New Zealand travel guide for the Irish

Irish citizens do not need a visa for New Zealand, but you must get an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you fly. Apply online or via the app, pay the International Visitor Levy, and allow up to 72 hours for approval. You can stay up to 6 months as a visitor.

As an Irish citizen, you are visa-waiver eligible for New Zealand. Before you travel, you need an NZeTA, which is valid for 2 years for multiple visits. The NZeTA costs NZD 17 online or NZD 12 via the mobile app, plus the International Visitor Levy of NZD 35 (2026 estimate). Apply at least 72 hours before departure, though most are approved faster.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand. You also need proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay. On arrival, you may be asked to show your NZeTA approval and return ticket.

Ireland does not have an embassy in New Zealand. The nearest Irish embassy is in Canberra, Australia, and covers New Zealand. For consular assistance, contact the Irish Embassy in Canberra or the Honorary Consul in Wellington. In an emergency, call the embassy's 24-hour line or the local emergency number 111.

New Zealand is not a budget destination. Plan for roughly €150–250 per day per person, covering accommodation, food, transport and activities. A self-drive trip with a rental car and mid-range hotels will be at the higher end. Flights from Ireland cost about €800–1,200 return (2026 estimate), often with a stop in Asia or the Middle East.

There are no direct flights from Ireland to New Zealand. You will connect through a hub such as Dubai, Doha, Singapore or Hong Kong. Total flight time is about 24–30 hours, depending on the stop. Auckland is the main arrival airport; Wellington and Christchurch also have international terminals.

New Zealand uses Type I plugs with angled flat pins, the same as Australia. The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz, so Irish devices with a standard two-pin plug will need an adapter. Check your devices; most phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage and will work with just an adapter.

Tipping is not expected in New Zealand. In restaurants, a 10% tip for very good service is a nice bonus, but it is not required. Cafés, taxis and tours do not expect tips. Rounding up a fare or leaving small change is fine but never obligatory.

In an emergency, dial 111 for police, fire or ambulance. For non-urgent police matters, call 105. If you are on the road and need help with a breakdown or traffic incident, use *555 from a mobile. Save these numbers in your phone before you travel.

Information on this page is based on official government sources and the New Zealand parent country facts. Fees and rules can change; always confirm with the official NZeTA site and your local authorities before booking.