As a former colony of England, New Zealand has a unique relationship with the UK that can make it easier for travellers coming here with correct documentation. There are still some requirements to ensure your stay goes smoothly however, so we’ve compiled a New Zealand travel guide for the UK to help you out.
Visas
Holders of a UK passport who can prove their right to legally live in the UK can enter New Zealand for up to 6 months on a visitor’s visa that will be granted to you upon arrival here. This makes it easy to come and visit for extended periods of time, something many UK residents take advantage of by cycling or touring the country as an O.E. If you wish to stay longer, don’t hold a UK passport or can’t prove a legal right to work in the UK, you will need to apply for a visa unless you belong to a visa waiver country.
Customs
New Zealand has very strict bio-security measures that can end up creating an unpleasant surprise for those wanting to bring in certain items. Food items must be declared, and some foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, meat/animal products and honey are banned entirely in efforts to prevent the spread of diseases that could devastate local industries. It’s a good idea to check New Zealand customs requirements before you pack for your Kiwi holiday as fines can be large. You can also download this handy NZ Customs guide (PDF) which outlines what you need to know.
Health and Safety
New Zealand and the UK have a reciprocal health care arrangement that entitles UK residents who are travelling here temporarily to a range of health services and protections, including hospital stays and diagnosis. This applies to any condition that a doctor deems to require urgent treatment that has arisen after arriving in New Zealand, or would worsen if left untreated here. However this won’t cover any travel-related costs that may arise as a result such as missed flights or additional accommodation, so it’s worth taking our regular travel insurance as well to ensure you aren’t left with a large bill.
It’s also recommended that if you plan to drive here you take out motor insurance, as unlike the UK this is not legally required in New Zealand and you may come unstuck if an uninsured driver hits your vehicle or you have an accident and cause damage that could swallow up your entire holiday budget and more. If you’re renting a car, insurance should be included, though many car rental companies charge high excess fees. At New Zealand Rent A Car we offer an insurance excess reduction at a low daily rate to reduce the excess fee.
Travel between New Zealand and the UK has been made easier in lots of areas, but it’s important to know your rights and limitations so check our New Zealand travel guide for the UK thoroughly before you go.
New Zealand Travel
Travelling around New Zealand is easy with a rental car and you can explore the places you really want to visit, get off the beaten track and travel at your own pace. Check out some great attractions and some ideas for road trips all around NZ.
