TRAVELLING TO AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
For practical information and travel advice before you leave, click here.
Hamilton is approximately 1.5hours drive from Auckland Airport so it is important you plan how you will get from the airport to Hamilton in advance. Some options are provided here.
If you are choosing to stay in Air bnb style accommodation, please check the distance from your accommodation to the University of Waikato. There are a lot of remote bnbs in the Waikato region. We advise you to check your transportation options from your accommodation to the venue before booking.
If bringing customary material to Aotearoa, please read the important biosecurity information you will need to know here.
Passports & Visas
When you arrive, you’ll need to ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa.
You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:
If you don’t meet the criteria above, then you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa.
Biosecurity
In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry, or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment. You may risk a fine if you fail to comply. Click here for more information.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to visit New Zealand.
Climate
The weather varies throughout New Zealand by region and by season.
Click here for more information.
Currency & Costs
The currency used is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Click here for more information.
Internet & Phone Coverage
Staying connected in New Zealand is easy with a little forward planning.
Click here for more information.
Electricity
New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and uses angled two or three pin plugs (the same as Australia and parts of Asia).
Time Zone
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
Click here for more information.
Smartphone App
The free Essential New Zealand travel app from Tourism New Zealand is available from the App Store and Google Play. Access up-to-date information about hundreds of selected travel experiences while you're in New Zealand without the need for an internet connection. Download the app here
Qualmark
Whether you are looking for places to stay, things to do or ways to get around, Qualmark – New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation – provides a trusted guide to quality travel experiences. When you see the Qualmark, it means that those businesses have been independently assessed against a set of national quality standards.
Find out more about Qualmark here.
i-SITE New Zealand
i-SITE is New Zealand’s official visitor information network. There are currently 80 i-SITE locations found throughout New Zealand where you can speak to a travel expert for local knowledge and bookings throughout New Zealand.
Click here for more information.
