New Zealand Visitor Visas

Your Gateway to Exploring Aotearoa

Dreaming of experiencing New Zealand's stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique adventures? Whether you're planning a holiday, visiting loved ones, attending a special event, or seeking medical treatment, understanding the right visa for your visit is crucial.

At ZFS NZ, we specialise in simplifying the process of securing all types of New Zealand visitor visas. We provide expert, up-to-date guidance to ensure your journey to Aotearoa is smooth and stress-free.

Do You Need an NZeTA or a Visitor Visa?

The first step in planning your visit is determining whether you require a formal Visitor Visa or if you're eligible for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). This depends on your nationality and how you are arriving.

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA):

  • Who Needs It? If you are from a visa waiver country and travelling by air or cruise ship, you must request an NZeTA before you travel. Australian citizens are generally exempt from needing an NZeTA or a visa.

  • Purpose: For tourism, visiting family/friends, or short-term business activities.

  • Validity & Stay: An NZeTA is valid for 2 years (5 years for crew members) and allows multiple visits. You can typically stay for up to 3 months per visit (or 6 months for UK citizens). You cannot stay for more than 6 months in any 12-month period.

  • Important Note: The NZeTA is not a visa itself. When you arrive with an NZeTA, you are granted a Visitor Visa on arrival, provided you meet entry requirements.

Visitor Visa:

  • Who Needs It? If you are not from a visa waiver country, you must apply for a specific Visitor Visa before travelling to New Zealand.

  • Purpose: These visas cater to various visit purposes, beyond just general tourism, as detailed below.

Types of New Zealand Visitor Visas We Assist With

Beyond the general Visitor Visa, Immigration New Zealand offers several specific categories to cater to diverse travel needs. We provide expert advice and application support for:

  • General Visitor Visa:

    • For individuals from non-visa waiver countries wishing to visit New Zealand for tourism, recreation, or visiting family and friends.

    • Allows stays typically up to 6 months or 9 months within an 18-month period.

    • Allows you to study for up to 3 months.

  • Parent Boost Visitor Visa (New – applications opening September 29, 2025, more details to follow):

    • Designed for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to visit for an extended period.

    • Allows multiple entries for up to 5 years, with potential for a second visa up to a total of 10 years.

    • Requires sponsorship from an eligible child (NZ citizen/resident) who meets income or financial support criteria.

    • Applicants must meet enhanced health standards and maintain comprehensive health insurance.

    • Note: This is a visitor visa and does not lead to residence.

  • Parent and Grandparent Multiple Entry Visitor Visa :

    • Allows parents and grandparents of New Zealand citizens or residents to visit for up to 6 months at a time, over a 3-year period, with a maximum total stay of 18 months in 3 years.

    • Requires sponsorship from a child or grandchild who is an NZ citizen or resident.

  • Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa:

    • For individuals who have had a culturally arranged marriage overseas with an NZ citizen/resident, or intend to marry one in New Zealand.

    • A 3-month visa to allow the applicant to arrive and live with their partner, with the possibility to apply for a partnership-based visa once in a genuine and stable relationship.

  • Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa:

    • For parents or legal guardians wishing to live with and care for their child (aged 17 or younger, or enrolled in school years 1-13) who is in New Zealand on a student visa.

    • Allows a stay for the same duration as the child's student visa.

    • Generally, does not permit work.

  • Business Visitor Visa:

    • For individuals visiting New Zealand for short-term business activities, such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or exploring investment opportunities.

    • Not for undertaking full-time or paid employment in New Zealand.

  • Medical Treatment Visitor Visa:

    • For individuals who need to come to New Zealand for specific medical treatment or consultations not available in their home country.

    • Requires evidence of acceptance for treatment and proof of funds to cover all medical and living costs.

  • Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa:

    • For performers or support crew members travelling to New Zealand for a short-term live entertainment act promoted by an Immigration New Zealand approved promoter.

  • Academic Visitor Visa:

    • For academics with research or academic work experience visiting New Zealand to take part in teaching, education, professional management or research for a short period.

General Eligibility Requirements for All Visitor Visas

Regardless of the specific type, all visitor visa applicants must meet general INZ requirements:

  • Genuine Intent to Visit: You must genuinely intend to visit for the stated purpose and intend to leave New Zealand at the end of your authorised stay.

  • Good Health: You must meet Immigration New Zealand's health requirements. This may involve medical certificates.

  • Good Character: You must be of good character and provide police certificates if required.

  • Sufficient Funds: You must have enough money to support yourself during your stay (generally at least NZD $1,000 per person per month, or NZD $400 per person per month if you have prepaid accommodation), or be supported by an acceptable New Zealand sponsor.

  • Onward Travel: You must hold an onward or return ticket to a country you have the right to enter, or have sufficient funds to purchase one.

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.

How ZFS NZ Can Help You

Applying for any New Zealand visa, even for a short visit, can involve detailed requirements and specific evidence. We remove the stress and complexity by providing:

  • Tailored Eligibility Assessment: We'll assess your specific circumstances to determine the most suitable visitor visa pathway for you or your family.

  • NZeTA Application Support: Guidance and assistance for those eligible for and requiring an NZeTA.

  • Comprehensive Documentation: Clear checklists and expert advice on gathering all necessary personal documents, financial evidence, travel itineraries, and any required health or character certificates.

  • Meticulous Application Preparation: We ensure your application is accurately completed and submitted, reducing the risk of delays or refusal.

  • Liaison with Immigration New Zealand: We manage all communication with INZ on your behalf, responding to any queries or requests for further information.

  • Clear Visa Conditions: We explain your visa conditions, including permitted stay duration and any restrictions, ensuring you have a compliant and enjoyable visit.

Ready to explore the wonders of New Zealand or fulfil a specific purpose? Contact ZFS NZ today for a comprehensive consultation on your New Zealand Visitor Visa options. We're based in Auckland and here to make your travel dreams a reality.