Plan Your Trip
HubVisas, insurance, money, phones, budgets and the admin that keeps a trip on track. Sort the NZeTA and your insurance before you fly, then the rest is easy.
Quick facts
Drive times are routing estimates without stops. Prices and rules were checked for each guide; follow the link for the official sources.
Official links: entry and visas, money and connectivity, weather and safety
All useful linksNZeTA application (opens in a new tab)
The official site to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority before you fly.
Spark (opens in a new tab)
One of the three main mobile networks. Check coverage before you buy a local SIM or eSIM.
MetService (opens in a new tab)
New Zealand's official weather forecasts, rain radar and warnings.
NZeTA: who needs one (opens in a new tab)
Immigration New Zealand's explainer on who must request an NZeTA and how it works.
One NZ (opens in a new tab)
Mobile and broadband (formerly Vodafone NZ), including prepaid SIMs and coverage.
MetService warnings (opens in a new tab)
Severe weather warnings and watches. Read these before a mountain or west-coast drive.
International Visitor Levy (IVL) (opens in a new tab)
Who pays the NZ$100 IVL, who is exempt, and when you pay it (usually with your NZeTA or visa).
One NZ coverage map (opens in a new tab)
Check whether One NZ covers the route you are driving, especially west of the main divide.
More Plan Your Trip guides
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NationwideNorth Island vs South Island: which is better for your trip?
NationwideBackpacking NZ on a budget: hostels, buses, work and free fun
NationwideSandflies, sunburn and other NZ travel hazards nobody warns you about
NationwideMoney in NZ: tipping, cards, cash and GST
NationwideTravel insurance for New Zealand: what ACC covers, what it doesn't and what to buy
Queenstown