New Zealand Visa Requirements
For 🇪🇸 Spain passport holders
Spain passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to New Zealand.
Spanish citizens need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to visit. This is not a visa but an electronic authorization obtained through the official app or website. Valid for multiple entries over 2 years.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
1 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with 3 months validity beyond departure date, NZeTA approval, return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds (NZ$1,000/month or NZ$400/month with prepaid accommodation).
Overstaying results in deportation, potential 5-year entry ban, and impact on future visa applications to New Zealand and partner countries.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
Spanish citizens don't need a traditional visa but must obtain an NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) before travel. Apply through the official app or website at least 72 hours before departure. It costs NZ$17 (app) or NZ$23 (website) plus a tourism levy.
How much time do I need to see New Zealand?
A minimum of 2 weeks is recommended to see highlights of both islands. Three weeks allows a more relaxed pace. One week limits you to either the North or South Island. Many travelers spend 3-4 weeks to experience the country properly.
Is it better to visit the North or South Island?
Both are stunning but different. The South Island offers dramatic landscapes - glaciers, fiords, mountains. The North Island has geothermal areas, Māori culture, and subtropical beaches. Most travelers try to see both.
What is the best way to travel around New Zealand?
Renting a car or campervan offers the most flexibility and is how most tourists explore. Intercity buses connect major destinations. Domestic flights save time between islands. The ferry between Wellington and Picton is a scenic journey itself.
What outdoor activities can I do in New Zealand?
New Zealand is an adventure playground: hiking (Great Walks), bungee jumping (invented here), skydiving, jet boating, skiing, glacier hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. The country is built for outdoor enthusiasts.