Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa before entering NZ. Visas come with three
months' standard validity and cost $130 if processed in Australia or certain South Pacific
countries (eg Samoa, Fiji), or around $165 if processed elsewhere in the world.
A visitor's visa can be extended for stays of up to nine months within one 18-month period,
or to a maximum of 12 months in the country. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case
basis; visitors will need to meet criteria such as proof of ongoing financial self-support. Apply
for extensions at any Immigration New Zealand office.
Work Visa
It's illegal for foreign nationals to work in NZ on a visitor's visa, except for Australians who
can legally work without a visa or permit. Non-Australians who wish to work in NZ will need to
apply for a work visa, which translates into a work permit after arrival and is valid for up to
three years. You can apply for a work permit after you're in NZ, but its validity will be back-
dated to when you entered the country. The fee for a work visa ranges from $230 to $360,
depending on where and how it's processed (paper or online) and the type of application.
Working Holiday Scheme
Eligible travellers who are only interested in short-term employment to supplement their
travels can take part in one of NZ's working-holiday schemes (WHS). Under these schemes
citizens aged 18 to 30 years from 40 countries − including Canada, France, Germany, Ire-
land, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Scandinavian countries, the UK and the USA − can
apply for a visa. For most nationalities the visa is valid for 12 months. It's only issued to those
seeking a genuine working holiday, not permanent work, so you're not supposed to work for
one employer for more than three months.
Most WHS-eligible nationals must apply for this visa from within their own country; resid-
ents of some countries can apply online. Applicants must have an onward ticket, a passport
valid for at least three months from the date they will leave NZ and evidence of sufficient
funds to meet your living costs. The application fee is $165 regardless of where you apply,
and isn't refunded if your application is declined.
The rules vary for different nationalities, so make sure you read up on the specifics of your
country's agreement with NZ at
www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workingholi-
Visitor Information Centres
Almost every Kiwi city or town seems to have a visitor information centre. The bigger centres
ated with Tourism New Zealand (the official national tourism body). i-SITEs have trained staff,
