From the USA
HubPractical guides for travellers flying from the United States to New Zealand. Start with the NZeTA and visitor levy, then flights from US hubs, driving on a US licence, the USA Working Holiday Visa if you qualify, and a first-timer plan around Thanksgiving, spring break and the US summer.
Quick facts
- NZeTA plus IVL
- $117 in the official app, or $123 online, for most US visitors
- From our NZeTA for US citizens guide
- Visit length
- Up to 3 months per visit on a US passport, once you have an NZeTA
- From our NZeTA for US citizens guide
- Working holiday
- US citizens aged 18 to 30 who ordinarily live in the USA can apply under the US scheme
- From our USA Working Holiday Visa guide
Drive times are routing estimates without stops. Prices and rules were checked for each guide; follow the link for the official sources.
Start here
NationwideNZeTA for US citizens: cost, the IVL and how long you can stay
US passports are visa waiver, but you still need an NZeTA and usually the $100 IVL. Costs in USD, stay length and arrival rules for November 2026.
NationwideFlights from the USA to New Zealand: hubs, airlines and nonstop options
NationwideFirst New Zealand trip from the USA: when to go, costs and itineraries
Useful official links
- NZeTA application (opens in a new tab)
The official site to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority before you fly.
- NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (opens in a new tab)
The official source for road rules, licences, vehicle licensing and state highways.
- Spark (opens in a new tab)
One of the three main mobile networks. Check coverage before you buy a local SIM or eSIM.
- NZeTA: who needs one (opens in a new tab)
Immigration New Zealand's explainer on who must request an NZeTA and how it works.
- NZTA Journey Planner (opens in a new tab)
Live road conditions, closures, webcams and a journey planner for state highways.
- One NZ (opens in a new tab)
Mobile and broadband (formerly Vodafone NZ), including prepaid SIMs and coverage.
More From the USA guides
NationwideDriving in New Zealand on a US licence: left side, IDP and the 12-month rule
NationwideUSA Working Holiday Visa: New Zealand rules for US citizens
NationwideThe best eSIM for New Zealand: coverage, prices and when a local SIM is better
NationwideWorking from New Zealand with the US, Europe and Asia: time zones
NationwideThree weeks in New Zealand: the both-islands itinerary
NationwideHow much does a trip to New Zealand cost? Real daily budgets for 2026
NationwideDriving in NZ as a visitor: licence rules, road rules and the stuff that catches tourists out
NationwideNZeTA explained: who needs one, the real cost and how to apply without stuffing it up
Nationwide