+ 10 h April - September / + 11 h October / + 12 h November - March

Wellington

Official language

English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language

230/240 volt / adapter required

Banks

9.30 - 16.30 h (Mon - Fri)
Some branches also open on Saturdays, usually from 9.00 to 12.00/13.00 h

Shops

9.00 - 17.30/18.00 h (Mon - Fri)
9.00 - 16.00/17.00 h (Sat)
10.00 - 16.00/17.00 h (Sun)
Opening hours may vary by region. Supermarkets generally open seven days a week and some operate around the clock, particularly in larger cities.

• 1 January: New Year's Day

• 2 January: Day after New Year's Day

• 6 February: Waitangi Day

• Good Friday and Easter Monday

• 25 April: Anzac Day

• First Monday in June: King's Birthday

• Matariki: variable date; Friday 10 July in 2026

• Fourth Monday in October: Labour Day

• 25 December: Christmas Day

• 26 December: Boxing Day

• Passport: a Swiss passport valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from New Zealand is required.

• Visa: no visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

• NZeTA: travellers eligible to enter without a visa must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority in advance. It costs NZD 17 through the NZeTA app or NZD 23 through the official website and is normally valid for two years. Most travellers must also pay the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when applying. Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel: apply for an NZeTA, Apple Store or Google Play.

• New Zealand Traveller Declaration: everyone entering New Zealand must complete a travel declaration. For air travel, it may be submitted from 24 hours before the journey to New Zealand begins: travellerdeclaration.govt.nz.

• Ticket and sufficient funds: travellers must be able to present a return or onward ticket, valid documents for continuing to the next country and evidence of sufficient funds. The indicative amount is NZD 1'000.00 per person per month, or NZD 400.00 if accommodation has already been paid for. Entry may otherwise be refused.

New Zealand has a varied climate ranging from subtropical in the north to alpine in the south. As the country lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the reverse of those in Switzerland: New Zealand's summer runs from December to February, while winter lasts from June to August.

North Island - Auckland and Northland (subtropical climate):

• Summer (December to February): 20°C to 30°C

• Winter (June to August): 8°C to 16°C

• Spring and autumn (September to November, March to May): 10°C to 20°C

North Island - Wellington (temperate climate):

• Summer: 14°C to 24°C

• Winter: 6°C to 14°C

• Spring and autumn: 10°C to 18°C

North Island - Central Plateau (mountain climate):

• Summer: 10°C to 25°C

• Winter: -2°C to 10°C

• Spring and autumn: 5°C to 18°C

South Island - Christchurch (temperate climate):

• Summer: 12°C to 26°C

• Winter: 0°C to 12°C

• Spring and autumn: 5°C to 18°C

South Island - Queenstown and Otago (alpine climate):

• Summer: 10°C to 25°C

• Winter: -2°C to 8°C

• Spring and autumn: 5°C to 15°C

South Island - West Coast (humid temperate climate):

• Summer: 14°C to 24°C

• Winter: 4°C to 14°C

• Spring and autumn: 8°C to 18°C

The ideal time for your trip to New Zealand:

• Beach holidays: December to February

• City breaks: September to November and March to May

• Winter holidays: June to August for winter sports in the mountain regions, particularly Queenstown and Wanaka on the South Island and Ruapehu on the North Island

• Mobile phones: using a mobile phone in New Zealand may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the fees before departure and, if appropriate, purchase a special roaming package.

• Wi-Fi: free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public areas.

• Prepaid SIM cards: a local prepaid SIM can be purchased for local calls and mobile data. The main mobile providers are Spark, One NZ and 2degrees.

• Milford Sound (Fiordland National Park, South Island): a breathtaking fiord with steep cliffs and waterfalls.

• Bay of Islands (North Island): picturesque bays, historic sites and numerous islands.

• Rotorua (North Island): geothermal activity, hot springs and Māori culture.

• Tongariro National Park (North Island): volcanic landscapes and hiking trails such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

• Aoraki/Mount Cook (South Island): New Zealand's highest mountain, ideal for mountaineers and hikers.

• Queenstown (South Island): the adventure capital, with skiing, bungee jumping and much more.

• Waitomo Caves (North Island): glowworm caves and underground river systems.

• Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers (South Island): accessible glaciers offering guided hikes and helicopter tours.

• Abel Tasman National Park (South Island): golden beaches, turquoise water and coastal hiking trails.

• Hobbiton Movie Set (Matamata, North Island): filming location for “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films.

• Kaikoura (South Island): whale watching, dolphins and seals.

• Waiheke Island (near Auckland, North Island): vineyards, beaches and art galleries.

• Te Papa Tongarewa (Wellington, North Island): the national museum, with extensive exhibitions on New Zealand's culture and history.

• Mount Taranaki (North Island): a symmetrical volcano, ideal for hiking and photography.

• Cathedral Cove (Coromandel Peninsula, North Island): natural stone arches and picturesque bays, known from “The Chronicles of Narnia”.

Travel inspiration

Find inspiration in our blog posts and discover New Zealand's most fascinating destinations:

• Magical fiords and unspoilt nature: the Milford Road in New Zealand

• Fresh seafood: New Zealand is known for premium seafood such as green-lipped mussels, salmon, oysters and pāua, the New Zealand abalone.

• Lamb: New Zealand lamb is considered particularly tender and flavourful. Dishes such as leg and rack of lamb are widespread.

• Kiwifruit: the fruit is not only a symbol of New Zealand but also a popular ingredient in desserts, salads and smoothies.

• Hāngi: a traditional Māori dish in which meat, vegetables and sometimes fish are cooked in an earth oven, giving the food a distinctive flavour.

• Pavlova: a popular dessert consisting of a crisp meringue shell topped with cream and fresh fruit such as berries and kiwifruit.

• Feijoa: an exotic fruit with a flavour reminiscent of pineapple, guava and strawberry, often used in desserts, drinks and chutneys.

• Hokey pokey ice cream: a New Zealand speciality consisting of vanilla ice cream with pieces of caramelised sugar.

• Mānuka honey: high-quality honey made from the flowers of the mānuka shrub. It is known for its antibacterial properties and is often used as a health-promoting ingredient.

• New Zealand wine: the country has become a renowned wine region, particularly for Marlborough sauvignon blanc and Central Otago pinot noir. Wineries often offer tastings and tours.

• Hāngi pie: a modern variation of traditional hāngi in which the ingredients are enclosed in pastry and baked to create a savoury pie.

• Greetings: friendly greetings are customary. A simple “Hello” is appreciated, as are “Good morning”, “Good afternoon” and “Good evening”. “Kia ora” is a widely accepted greeting in Māori culture. The hongi, in which noses and foreheads touch, is a traditional form of greeting.

• Saying please and thank you: politeness is important, so use “please” and “thank you”. In Māori, “Tēnā koa” means “please”, “Kia ora” can be used as an everyday expression of thanks and “Tēnā koe” as a more formal acknowledgement.

• Clothing: New Zealanders often dress informally and casually. Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended for outdoor activities. The weather can change quickly, so carrying a weatherproof jacket is advisable.

• Dining culture: New Zealand's food culture is diverse and shaped by Māori, European and Asian influences, among others. Standard table manners are expected.

• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public places, including restaurants, bars and public transport. Be considerate of non-smokers and follow local laws.

• Tipping: tipping is less common than in some other countries. Restaurants and cafés generally do not add a separate service charge.

• Other: New Zealanders place great value on protecting the environment and natural beauty. Do not leave litter and respect Māori culture, particularly sacred sites and customs.

• Drinking water quality: New Zealand generally has excellent drinking water, and tap water can normally be consumed safely. Conditions in rural areas may vary by region; if in doubt, ask locally or use bottled water.

• Vaccinations: no specific vaccinations are generally required to enter New Zealand. Travellers are nevertheless advised to keep routine vaccinations up to date, particularly those for diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles.

• Medical care is available. Hospitals and medical practices may require a financial guarantee or advance payment from patients who are not covered by New Zealand health insurance. Otherwise, the full bill must be paid no later than when leaving hospital. Accident-related emergency treatment is generally covered by New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

• If you depend on particular medication, carry an adequate supply. Many countries have special rules on medicines containing controlled substances, such as methadone, and substances used to treat mental health conditions. If necessary, check with the responsible foreign diplomatic mission before departure.

• Before and during your trip, follow media reports about the current situation and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• Further information on the current security situation is available from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• Despite increased security measures, the risk of terrorist attacks remains.

• Driving side: traffic drives on the left.

• Driving licence: a valid overseas licence may be used. If it is not in English, an accurate English translation or a valid International Driving Permit must also be carried. The original licence must always be carried as well.

• Car rental: the minimum age ranges from 18 to 25 depending on the company.

• Alcohol: the limit is zero for drivers under 20; for drivers aged 20 and over, the general limit is 0.5‰.

• Long-distance trains: New Zealand has a limited network operated by KiwiRail. The best-known route is the TranzAlpine, which runs from Christchurch to Greymouth through the Southern Alps.

• Regional trains: some regions have regional rail services that provide a comfortable way to travel between cities and rural areas and often offer scenic views.

• Buses: buses are an important form of transport, particularly in urban areas and along popular travel routes. Various companies provide regular connections between cities and towns, sightseeing tours and transport to visitor attractions.

• Subways and trams: New Zealand has virtually no subway or tram systems. Urban public transport consists mainly of buses and, in some places, ferries. Christchurch also has a historic tram through the city centre.

• Ferries and water taxis: in Auckland and the Bay of Islands, ferries and water taxis cross the bays and serve many islands in and around the harbours. In the Marlborough Sounds, water taxis provide quick and easy access to remote places at the top of the South Island.

• Tickets: public-transport tickets can be bought at the relevant railway or bus station or directly from the driver. Passes or multi-trip cards may offer better value for regular travel.

• Auckland Airport (AKL): no direct flights from Switzerland. Possible stopovers include Singapore (SIN), Dubai (DXB), Hong Kong (HKG), Doha (DOH) and Sydney (SYD).

• Christchurch Airport (CHC): no direct flights from Switzerland. Possible stopovers include Singapore (SIN), Dubai (DXB), Sydney (SYD), Hong Kong (HKG) and Melbourne (MEL).

• Wellington Airport (WLG): no direct flights from Switzerland. Possible stopovers include Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE) and Auckland (AKL).

• Queenstown Airport (ZQN): no direct flights from Switzerland. Connections are available via Auckland (AKL), Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL) and Brisbane (BNE).

• Dunedin Airport (DUD): no direct flights from Switzerland. Connections are available via Auckland (AKL), Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL) and Brisbane (BNE).

Major airlines operating in New Zealand include Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia.

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Single emergency number: 111

Embassy of Switzerland in New Zealand
Level 12, 10 Customhouse Quay
Wellington 6011
New Zealand

Tel.: +64 4 472 15 93
Email: wellington@eda.admin.ch

• Natural hazards: New Zealand is in an earthquake zone, and the North Island has numerous volcanoes. Tsunamis triggered by volcanic eruptions or earthquakes in the Pacific region may also reach the country. Tropical cyclones can occur occasionally from November to April. On the South Island in particular, heavy rain may cause flooding and temporarily disrupt transport. Follow weather forecasts and observe warnings and instructions issued by local authorities, including closures around active volcanoes and evacuation orders.

Special legal provisions

• Biosecurity: import rules and inspections are very strict, particularly for organic products such as food, plants and wooden items, in order to prevent diseases and pests from entering the country. Anyone carrying such goods without declaring them may face heavy fines and, in extreme cases, imprisonment. Check the exact rules with the New Zealand Consulate General in Geneva before departure or consult the New Zealand Customs Service.

• Study and work: consult the New Zealand authorities well in advance about the exact entry and residence requirements, particularly if you intend to study, complete an internship or undertake paid or unpaid work, for example on a farm. Immigration authorities examine the purpose of each stay carefully and may refuse entry if they are not satisfied.