Travel Information
Planning Your Trip
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.
Qualmark – New Zealand tourism’s official mark of quality
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.
Essential Information - Arrivals
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. For more information about what can be bought into New Zealand from overseas, click here.
Vaccinations: No vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters, are required to enter or visit New Zealand.
Currency: The currency used is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Most venues will take debit or credit card or cash, but you may be charged an international transaction fee if your home currency is not NZD.
Electricity: New Zealand’s electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts (50Hz) and uses angled two or three-pin plugs (the same as Australia and parts of Asia). If you forget to bring your own, you can usually purchase one at the airport when arriving.
Timezone: New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, typically 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). ASBHM2026 will be taking place during Daylight Saving (NZDT), meaning the timezone will be GMT +13 during the conference.
Passports and Visa
When you arrive, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa. If you require a visa, we strongly recommend applying several months in advance to ensure it is confirmed prior to your arrival.
Visa Waiver Countries: Visitors from visa waiver countries are exempt from requiring a visa to enter New Zealand. However, they must request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) prior to coming to New Zealand.
People from visa waiver countries:
- do not need a visitor visa to enter New Zealand for a period of less than three months, or six months if from the United Kingdom.
- are required to provide travel tickets or evidence of onward travel and funds to support yourself while in New Zealand (you may be asked for this when you arrive!).
- are still required to meet health and character requirements and must be considered genuine visitors, must not have been deported from any country, or suspected of being involved in known criminal or terrorist groups.
International Visitor Levy (IVL): Many tourists, people on working holidays, and some students and workers coming to New Zealand must pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100. You will pay this when applying for your NZeTA or visa.
It is charged for most:
- Visitor visas (excluding partner and dependent categories)
- NZeTAs (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
- Student visas (excluding dependent child category)
- Working Holiday and Work Exchange schemes
- Student and Trainee Work visas
- Specific Purpose Work visas
Australians: Australian citizens and permanent residents travelling on an Australian passport do not need a visa or an NZeTA to enter New Zealand. Those travelling on an Australian passport or hold an Australian resident visa will also not need to pay the IVL.
Culture and Envrionment
Climate: The weather varies throughout New Zealand by region and by season. However, during ASBHM2026 in Auckland, it will be summer, which is often met with temperature averages of 22 – 24 degrees Celsius (71 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit), and highs of 30 degrees Celsius. There may be the occasional rainy day, but we would recommend wearing business casual summer attire.
Tipping: Tipping in New Zealand is not obligatory, even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.