New Zealand Visa Requirements
For 🇯🇵 Japan passport holders
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
At least 1 page required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations should be up to date. No specific travel vaccinations needed.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Safety Tips
New Zealand is extremely safe for travelers. Crime rates are low, and the main concerns are natural hazards like earthquakes and volatile weather in mountains. Always check weather conditions before hiking and follow DOC (Department of Conservation) guidelines.
Money & Costs
Currency
$ New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $80 · Mid: $200 · Luxury: $500+
Cards & ATMs
Cards accepted almost everywhere.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected or customary in New Zealand. Service charges are not added, and workers receive fair wages.
Practical Info
Power
Type I, 230V
Driving
Left side
Emergency
111 (all emergencies)
Mobile/SIM
Buy a SIM card from Spark, Vodafone, or 2degrees at airport arrivals. Tourist plans cost NZD$30-60 for 4-8 weeks with generous data. Spark has the best rural coverage. Registration with passport is quick. Coverage is excellent in populated areas, variable in remote mountains and fiords.
Getting There
Main Airports
Auckland (AKL) · Christchurch (CHC) · Queenstown (ZQN) · Wellington (WLG)
Airport Transfers
Auckland (AKL): SkyBus to city center (NZD$22, 45 minutes). Uber/taxi NZD$70-90 (35-50 minutes). Wellington (WLG): Airport Flyer bus (NZD$12, 30 minutes). Taxi NZD$30-40. Queenstown (ZQN): No public transport. Shuttle NZD$15-25, taxi NZD$40-50 to town (15 minutes).
Local Transport
Rental cars and campervans are the best way to explore. InterCity and Naked Bus connect towns. Domestic flights with Air New Zealand connect major destinations quickly. TranzAlpine and Northern Explorer are scenic train journeys. Cook Strait ferries link the islands. No Uber outside main cities.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
December to February (summer) offers the best weather for outdoor activities. March-May brings beautiful autumn colors. June-August is ski season in the South Island. September-November sees spring blooms and baby lambs.
Cultural Notes
Māori culture is integral to New Zealand identity. Respect sacred sites (tapu) and learn about protocols before visiting marae (meeting grounds). Kiwis are friendly but value personal space. Environmental conservation is deeply important - follow "Leave No Trace" principles.
Insider Tips
Book accommodation and rental cars well in advance during peak season (December-January). Allow more time than you think for driving - roads are scenic but winding. Purchase a fuel discount card from supermarkets. Mobile reception is limited in remote areas.
Dress Code
Casual dress. Layers recommended.