Travelling to New Zealand can actually be a bit pricey. However, there are means to save money. New Zealand is a place that can offer you endless free experiences. You just need to know about the inexpensive destinations to visit.
We are here to let you know the places that you can visit along with the New Zealand tourist visa requirements that you need to meet.
Do you know citizens of a few nations can travel to New Zealand without a tourist visa? If you are a citizen of a visa waiver country then you can travel to NZ with no visa requirements.
Meet the New Zealand Tourist Visa Requirements
Planning a trip is interesting but procuring a visa is necessary. One must have the required documents to process the visa application and get approved. That’s why if you are planning to visit New Zealand it is crucial to know about the New Zealand tourist visa requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for the New Zealand Tourist Visa
You must meet certain criteria to qualify for a New Zealand tourist visa:
- You must hold a good character certificate from the relevant authorities.
- You have to be in good health, as per the approved panel of doctors.
- You must be able to pay for your healthcare. This refers to medical insurance.
- You should have the intention to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. A return/onward ticket will serve as proof of this.
- You must have sufficient capital or have a sponsorship to stay in New Zealand. Show bank statements as proof.
- You must show accommodation and itinerary proof in New Zealand.
Required Documents for a New Zealand Tourist Visa
Prepare for documents in advance so that you can apply online for a New Zealand tourist visa:
Valid Passport:
Submit a copy of your passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the date of departure. You will need to send your physical passport after applying online.
Photo:
Submit your passport-size photo. Ensure that these meet the official criteria.
Travel History:
Provide evidence of your travel history. Submit a copy of your current or previous passport. In case any country rejects your visa application, you must show a copy of the letter from the country’s immigration authority.
Return/Onward Ticket:
Show evidence that you will get to your home country for sure. Submit a letter from your employer, or a letter or student identity card from your school. Also, a letter of your family connections in your home country.
Medical Insurance:
You need to explain in your visa application that you will pay for your medical needs, if any.
Proof of Funds:
You need to show proof that you have enough capital to fund your trip. Or, you can show the source of your sponsorship to stay in NZ. To stay in New Zealand you must have at least NZD $400 to NZD $1000 per month if you have already paid for the accommodation.
Family in Home Country:
You need to prove that you have sufficient ties to your home country, guaranteeing your return. Show your relationship with your family members by providing submitting the following documents:
- Marriage certificate or a civil union certificate.
- A home loan or a joint rental agreement.
- Joint utilities account.
- Joint bank accounts.
- Assets that are owned together.
- Birth certificate
Proof of Accommodation:
Share the proof of the accommodation you have arranged for your stay in New Zealand.
Health Certificate:
Show proof that you are in good health. Get a health certificate from a doctor.
Good Character Certificate:
You must submit a police certificate as evidence that you have a good character and reputation to stay in New Zealand. You will get these if you have a clear criminal history.
These are the NZ travel visa requirements that you must meet to enjoy your trip.
How Can You Apply for a New Zealand Tourist Visa Online?
If you choose to apply for a visa online then simply follow these steps:
- Complete the online application.
- Upload your photo and documents.
- With your credit card, pay the application fee.
- Submit the application and wait for approval.
Visit New Zealand with NZeTA
If you can travel to New Zealand with an NZeTA permit then you don’t need a tourist visa. NZeTA stands for New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.
Can You Get an NZeTA Permit?
You can get an NZeTa only if you meet the following criteria:
- If you are from a visa-waiver country.
- If you are not planning to stay not more than 3 months.
- If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom.
- If you are transiting Auckland International Airport on your way.
You simply don’t need to meet the NZ travel visa requirements if you meet the criteria mentioned above.
Top 10 Free Destinations to Visit in New Zealand
There are numerous places you can visit in New Zealand for free. We have marked the top 10 free destinations which can help you save a lot of money on a trip without compromising your enjoyment.
Rere Rock Slide
You can visit New Zealand’s first water slide called Rere Rockslide or Rere Falls. In the Gisborne region of the North Island, it is one of the most popular tourist places. Visitors can slide down the rock face on an inflatable tube. It is thrilling to slide down a stunning 100-foot rockslide at a speed of 70 km/h.
Reasonable & Famous Eateries near Rere Rock Slide
- Fergburger
- Fishbone Bar & Grill
- The Grille by Eichardt’s
Mount Maunganui
You can climb a volcano on the northeastern coast of the North Islands. It is a place where you can experience the beach and volcano at once. The beach is called Mount Maunganui Beach. If you have never seen a volcano in real life then it is the best option for getting a glance of a prominent volcanic cone above the sea level. From the top of the volcano, you will get a 360-degree viewpoint.
Reasonable & Famous Eateries near Mount Maunganui
- The Ellen Melville Centre
- The Mount Social Club
Auckland’s West Coast
With pleasing waterfalls and marvellous black-sand beaches, Auckland’s wild West Coast presents a magical scenic beauty. Tourists get a couple of options to visit nearby. You can either climb the Lion Rock at Piha Beach or visit the colossal gannet colony at Muriwai. It takes only an hour from the City Center but you will feel as if you are in a different world.
Reasonable & Famous Eateries near Auckland’s West Coast
- The Viaduct Harbour Markets
- Gasometer
- D.Brew
- Burger Fuel
Canterbury
Have you ever experienced stargazing under the infinite sky? Countless stars glow like diamonds and illuminate the sky that looks unreal. Canterbury is a region in the south island of New Zealand. The area is known to have the darkest and most clear night sky. So if you like the quietness of the night and the view of glowing stars and moon then this place can give you a peaceful experience.
Reasonable & Famous Eateries near Canterbury
- The Courtyard Café
- The Old Grain Store
- Christchurch Casino
Wanaka’s Blue Pools
It is a popular swimming spot for tourists in New Zealand. The pool is not man-made; instead the rock formation in Lake Wanaka has surprisingly created a pool for people. Wanaka Lake is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Any nature lover would love to spend time in a place with a pool surrounded by mountains and lakes.
Reasonable & Famous Eateries near Wanaka’s Blue Pools
- Charlie Brown Crepes
- Burrito Craft
- Dripping Bowl Wholefoods
Fiordland’s Waterfalls
If you get into New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park then you will get a breathtaking sight of the Fiordland’s waterfalls. The mountains, forests, and lakes complement the waterfalls which make the site even more attractive. There are 3 waterfalls that you shouldn’t miss, Brownee falls, Lady Bowen Falls, and Sutherland Falls.
Reasonable & Famous Eateries near Fiordland’s Waterfalls
- Ross Helicopter Café
- The Divide Café
Cape Reinga
It is a rare destination because here you can watch two oceans collide. The currents swirl and tides race. The Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.
Reasonable & Famous Eateries near Cape Reinga
- Kaitaia Fish ‘n’ Chips
- Riverwalk Café
Hot Water Beach
No place can be more exciting than this if it comes to taking a bath. It is a popular tourist destination where you can dig your own hot water pools in the sand. The movement of magma beneath the Earth’s surface makes the seawater hot.
Reasonable & Famous Eateries near Hot Water Beach
- The Lost Bear Café
- The Fisherman’s Wife
- Hot Water Beach Bar and Grill
Goat Island
You can explore the Goat Island Marine Reserve in Leigh, New Zealand. Walk around the beach, and swim in the sea. If you are not hesitant then you can also put your mask and snorkel on and dive in. It is a place where you can explore marine life and get stunned. It is guaranteed that you will get stories to share especially if you see fish while kayaking.
Reasonable & Famous Eateries near Goat Island
- The Boathouse Restaurant
- Goaty’s Restaurant
- The Goat Island Takeaway
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Don’t want to be in a comfort zone? Want to indulge yourself in some challenging activities? Then you can visit Tongariro Alpine Crossing which is a popular hiking trail in the Tongariro National Park of New Zealand. This place has been recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Here you can see active craters, lava flows, steam vents and emerald-coloured lakes.
Reasonable & Famous Eateries near Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Spiral Restaurant & Bar
- Pataka Café
- Food trucks
Tips to Book Cheap Flight Tickets
As we aim to help plan a budget trip we are going to give you some tips on how you can book cheap flight tickets.
- Avoid flying on long weekends.
- Try to book flight tickets early.
- Set price alerts on flight booking websites.
- Use incognito mode and delete all the cookies if you are booking online.
- Non-refundable flight tickets are cheaper so consider that.
- Try to get a student or senior citizen discount.
Affordable Accommodation Options For You
In every country, you can find affordable accommodation options. We have created a list of that.
- Try to stay in budget hostels.
- Book homestays instead of hotels.
- Go camping.
Ready to take a budget trip with a New Zealand Travel Visa?
Now you know everything about making your trip budget-friendly and the NZ travel visa requirements. It is time for you to proceed and land in New Zealand.
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