Australia travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens do not need a visa to enter Australia. Under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, you can travel to Australia with a valid passport and stay indefinitely, though you must meet health and character requirements. You do not need an ETA or a visa application before you fly.

The main practical points: bring your passport, plan for the cost of living in AUD (close to NZD), and remember that Australia drives on the left, uses Type I plugs, and tips are not expected. Emergency services are on 000.

New Zealand citizens are exempt from the visa requirement for Australia. You can enter with a valid passport and stay as long as you like, but you must meet health and character requirements. If you have a criminal record or a health condition that might affect your stay, check with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before you travel.

You do not need an ETA or a visa application. However, if you are travelling with a non-New Zealand passport, or if you have any doubts about your status, use the ETA and visa checker to confirm.

New Zealand has a High Commission in Canberra and Consulates-General in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. They can help with passports, consular assistance and notarial services. For urgent help, call the consular emergency line.

If you need to contact the embassy, use the Embassy tool to find the nearest office and its hours.

Australia is not a cheap destination. Budget travellers can manage on about A$120–150 per day (NZ$130–165) for a hostel, public transport and simple meals. Mid-range travellers should plan for A$250–350 per day (NZ$275–385) for a hotel, some restaurant meals and activities. These are 2026 estimates and vary by city.

Flights from New Zealand to Australia are frequent and can be affordable if booked in advance. Use the flight-time and time-difference planner to compare options from your home city.

Direct flights connect Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and other Australian cities. The flight from Auckland to Sydney is about 3 hours; from Christchurch to Sydney about 3.5 hours. Check current schedules and prices with airlines or travel search engines.

Time zones: Australia is 2–4 hours behind New Zealand depending on the state and season. Daylight saving in the south-east (Oct–Apr) reduces the difference.

Australia uses Type I plugs (angled flat pins) with a 230 V, 50 Hz supply. New Zealand uses the same plug type and voltage, so your devices will work without an adapter. If you bring devices from other countries, you may need an adapter.

Tipping is not expected in Australia. Wages are high and service charges are usually included. You can round up a bill or leave a small tip for exceptional service, but it is not required. In restaurants, a 10% tip is appreciated but never expected.

In an emergency, call 000 for police, fire or ambulance. From a mobile phone, you can also dial 112. These numbers are free and work 24/7. For non-urgent police matters, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Information is based on the Australian Department of Home Affairs and New Zealand's SafeTravel. Rules can change; always confirm with official sources before travel.