New Zealand Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders must obtain the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before flying to New Zealand. Cost: NZD 17 (app) or NZD 23 (web). The IVL (NZD 100) is also required separately.
Austria passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to New Zealand.
Apply for the NZeTA before travel at immigration.govt.nz/nzeta or via the official NZeTA mobile app. You will need your Austrian passport, a selfie (taken through the app or uploaded), and payment by card for the NZeTA fee (NZD 17 app / NZD 23 web) plus the IVL (NZD 100). Most applications are approved within 72 hours. The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years from grant, covering multiple visits up to 90 days each.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Austrian Passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand. NZeTA is linked to your specific passport number.
NZeTA Approval
Apply at immigration.govt.nz/nzeta or via the official NZeTA mobile app before travel. Fee: NZD 17 (app) or NZD 23 (web). Valid 2 years, multiple entry, up to 90 days per visit.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
NZD 100 levy paid at the time of NZeTA application. Mandatory for all eligible travelers entering New Zealand.
Passport-Style Photo or Selfie
A selfie taken via the NZeTA app or uploaded photo for identity verification.
Required at Entry
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from New Zealand within the 90-day stay limit.
Sufficient Funds Recommended
NZD 1,000 per month of stay or a valid credit card; may be checked at the border.
Current Travel Situation
Austria to New Zealand: What You Need to Know
New Zealand does not require Austrian citizens to apply for a full visa, but the NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) is mandatory before arrival. The NZeTA costs NZD 17 via the official mobile app or NZD 23 via the website. Additionally, all eligible travelers must pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100 at the time of NZeTA application. This levy funds conservation and tourism infrastructure. New Zealand offers some of the world's most spectacular scenery: fjords (Milford Sound), geothermal landscapes (Rotorua), alpine peaks (Aoraki/Mount Cook), and Maori culture. The Lord of the Rings filming locations are a major draw for Austrian fans.
How to Get There
From Vienna (VIE), fly to Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) with connections via Dubai with Emirates, Singapore with Singapore Airlines, or Sydney with Qantas/Austrian Airlines. Total travel time is 22-26 hours. Breaking the journey in Singapore or Sydney is recommended.
Money & Banking
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Cards are universally accepted; contactless is the norm. Cash is rarely needed. New Zealand is expensive, comparable to or exceeding Australia. Tipping is not expected or customary in New Zealand. ATMs are widely available.
Practical Tips
New Zealand is long and narrow; the North and South Islands require a ferry crossing (Interislander or Bluebridge from Wellington to Picton) or a short domestic flight. The South Island is more rugged and scenically dramatic; rent a campervan for flexibility. Milford Sound requires a day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau (the road closes in heavy rain). Queenstown is the adventure sports capital (bungee jumping, skydiving). Driving on the left. New Zealand is expensive; comparable to Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrians need a visa to visit New Zealand?
No full visa is required, but Austrian citizens must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) before travel. Total cost: NZD 117 (app) or NZD 123 (web): NZD 17/23 for the NZeTA plus NZD 100 for the IVL.
What is the NZeTA and how do I apply?
The NZeTA is a pre-travel authorization required for eligible visa-exempt visitors to New Zealand. Apply via the official NZeTA mobile app (NZD 17 NZeTA + NZD 100 IVL) or at immigration.govt.nz/nzeta (NZD 23 NZeTA + NZD 100 IVL). Submit a selfie or photo, passport details, and payment. Most applications are approved within 72 hours.
What is the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy)?
The IVL is a NZD 100 levy paid by eligible international visitors (including Austrians) when applying for an NZeTA. The revenue funds conservation projects and tourism infrastructure in New Zealand. It is mandatory and paid simultaneously with the NZeTA application.
How long is the flight from Vienna to New Zealand?
Flights from Vienna to Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) take approximately 24-27 hours with one or two stops. Common routings include Dubai (Emirates), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Sydney (Qantas/Jetstar), or Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific).
What are the must-see highlights of New Zealand?
Milford Sound (Fiordland, South Island) is a UNESCO World Heritage fjord accessible by boat or kayak. Queenstown (adventure sports hub: bungee jumping, skydiving, skiing). Rotorua (geothermal activity, Maori culture, Te Puia). Abel Tasman National Park (coastal walking, kayaking). Tongariro Alpine Crossing (volcanic plateau, considered one of the world's best day hikes).
Is it better to visit the North or South Island of New Zealand?
Both islands are worth visiting. The North Island offers Rotorua, Auckland, Wellington (excellent food and arts scene), the Coromandel Peninsula, and Northland. The South Island has more dramatic alpine and fjord scenery: Queenstown, Fiordland, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and Kaikoura. A 3-week trip can cover both; 2 weeks is enough for a focused visit to one island.
Does New Zealand have strict biosecurity laws like Australia?
Yes. New Zealand has strict biosecurity: declare all food, plant material, outdoor equipment (hiking boots, tents), and animal products at the border. Failure to declare can result in fines of up to NZD 400. Biosecurity detection dogs are used at all international arrivals. Even a fruit brought from Australia must be declared.