Australian passport to New Zealand
Australian citizens don't need a visa or an NZeTA, and don't pay the visitor levy. You get a free resident visa when you arrive, which lets you live, work and study in New Zealand.
The rules
- What you need
- Nothing. You can live and work there
- How long you can stay
- No time limit. You can live, work and study in New Zealand.
- Your passport
- Valid when you travel. The 3-month rule for other visitors doesn't apply to you.
- Arrival card
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Everyone must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. It's free online or in the NZTD app, and you can submit it from 24 hours before your journey starts. There's a paper form on arrival if you need one. Official site
Quick answers
Do Australian citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
No. Australian citizens don't need a visa or an NZeTA, and don't pay the visitor levy. You get a free resident visa when you arrive, which lets you live, work and study in New Zealand.
How long does my passport need to be valid for New Zealand?
Valid when you travel. The 3-month rule for other visitors doesn't apply to you.
Do I need an arrival card for New Zealand?
Yes. Everyone must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. It's free online or in the NZTD app, and you can submit it from 24 hours before your journey starts. There's a paper form on arrival if you need one.
Things that could change this
- Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? Don't count parking or speeding fines.If yes: You may need a visa before you travelIf you have a criminal conviction, or have been deported, removed or excluded from any country, you may be refused a resident visa at the border. If you're not sure you meet the character rules, apply for a visa before you travel.
- Are you taking any medicines with you, including cold, flu, allergy or pain remedies?If yes: Carry your prescription and declare if neededKeep medicines in their original packaging and carry your prescription or a letter from your doctor. You can bring up to 3 months' supply, or 1 month for controlled drugs. Declare all controlled drugs on your NZTD, and any medicine over 3 months' supply or not prescribed to you or your family. Cold medicines with pseudoephedrine count as controlled drugs.
Good to know
Declare all food or risk a NZ$400 fine. New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules, and most food can't be brought in. Declare all food, plants and animal products on your NZTD. If you don't, you can get an instant NZ$400 fine.
Checked 26 October 2026 against Immigration New Zealand, New Zealand Traveller Declaration and Smartraveller, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See the 6 official sources
- Australian citizens and permanent residents travelling to New Zealand (Immigration New Zealand)
- Australian Resident Visa (Immigration New Zealand)
- Paying the International Visitor Levy (Immigration New Zealand)
- Before you travel to New Zealand (Immigration New Zealand)
- Completing your declaration (New Zealand Traveller Declaration (New Zealand Government))
- New Zealand travel advice (Smartraveller, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)