New Zealand
Country Specific Information
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January 13, 2012

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: New Zealand is a stable parliamentary democracy, which recognizes the British monarch as head of state. It has a modern economy with many tourist conveniences and efficient local services. Read the Department of State Background Notes on New Zealand for additional information. 

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live or visit (country name), please take the time to tell our Embassy (and/or Consulate) about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

The U.S. Embassy in Wellington
29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington  
Telephone: (64) (4) 462-6000 
Emergency after-hours telephone: (64) (4) 462-6000
Facsimile: (64) (4) 471-2380 

The U.S. Consulate General in Auckland
Third floor of the Citigroup Centre, 23 Customs Street East, between Commerce and Queen Streets
Telephone: (64) (9) 303-2724
Emergency after-hours telephone: (64) (4) 462-6000
Facsimile: (64) (9) 366-0870 

All consular functions, including American Citizen Services, are provided by U.S. Consulate General Auckland.

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: If you are a U.S. citizen, you are eligible for a visa waiver and do not need a visa for tourist stays of three months or less. Visit the Embassy of New Zealand for the most current visa information. 

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of New Zealand. 

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

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THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: While in New Zealand you should review your personal security practices, be alert to any unusual activity, and report any significant incidents to local police.

Stay up to date by:

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CRIME: Crime rates in New Zealand are low and have decreased over the past year. The most prevalent crime is theft or attempted theft from cars, camper vans, and hostels. To help protect against theft, do not leave passports or other valuable items in unattended vehicles. Violent crime against tourists is rare; however, if you are traveling alone, you should be especially vigilant and avoid isolated areas that are not frequented by the public.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. 

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VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we cancontact family members or friend.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

In New Zealand, a private organization called Victim Support works both independently and with the New Zealand Police to assist victims of crime. Victim Support is available 24 hours a day by calling 0800-842-846 (0800-Victim) or e-mailing help@victimsupport.org.nz.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in New Zealand is “111.”

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in New Zealand, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail, and there are fines and penalties for talking on a cellular phone while driving. Please see the Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section for additional information about driving in New Zealand. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in New Zealand, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go. 

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Some heavily populated parts of New Zealand are in areas of very high seismic activity. In 2010 and 2011, several large earthquakes and aftershocks occurred in the Canterbury (Christchurch) region and resulted in widespread damage to infrastructure, injuries, and deaths. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Adventure Sports: Many tourists come to New Zealand to participate in extreme adventure sports, such as bungee jumping, sky diving, hiking, rappelling, climbing, motorcycling, and kayaking. All too often, injuries and even death result from participating in such activities. You should use caution and common sense when engaging in adventure sports. Never participate in these sports alone, always carry identification, and let someone else know where you are at all times. Before kayaking, check the river conditions and wear a life jacket. When hiking, rappelling, or climbing, carry a first aid kit, and know the location of the nearest rescue center.

Imports: New Zealand is an island nation, and the government is serious about preserving its delicate ecosystem. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) imposes strict regulations regarding what can be imported into New Zealand. If you do not declare goods that could be quarantined, you can be fined up to $100,000 NZ and/or face up to five years in prison. If you do not declare goods considered a biosecurity risk, such as fresh fruit, seeds, and plants, you can receive an instant fine of $200 NZ. When importing a pet, you will need thorough veterinary documentation and a quarantine period will be required. Unfinished wood products, used hiking shoes, gardening tools, fresh food items, and items such as used pet carriers may be seized and destroyed by MAF. For more information please visit the Biosecurity New Zealand web site.

Accessibility: While in New Zealand, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation different from what you find in the United States. Every new building and major reconstruction in New Zealand must provide "reasonable and adequate" access for people with disabilities, but please be aware that most buildings pre-date this requirement. Most facilities have wheelchair access. Some buses in towns and cities are equipped to cater for the disabled, but most public transport is not. If you’re planning a holiday and need information on facilities for disabled people please visit the Immigration of New Zealand’s website and the New Zealand Tourism website. Most transport operators can serve people with special needs, but it’s a good idea to phone ahead to tell them what your needs are.

Car parking allocated for individuals with a disability is available in New Zealand. We suggest you bring a letter from your medical provider, detailing your medical condition and need for accessible parking on their professional letterhead. You can read more about how to qualify for accessible parking spaces on the CCS Disability Action website.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Quality medical care is widely available, but waiting lists exist for certain types of treatment. High-quality medication (both over-the-counter and prescription) is widely available at local pharmacies, although the name of the product may differ from the U.S. versions. Access to medical care may be less available in rural areas. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. 

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the CDC website.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctor and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in New Zealand, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. All traffic travels on the left in New Zealand, and you should exercise extra caution if you are accustomed to driving on the right. Driving on the wrong side of the road is a leading cause of serious injury and death for U.S. tourists. Cars turning left must yield to oncoming cars that are turning right; this traffic rule will change in March 2012. Proceed carefully through intersections. Traffic circles are common throughout New Zealand. When approaching a traffic circle, always yield to traffic coming from the right – noting that traffic already in the circle has the right-of-way-- and merge to the left into the circle. Red means “stop” — do not turn at a red light. 

New Zealand has only 100 miles of multi-lane divided motorways. Most intercity travel is on two lane roads. While these are in good condition, New Zealand's rugged terrain means motorists often encounter sharper curves and steeper grades than those found on the U.S. Interstate Highway System. Renting a car or a camper is a popular way to enjoy New Zealand's natural beauty, but if you are unfamiliar with local conditions, you should be extra careful. Make sure to follow the posted speed limit signs. You should also use caution to avoid animals when driving in rural areas. Please note that on large portions of scenic highway in the South Island, which is remote and has little traffic, there is very limited cell phone coverage.

New Zealand has specific penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driving while using a cell phone can incur a fine and demerit point for New Zealand license holders. The New Zealand Transport Agency provides additional driving and licensing information for new residents and visitors.

Make sure to look carefully in all directions before crossing a street or roadway, and always use crosswalks. Pedestrians do not have the right of way except in crosswalks. New Zealand law requires that cars stop for pedestrians that are in a crosswalk, and that cars stop at least two meters (approximately 6 feet) from a crosswalk that is in use. 

Public transportation, including buses, trains and taxis, is for the most part reliable and safe.

In case of emergency, phone the local police at “111.”

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the New Zealand national tourist office and the Land Transport Safety Authority website for specific information concerning the operation and rental of motor vehicles.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of New Zealand's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

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CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for New Zealand dated June 17, 2011, without substantive changes.

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