New Zealand Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.     Exercise normal precautions in New Zealand. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to New Zealand. If you decide to travel to New Zealand: Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.    Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  X/Twitter .    R...

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: easy Hours: Most pharmacies open 9am-5:30pm weekdays. Some are open on weekends. In small towns, pharmacy hours may be limited. On-duty pharmacies cover after-hours needs. Prescription rules: A New Zealand prescription is required for most medications. Foreign prescriptions are not accepted — you'll need to see a New Zealand doctor. 💡 Tips Pharmacies are available in all towns and cities. Many medications require a prescription. Some common items are available OTC. Pharmacists are helpful and knowledgeable.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $40-70/week 💡 Tip ACC covers accidents (injuries) for everyone in NZ, regardless of residency. However, illness (getting sick) is NOT covered. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation from remote areas is essential — New Zealand's geography means evacuation from South Island or remote areas can cost $50,000+. 💡 Tip ACC covers accidents (injuries) for everyone in NZ, regardless of residency. However, illness (getting sick) is NOT covered. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation from remote areas is essential — New Zealand's geography means evacuation from South Island or remote areas can cost $50,000+.

💊 Medication Restrictions

New Zealand has straightforward medication import rules. Bring prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter or prescription label. Declare all medications at customs on arrival. Common OTC medications are widely available at pharmacies. Controlled substances like opioids and benzodiazepines require supporting documentation — carry no more than 3 months' supply.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Prescription medicines under NZ's Misuse of Drugs Act (Class C). Legal with valid NZ prescription. Travelers should carry original packaging and a doctor's letter; supply limited to 3 months.
• Adderall / amphetamines — RESTRICTED: Dexamphetamine is available by specialist prescription (Class B controlled drug) for ADHD. Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) is not marketed but can be imported for personal use with Medsafe approval. Strict controls apply.
• Cannabis / CBD — RESTRICTED: Medical cannabis legal since 2020 under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme. CBD products available by prescription (not a controlled drug if <2% THC). Recreational use remains illegal after the 2020 referendum narrowly failed (48.4% yes).
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Available by prescription (Class B controlled drug, Part 2). Commonly prescribed for ADHD. Travelers must have documentation and original packaging.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine reclassified to prescription-only in 2020 (previously OTC in low doses). Stronger opioids are Class B/C controlled drugs. Carry original packaging and prescription.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Not expected or standard. New Zealanders (Kiwis) don't tip as a general rule — wages are regulated and service is not tip-dependent. In upscale restaurants, rounding up or leaving a small tip is appreciated but never obligatory.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Mocking or appropriating Māori culture (haka, tā moko tattoos, etc.)
• Leaving any rubbish in nature — NZ takes environment seriously
• Disturbing wildlife (especially kiwi and endangered birds)
• Assuming NZ and Australia are the same (both countries bristle at this)
• Walking on sacred sites or climbing rocks without permission (some areas are tapu/sacred)