EVERYTHING — really EVERYTHING. The penalties are draconian (up to 100,000 NZD) and the sniffer dogs at the airport find every forgotten banana. Your hiking boots must be CLEAN — dirt from other countries is an import violation. The TV series "Border Security" shows how seriously New Zealand takes this — customs officers are friendly but relentless.
Money & Payment
The currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), colloquially known as the "Kiwi Dollar." As of 2026: 1 € ≈ 1.78 NZD. New Zealand is an almost cashless country — contactless payment (Paywave/Paypass) is standard everywhere, even at campsites, farmers' markets, and the most remote cafés.
Tips
- Credit Card: Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. A travel credit card without foreign transaction fees (DKB, Vivid, Revolut, Wise) saves 1.5–2% fees. American Express is less commonly accepted.
- EFTPOS: New Zealand's ubiquitous payment system. Works with most European debit cards (Maestro has been discontinued, V-Pay does NOT work). When in doubt: credit card.
- Cash: For DOC campsites (some have an envelope system: money in the envelope, envelope in the box), small farm stands (honey, avocados, eggs — trust-based with a cash box), and some markets. ATMs in all cities, but RARE in remote areas (no ATMs between Te Anau and Milford Sound, between Fox Glacier and Haast, etc.).
- Tipping: Not customary and not expected — this is surprising for many Europeans. In upscale restaurants, you can tip 5–10% if the service was outstanding — but no one expects it, and waitstaff will not be offended if you don't. No tips for taxi drivers, bartenders, or hotel staff.
What costs what? (Estimates 2025/26)
| Item | NZD | Approx. EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Flat White | 5.50–7 | 3–4 |
| Meat Pie (Bakery) | 5–8 | 3–4.50 |
| Fish & Chips | 12–22 | 7–12 |
| Main Course in Restaurant | 25–45 | 14–25 |
| Craft Beer (Pint) | 10–14 | 5.50–8 |
| Supermarket Shopping (1 person, 1 week) | 80–130 | 45–73 |
| Petrol (per liter) | 2.80–3.20 | 1.57–1.80 |
| Hostel (Dorm) | 30–50/night | 17–28 |
| DOC Campsite | 8–15/night | 4.50–8.50 |
| Campervan Rental | 50–180/day | 28–101 |
| Bungy Jump Queenstown | 205–275 | 115–155 |
| Whale Watch Kaikōura | 150 | 84 |
DOC Huts & Great Walks
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages over a third of New Zealand's land area and operates a fantastic network of hiking huts, campsites, and tracks — one of the best public outdoor systems in the world.
DOC Huts
Over 950 backcountry huts across the country — from simple bivouacs (free) to comfortable huts with beds, mattresses, cooking facilities, and water supply. The huts are categorized:
| Category | Price/Night | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Huts | Free or 5 NZD | Four walls, roof, pit toilet |
| Standard Huts | 15 NZD | Mattresses, water supply, toilet |
| Serviced Huts | 25 NZD | Heating, gas stove, washroom |
| Great Walk Huts | 35–75 NZD | Fully equipped, gas cooker, flush toilets, ranger |
The 10 Great Walks
New Zealand's Great Walks are the crème de la crème of hiking — nine multi-day tracks (plus the Whanganui River Journey by canoe) through the country's most spectacular landscapes:
| Great Walk | Duration | Region | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milford Track | 4 days | Fiordland | "Finest Walk in the World," Mackinnon Pass |
| Routeburn Track | 2–4 days | Fiordland/Mt Aspiring | Alpine panorama, Key Summit |
| Abel Tasman Coast Track | 3–5 days | Nelson/Tasman | Golden beaches, turquoise water |
| Tongariro Northern Circuit | 3–4 days | Tongariro NP | Volcanoes, incl. Alpine Crossing |
| Kepler Track | 3–4 days | Fiordland | Alpine ridges, beech forests |
| Heaphy Track | 4–6 days | Kahurangi NP | Mountains to beach, nikau palms |
| Whanganui Journey | 3–5 days | Whanganui NP | Canoe trip down the river |
| Rakiura Track | 3 days | Stewart Island | Kiwis in the wild |
| Paparoa Track | 2–3 days | West Coast | Newest GW (2019), limestone cliffs |
| Lake Waikaremoana | 3–4 days | Te Urewera | Remote lake, dense bush |
Tipp
Great Walk huts in season (Oct–Apr) must be booked MONTHS in advance online with DOC — especially Milford Track and Routeburn are often booked out from May for the next season. Booking usually starts in June for the upcoming season. Outside the season (May–Sep), most huts are cheaper and can be used without reservation, but the weather is harsher and some huts are less equipped.
Achtung
DOC huts provide NO sleeping bags and no food — bring your own sleeping bag and provisions. The huts have gas stoves, but you need your own pots and cutlery. Drinking water is available, but sometimes only from the stream — a water filter or purifying tablets are recommended. On the Great Walks, the facilities are better than in standard DOC huts.
Driving & Left-Hand Traffic
In New Zealand, there is left-hand traffic — the steering wheel is on the right, and you drive on the left side. For German drivers, this is the biggest adjustment, especially when turning at intersections (the windshield wiper goes on instead of the indicator!).
Important Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Speed | 100 km/h on open roads, 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on winding roads. No highways in the German sense. |
| Driver's License | German driver's license valid for 12 months, BUT: international driver's license or certified English translation REQUIRED. Without: insurance does not cover in case of an accident! |
| One-Lane Bridges | Many bridges are one-lane — only one direction! Black arrow = right of way, red arrow = wait. |
| Gravel Roads | Gravel roads are common (especially on the South Island). Max. 60 km/h. Beware of stone chips. Some insurances exclude gravel roads! |
| Alcohol | 0.5 ‰ (zero tolerance for under 20-year-olds). Strictly controlled. |
| Animals | Sheep, cows, weka, and occasionally penguins cross the road. Always be ready to brake. |
Driving Time Calculator
Google Maps regularly underestimates driving time in New Zealand by 20–30%. Real driving times:
| Route | Distance | Real Driving Time | Google Says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland → Rotorua | 230 km | 3–3.5 h | 2.5 h |
| Auckland → Coromandel | 175 km | 2.5–3 h | 2 h |
| Wellington → Taupo | 370 km | 4.5–5 h | 4 h |
| Christchurch → Queenstown | 480 km | 6–7 h | 4.5 h |
| Queenstown → Milford Sound | 290 km | 4–4.5 h | 3.5 h |
| Christchurch → Kaikōura | 180 km | 2.5 h | 2 h |
Tipp
The first kilometers driving on the left are the most dangerous. Stick a note on the dashboard: "DRIVE LEFT!" Roundabouts are particularly tricky — drive clockwise! Stop immediately if tired — New Zealand's winding roads do not forgive inattention. Plan a maximum of 300 km as a daily maximum (not 500 like in Europe).
Achtung
New Zealand's roads are significantly narrower and more winding than European ones. Many fatal accidents in New Zealand involve foreign drivers who underestimate the roads. The most common mistakes: drifting to the right side (especially when turning and after breaks), underestimating driving time, continuing to drive when tired, not adjusting speed on gravel roads.
Freedom Camping
Freedom Camping — free overnight stays in nature — is a hot topic in New Zealand. Years of abuse by tourists (wild camping, litter, human waste at lakes and rivers) have led to strict rules.
The Rules (tightened since 2024)
- Self-Contained Requirement: Freedom camping is almost everywhere only allowed with a self-contained vehicle — meaning: own toilet, wastewater tank (at least 3 days capacity), and freshwater tank. The vehicle must have a blue self-contained certificate (NZS 5465:2001) — visibly attached to the vehicle.
- Without Self-Contained: Only allowed at designated spots with public toilets. Most municipalities have their own bylaws — check locally.
- Fines: 200 NZD instant fine for illegal freedom camping. In some areas (Queenstown, Wanaka) up to 1,000 NZD. Rangers actively patrol, especially in high season.
- Apps: CamperMate (free, NZ market leader) and Rankers Camping NZ show all legal freedom camping spots, DOC campsites, and holiday parks with reviews and photos — indispensable for any campervan trip.
Alternatives to Freedom Camping
| Option | Price/Night | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| DOC Campsites | 8–15 NZD/person | Basic (pit toilet, cold water), beautifully located |
| Holiday Parks | 40–60 NZD/vehicle | Power, hot shower, kitchen, washing machine, often pool/spa |
| NZMCA Sites | Member: 60 NZD/year | Over 1,000 exclusive sites for members |
| Farmstays | 20–50 NZD | Camping on private farms — often the most beautiful spots |
Tipp
Even with a self-contained vehicle: Respect the environment. Take your trash with you, use toilets, leave no trace. Kiwis have rightly become sensitive — "Leave No Trace" is not a slogan, but a duty. The most beautiful spots are often found via the CamperMate app with the "Scenic Views" filter — DOC campsites by lakes and rivers are often more spectacular than any hotel.
Health & Safety
New Zealand is one of the safest travel countries in the world — no poisonous snakes, no dangerous predators, no malaria risk. The greatest dangers are natural forces and overconfidence when hiking.
Natural Hazards
| Hazard | Details | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| UV Radiation | Up to 40% stronger than in Europe (thin ozone layer). Sunburn possible in 15 minutes. | SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses — ALWAYS, even when cloudy |
| Earthquakes | New Zealand is on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Light quakes are frequent. | Drop, Cover, Hold. Pay attention to tsunami warnings on the coast. |
| Sandflies | Tiny flies whose bites itch for days. Especially West Coast, Fiordland. | DEET spray (at least 30%), long clothing at dusk |
| Hypothermia | Most common cause of death among hikers. Even in summer, 5 °C in the mountains. | Warm, water-repellent layers. ALWAYS a rain jacket. |
| River Crossings | Rivers rise by meters in hours after rain. | NEVER cross a swollen river. Wait! |
Medical Care
- ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation): New Zealand's state accident insurance system covers ALL accidents — even for tourists. Doctor visits after accidents are partially free or heavily subsidized. BUT: illnesses (not accidents) are NOT covered — travel health insurance is essential.
- Pharmacies: Well-equipped, many over-the-counter medications available. Present in every city. Buy sunscreen, antihistamines, and DEET spray locally.
- Emergency: Emergency number 111 (police, fire, ambulance). Mobile reception often unavailable in remote areas (Fiordland, West Coast, Backcountry) — Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) can be rented from DOC (from 50 NZD/month).
Achtung
NEVER underestimate New Zealand hikes. The weather changes in minutes, rivers can rise by meters in hours after rain (and become impassable), and mobile reception is rare in the mountains. Always leave your route with DOC (or via the "AdventureSmart NZ" app), carry emergency equipment (first aid kit, emergency blanket, whistle), and know your limits. "She'll be right" is the wrong attitude when hiking.
Telecommunications & Internet
New Zealand has good mobile coverage in cities and along main roads — but large parts of the country (especially Fiordland, the West Coast, Arthur's Pass, backcountry areas) have no reception. This is often surprising for European travelers.
SIM Cards
- Spark: New Zealand's largest provider with the best coverage, especially in rural areas. Prepaid SIM "Spark Travel" at Auckland Airport (SIM machine in the arrival hall) or in any Spark shop: 49 NZD for 10 GB + 200 mins (30 days) or 69 NZD for 40 GB. Spark also has over 1,000 free WiFi hotspots in phone booths, parks, and main streets nationwide — recognizable by the Spark logo.
- One NZ (formerly Vodafone): Second-best network, especially good in cities. Traveller SIM: 29 NZD for 4 GB (28 days). Available at the airport and in One NZ shops.
- 2degrees: Cheapest network but smallest coverage. Good for travelers mainly staying in cities. Prepaid from 19 NZD.
Dead Zones & Offline Tips
No reception typically in: Milford Road (120 km without reception), Forgotten World Highway, Molesworth Station, large parts of Fiordland, the West Coast between Hokitika and Haast, Arthur's Pass, backcountry trails, Stewart Island (partially). Plan ahead: Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me), hiking trails (DOC app), campsite information (CamperMate), and important contacts BEFOREHAND. WiFi in holiday parks and hostels is often slow and data-capped (500 MB–1 GB/day) — use public libraries for larger downloads and uploads (free, fast, in almost every town).
Tipp
Buy the SIM card directly at Auckland Airport upon arrival — the Spark machines in the Arrival Hall are available 24/7 and you only need your passport. The Spark network has by far the best coverage in rural areas and along highways — a clear recommendation for campervan travelers.
Packing List — What to Pack?
New Zealand's notorious weather unpredictability ("four seasons in one day") requires layered clothing. Here's a packing list that works for 3 weeks in New Zealand:
Essentials
- Rain Jacket (waterproof + breathable, Gore-Tex or similar) — The most important piece of clothing in New Zealand. Non-negotiable.
- Hiking Boots (waterproof, ankle-high, broken in!) — For Great Walks, Tongariro Crossing, glaciers, etc. Pack CLEAN (Biosecurity!)
- Fleece or Down Jacket — For evening chill, mountain hikes, boat trips
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ — The UV radiation is brutal. Cheap to buy in NZ.
- Sun Hat + Sunglasses — Mandatory, not optional
- DEET Insect Spray (30–50%) — Against sandflies. Available in NZ.
- Travel Adapter — Type I (Australian/New Zealand, slanted pins)
- Water Bottle (1–2 liters, refillable) — Tap water is drinkable everywhere
Nice to Have
- Flashlight/Headlamp — For glowworm caves, kiwi watching, DOC huts
- Dry Bag — For kayaking tours and rainy hikes
- Snorkel Mask — For Abel Tasman, Kaikōura, Hector dolphins
- Binoculars — For whale watching, birds, stargazing
- Camping Gear (if campervan) — Sleeping bag, cookware, folding chair
- Power Bank — For smartphones and cameras in remote areas without power (DOC huts have no power!)
What You DON'T Need
- Formal Clothing — New Zealand is the most informal country in the Western world. Even in upscale restaurants, "Smart Casual" (clean jeans, closed shoes) is sufficient. You never need a tie or suit.
- Mosquito Net — The only annoying insects are sandflies (controllable with DEET). No mosquito nets needed.
- Water Filter for Everyday Use — New Zealand's tap water is drinkable everywhere and of excellent quality. A filter is only recommended for backcountry hikes (stream water).
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