Travel Vaccines and Advice for New Zealand

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for New Zealand. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for New Zealand: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

The food and water standards are similar for the U.S. and New Zealand. Most travelers don’t need to take special precautions while traveling in New Zealand in regards to food and water habits.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

While New Zealand is an industrialized country, mosquitoes and other bug bites can still spread diseases. You don’t have to worry about taking precaution with malarial medication, but, you should try to avoid bug bites as in the States.

If you’re outside, take precaution by covering exposed skin and using an insect repellent. New Zealand has a lot to offer visitors in ways of outdoor activities. Consider using permethrin-treated clothing if participating in outdoor activities.

If you’re traveling as a tourist and planning on staying in New Zealand for three months or less, you don’t need a visa. But, you do need a passport that will be valid for a at least three months after your trip and proof of either return tickets or a ticket for traveling onward after your stay in New Zealand.

New Zealand Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to New Zealand?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of New Zealand and U.S. State Department

If you plan on staying for longer than the three months you should apply for a visitor’s visa. You can also apply for a work or student visa for New Zealand.

New Zealand has mild temperatures with high rainfall. With the climate dominated by the sea and the mountains, it depends on where you are in New Zealand for the climate. Here are a few major cities and what you can expect weather wise while traveling:

• Auckland – The most populous city in New Zealand has warm humid summers and mild winters. It’s located on and around an isthmus while also straddling the Auckland volcanic field. Because of its location, it has an oceanic and humid subtropical climate. Year round temperatures are in the 50-60 degree range with the coldest reaching low 40’s and the highest the mid-80’s. There can be high levels of rainfall year-round, but there is rarely ever snow in Auckland.
• Wellington – Located in the south-western tip of the North Island, the capital of New Zealand is known as “Windy Wellington.” It offers a mild, temperate marine climate with the occasional frost during the winter season. From October to April the city has temperatures in the 70’s with lots of sunshine. You can expect rainfall throughout the year with June and July being the wettest months.
• Blenheim – In the north-east of the South Island, Blenheim is a sunny city in the Marlborough region. Due to a rain shadow effect from the mountain ranges to the west, the climate of the city is mild. You can expect warm summers with temperatures averaging in the 60’s and cool winters with some frost and temperatures in the low 30’s. There is rarely snow and the mountain ranges shelter the city from the heavy rains coming in from the west.

There is no travel warning for New Zealand for U.S. Citizens.

But, you should be alert to any unusual activity. Be aware of your surroundings, and report any incidents to the police. While the crime rate in New Zealand is low, there are higher amounts of thefts in areas most frequented by tourists. Take precaution while traveling, keep your eye on all your valuables.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), especially if you’re traveling by yourself. Being enrolled in STEP allows you to contact your family in case of emergencies, makes it easier to locate you in an emergency, and gives you peace of mind during your travels.

The combination of ice and temperate rain forest is a unique feature of New Zealand’s glacier country. Almost half of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is covered in glaciers. Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as in New Zealand.

You’re able to get up close and personal to the Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers with guided tours and excursions for glacier hiking and ice climbing. The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are on the South Island’s West Coast and are easily accessible for hikers and mountaineers looking for adventure. Different companies offer various levels of difficulty for the excursions. This means that anyone can experience hiking in this gorgeous glacier area.

There are scenic flights in helicopters and fixed wing aircraft that can take you over the glaciers. Think of all the amazing picture opportunities you would have! They provide flights, snow landings on some of New Zealand’s highest peaks, and can take you through Glacier County.

Depending on your travel plans, you may need to consider packing some of these essential items in your suitcase for your trip to New Zealand. Don’t forget to pack:

• Sunscreen – New Zealand is a very sunny country, so be sure to pack some type of sunscreen to protect your skin. Try getting a sports- or water-specific sunscreen. Even if you don’t think you’ll be outside for a lot of your trip, wear sunscreen for those times you are out in the sun. Nothing is worse than getting sunburned your first day of vacation.
• Umbrella/Raincoat – Most of New Zealand has heavy rainfall throughout the year. Unlike some countries there isn’t a wet season and a dry season. Be prepared for anything with a small umbrella or a raincoat you can pack in your day bag in case you need it. Don’t ruin your day by being soaking wet, be prepared and stay dry.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes – Whether you’re walking through a museum, sightseeing in the city, or doing some glacial hiking, it’s important to have comfortable shoes. Avoid blisters and aches by packing some comfortable shoes in your suitcase.

All Americans visiting New Zealand should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Once in New Zealand, the information for the U.S. consulate is:

U.S. Consulate General Auckland
Citigroup Centre, 3rd Floor,
23 Customs Street East
Auckland, New Zealand
Telephone: +(64)(9) 303-2724
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (64)(9) 303-2724 ext. 2900
Fax: +(64)(9) 366-0870
Email: aucklandacs@state.gov

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!