People travelling on a passport from some countries must apply for a Visitor Visa to visit New Zealand. You can stay for up to either 6 months or 9 months. You cannot work, but you can study for up to 3 months.

Length of stay:
Up to either 6 months or 9 months

To apply you must:

• have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay.

• have enough money to pay your living expenses or have an acceptable sponsor.

• not plan to work in New Zealand, unless you work remotely for a business overseas.

• meet the other requirements of this visa.

This visa lets you:

• holiday in New Zealand.

• visit family and friends in New Zealand.

• study for up to 3 months.

• include your partner and dependent children in your visa application.

We recommend that travellers do not book any non-refundable travel until after their VisitorVisa is approved.
Some people, including citizens of visa waiver countries or territories can travel to New Zealand with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead of a visa. 
You do not need a Visitor Visa or an NZeTA if you are an Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport.

Check if you need an NZeTA or visa.

From November 2025, people with a Chinese passport or a passport from a Pacific Island forum country will be able to travel to New Zealand from Australia on an NZeTA, if they have a valid Australian visitor, work, student, or family visa.