🛬🛂 Everything You Need to Know About Arriving in a New Zealand Airport

[@NZPocketGuide]

Have you checked out our latest Facebook giveaway? 🔥 WIN A FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER HELI HIKE & ENTRY TO THE GLACIER HOT POOLS🔥 facebook.com/backpackerguidenz/posts/2179847202041998

[@Anime22916]

Thank you for this information. I want to know something is . My nationality is Bangladesh and I'm a resident of Qatar it's been 5 years in qatar now and I want to visit Newzeland on visitor & work visa so what I have to do and I want to travel Newzeland in between2019 December or 2020January

[@BobbyClements]

Sitting at a Cafe in Auckland binge watching your videos because they're so helpful and I have no clue what to do. I've been in the City for 3 days now and I'm not sure where I want to go (definitely have to work first before any travel happens). My airport experience was super chill and easy. I declared my hiking boots and got to skip past the huge line and was treated to a free boot washing haha one of the ore hassle free airport experiences to date for me.

[@NZPocketGuide]

That's cool! We do tend to make a lot of videos haha! Glad to hear that airport-wise it all went well for you :)

[@comel09]

11:10 the most important is #4 &5. Thank you!

[@NZPocketGuide]

We agree! Thanks for tagging it for everybody :)

[@pamelacaudle3159]

Thank you for this information. Touring NZ soon and am excited to see this beautiful country.

[@NZPocketGuide]

Nice one! What are you the most looking forward to during your trip Pamela?

[@sophiepearce6704]

I love your blog! Info lists are a great way to read about travelling and your lists are my fave

[@NZPocketGuide]

Thank you so much for the kind words Sophie :) We always love to hear a bit of support, you rock!

[@sophieleishman5993]

By the way Auckland airport is the strictest airport about security and safety to the country Wellington is probably the most not strict and Christchurch falls in between them

[@NZPocketGuide]

Very good feedback Sophie thanks! It's quite impressive that you were able to use so many airport in NZ and notice so many differences ;)

[@sophieleishman5993]

BackpackerGuide.NZ I live in New Zealand lol also I live in Wellington region so that’s why I know that Wellington airport is the smallest main airport in New Zealand

[@NZPocketGuide]

Haha this explains that then ;)

[@sophieleishman5993]

BackpackerGuide.NZ yeah lol

[@miyounova]

OH, given that you seem to know about these things, I'm a little bit worried/curious: I'm moving to Dunedin, from Europe, with my partner this winter, which means my last flight will be from Auckland to Dunedin, but will I have to go through customs in Auckland or Dunedin? Usually, anywhere else, it'd be at your final destination, especially when booking flights as one journey where you don't actually leave the airport/international zone until your final destination (Dunedin in this instance). I'm just wandering because of course I'd have to account for that when booking flights, to give myself enough time to change flights in Auckland (or perhaps Wellington, but I'd think most long haul flights would arrive in Auckland). Thank you for your help!

[@Anthony305ttt]

I’m really excited for my New Zealand trip next week!

[@NZPocketGuide]

Nice! How long will you stay in NZ Anthony?

[@tjludes4431]

Great Peppy high energy vids. So im curious if I need to declare my wallet and belt in case they have real leather in them (or would it be easier to buy a plastic wallet and belt before making my way to NZ)? Also, I use 2 OTC products daily for heartburn ( famotidine ) and a sleep aid ( doxylamine succinate ) but dont know if they are on a restricted list. Thanks

[@NZPocketGuide]

There is literally zero harm in declaring them. So just take what you have and declare it :)

[@jamessnipervlog7383]

excelent guide thanks!

[@NZPocketGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@noahlegrand2031]

Another great, helpful video. Thanks again!

[@NZPocketGuide]

Always happy to help :)

[@aumlanguha9328]

Superb, very informative. Thanks guys..

[@NZPocketGuide]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the lovely comment :)

[@eduardosoriano7712]

Pls guide me in answering the travel declaration. Thank you.

[@NZPocketGuide]

Yes, sure. Here is the video -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3bap52kZ7SLm6c

[@germaineboatwala-sidhva1079]

Excellent video! Packed with essential information and links. 👍 Any idea about bringing over ancestral jewellery item? Thanks.

[@NZPocketGuide]

Thanks for that! I am not sure what items you are referring to?!

[@germaineboatwala-sidhva1079]

@@NZPocketGuide Oh like some ancestral rings and necklaces which are heirloom in my home country. It's not much, but what are the rules of bringing it to NZ, my new home? If you know.

[@Hobbitenlacomarca]

Thank you guys for your entire channel ! Btw fyi passing through a NZ airport is very similar to arriving to Chile, if you ever go there

[@NZPocketGuide]

Super happy to know that we are helpful ;) Nice, if we ever hit Santiago we know what to expect then!

[@minithmey7826]

This is so stressful, anyway Thank for your information!! Is it okay if you take cold medicine with you??? I heard my friend saying that NZ treatment is so expensive!!

[@NZPocketGuide]

Haha so happy to be helpful ;) Yeah you should be good, as long as you... you guessed it... Declare it ;)

[@benghanem5490]

Thanks for the tips You are doing a Great job 💛🙏🏻

[@NZPocketGuide]

You're most welcome Jim, Thanks for taking the time to comment, we really appreciate it :)

[@BaoNguyen-yo7ip]

so touching for an excellent video

[@NZPocketGuide]

Glad you think so!

[@mdrg6583]

Great video guys. By coincidence I landed here and I fell in love with your channel. Fantastic way of breaking everything down. A question: if I'm at airport with NZeTA and planning to stay one month, in case I have 2500 NZD cash on hand and have already paid my accommodation fees online. Should I still show a bank statement? Thanks.

[@NZPocketGuide]

Thanks for all the love :) You only need the bank account requirements for a Working Holiday visa, not for the NZeTa

[@emmaforster832]

Hi, thank you so much for your video! I do have abquestion though...i am flying to Dunedin in January and have a stopover in Auckland! Will I need to get my suitcase in Auckland, go through customs and bio control there already, and then check in my bag again or will I just need to do that at my final destination in Dunedin? Thank you so much! Emma

[@NZPocketGuide]

Heya Emma, this should all be done in Auckland so make sure you have enough time between your flights :)

[@Nightteare]

how much time does it takes to pass through all that? I have a 2 hours window between arriving at 5am to Auckland to my next flight to Christchurch at 7am, and people had told me that it isn't enough time and probably will lose my connection flight.

[@NZPocketGuide]

Yeah... 2 hours may be cutting it a bit too short. Depending of the amount of arrival at the same time and the transfer from one terminal to the other and the check in time for your second flight. We suggest you re-book your flight for a later time.

[@ditrasla]

thanks for the tips guys !!. What happens if I go with a Charango (wooden musical instrument), I must declare?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Better be safe than sorry, just declare it and see with the Biosecurity team :)

[@regmatt]

Transit question so we got down from international flight and got 1 hour 55 mints to board Christ church , how does the transit process works , do we have to wait for the bus or walk . Do we have to collect our bagage or go straight to domestic security to check in ?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Hey Regi, we actually answered your question during our live session last time -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5XJiItvab57mZY

[@Marilena1320]

If I get a Residency (my partner is a Kiwi), when does that come through? Like do they stamp my Cyprus Passport? And I'll be having some snacks with me in my carry on as well as checked suitcases, will I need to declare those? (chips, traditional sweets & candy)

[@NZPocketGuide]

Hey Marilena, we can't answer visa related question. As per your snacks, yes you need to declare them!

[@cleorrrcx9405]

Hi, im a student travelling to NZ. I just wanted to ask if I should get a prescription for OTC medicines ( panadol, vitamin c etc) for declaration or no? Thanks.

[@NZPocketGuide]

It would be safer to do so depending on the quantity. That said, you can get those easily in New Zealand :)

[@cleorrrcx9405]

@@NZPocketGuide thank you!! 😊

[@elizabethfarias9104]

Thanks for the video! For my return flight home, I'm flying from Christchurch to Auckland and then Auckland to California. If everything is on time I will have an hour and 20 minutes to get from the domestic to international terminal. Will I have enough time to get to the gate for boarding? I read that one has to take a shuttle in order to get from one terminal to the other.

[@NZPocketGuide]

WOW! That's pretty short! If you run and everything is on time (which is a big ask) you could be good, but that's way too small of a margin for us to be comfortable with. We strongly advise you to get an earlier flight.

[@elizabethfarias9104]

​@@NZPocketGuide Thanks for the advice! I will definitely be getting an earlier flight :)

[@anandsivadas8813]

Really helpful 👍🏻thank you guys

[@NZPocketGuide]

No problem, Anand! Are you planning to head over to NZ soon?

[@veeess6916]

Hi i just discovered ypur youtube chanel and i am truly impressed. I wanted to ask. I applied for my NZ visitors visa while on holiday in South Africa. I applied online. If i get the visa, can i travel to New zealand from south africa or i have to go to my home country. Does country of origin of journey matter to immigration officials? What are the likely issues that can get one deported upon entering? Thanks in advance

[@NZPocketGuide]

Thanks for the kind words. We sadly can not give immigration advice as it is illegal for us to do so. You will need to contact immigration New Zealand directly for this question :)

[@XeonIsWeird]

Im a U.S citizen, I’ve been dating this girl from NZ for a while. I’m willing to risk it all fly to New Zealand this December or next year just to be able to see her.

[@NZPocketGuide]

Oh wow! You need to join one of our live shows and tell us more!!!

[@XeonIsWeird]

@@NZPocketGuide well, that didn’t go well, ultimately she didn’t know what she wanted, and we both went our separate ways.

[@NZPocketGuide]

Sorry to hear that. It is good that it happened earlier rather than later though before you invested too much. Plenty of fish in the sea@@XeonIsWeird !

[@regmatt]

i have a question so if i book from iah to akl and akl to iah .....and akl to Queenstown separately .......while returning do I have to go to the baggage area and get my luggage and then go to the check-in area to catch a flight for akl to iah.....how long and far is it from domestic baggage area to international check-in ?....seems like a long question, just clearing my path to make sure I do the right thing

[@NZPocketGuide]

Cool thanks for that one Regi, I have added it to the list as well. We'll be live in 1h30min, joins us then!

[@aishwaryashrestha8357]

what is the left lane for? (by the way travelling abroad for first time)

[@NZPocketGuide]

It's the same than all the other lanes ;) Just less popular!

[@quadriadeyemi1910]

I need your advice. I'm planning to relocate to New Zealand very soon with employment visa. But I'm so worried and concern about my status. I'm Hiv positive and I have been on Medication 💊 since 2015. I'm physically fit and healthy, I'm living normal life and I'm happy. I'm worried May be New Zealand immigration will reject my visa application due to my health status. Please I need your opinion, how can I go about it, am I going to be accepted to New zealand ??

[@NZPocketGuide]

We are not registered immigration advisers. For this reason, it is illegal for us to answer any individual questions about visas, immigration, work sponsorship, etc… Please note that we will not be able to respond to any emails pertaining to those subjects.

[@quadriadeyemi1910]

@@NZPocketGuide Thank you

[@eduardosoriano7712]

Can I pack cookies and polvoron cream in my carry-on bag? Pls. guide me. Thank you.

[@NZPocketGuide]

If you pack food, you will need to declare it.

[@mudassirquadar]

Hi..I will be traveling to New Zealand on a student visa.. I have already shown the funds to immigration department earlier at the time of visa application.. Now, i applied for student visa in July and will arrive in Feb next year.. Do i need to show the bank statement i used for the application or a fresh bank statement which is recent at the time of grant of entry permission ?

[@NZPocketGuide]

You will need a proof of fund in case it is asked when entering the country so have it with you in the plane.

[@HossLUK]

hey, I am a U.S. citizen with a US Passport, I looked up if I need a visa and it said I didn't as long as I stayed under 3 months which im planning on just staying 2 months, it was called a visa waiver or something like that which is a bit confusing to me. So does this mean I do not need a visa, only my passport and i'll be good to go?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Hey Payne, we actually address this very question in depth in this live stream -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4PRkGhpmMpnaZo I hope you like it :)

[@HossLUK]

@@NZPocketGuide thank you, im actually leaving in just 2 days and it's my first time actually being on a plane so there are a lot of nerves but thank you for helping me settle some of those nerves

[@NZPocketGuide]

No worries, keep watching our videos so you are super well informed ;) For your flight, we wrote a lot of our tips right here -> www.backpackerguide.nz/prepare-for-a-long-haul-flight/ this may help too :)

[@AnnKiley]

Can you be wearing the hiking boots you need to declare?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Absolutely, you can wear your hiking boots while entering New Zealand, but you'll still need to declare them. New Zealand takes biosecurity very seriously to protect its unique ecosystem. Just make sure they're clean and free of soil before you travel. Once you declare them, customs may inspect them to ensure they meet the biosecurity standards. If you're looking for deeper insights or have more questions about traveling in New Zealand, our Patreon at www.patreon.com/nzpocketguide is packed with resources. Join us there for access to weekly group calls and our secret Facebook group, where you can get personalized advice for your trip.

[@faith_made_me_strong]

Hi there. If im traveling from the US to New Zealand for vacation, I should get a NZeTA?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Heya, yep, you'll need one :) Here's more info for you -> nzpocketguide.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-zealand-eta-visitor-levy/

[@faith_made_me_strong]

@@NZPocketGuide ok great! And I had no idea flights from east coast Charlotte to New Zealand were so expensive! Yikes! 😱😮😮

[@NZPocketGuide]

@@faith_made_me_strong yeah it is probably the worst time EVER to fly at the moment when it comes to prices 😮Things should get better at some point, it has to haha!

[@katytheangel4141]

Wait, I am confused. Why would the immigration officer ask for sufficient funds for the visa? I mean, you already paid when you have one.

[@NZPocketGuide]

Many visas have conditions such as "Have a minimum of NZ$4200 available for your travel expenses in NZ" This is the kind of funds that we are talking about.

[@katytheangel4141]

@@NZPocketGuide Oh, okay, thank you! Maybe I just got it wrong. :-)

[@NZPocketGuide]

No worries we're here to help ;)

[@Nixon87]

How is with liquids? I vape and i wanna know if I can bring vaping liquids in NZ? Regards 😊

[@NZPocketGuide]

No idea! There must be regulations but they have not been made public or available to us just yet :(

[@Henrystar5176]

Please i want to know about motueka, and i also wanna know if is a good place to visit or live in

[@NZPocketGuide]

Yeah it's a fun place :)

[@jafddfea3979]

Do I have to write the countries on the passenger arrival card, even when I'm not leaving the airport security zone? I will fly from Hamburg and my flight goes over Dubai and I will just go to the next plane heading to New Zealand and won't spend any time in Dubai.

[@NZPocketGuide]

Good question, Just write where you boarded the plane ;)

[@imranidrus7400]

HI, I'm going to Queenstown NZ on this September. I'm from Malaysia, I just apply for visa. Do i need to apply NZeta too? Is there a minimum cash requirement to bring? If my visa is rejected, do I have to pay again for my next application? Is there any problem if i bring bicycle to explore Queenstown? Sorry if so many question :)

[@NZPocketGuide]

Hey Imran, here are some info about the ETA -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/j53Ek4uAhtiFfLc / Cash depends on your visa requirements, we can;t answer visa questions sorry. Bicycle in QT is a lot of fun ;)

[@mercyqueen4302]

Thank you guys...

[@NZPocketGuide]

Our pleasure!

[@christianromero8503]

So, to be clear. If I only pack clothes, my cell phone and my laptop, I should not declare anything. Right??

[@NZPocketGuide]

Haha that seems right :)

[@aayushipuri8463]

Hi, very informative video . Thanks guys. Does any one know if one can bring a collection of miniatures perfume ,around 60 of them?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Since you can not bring commercial samples on a visitor visa, you probably will have to get a business visa. We are not immigration advisers though so you may want to contact immigration New Zealand to get an official answer.

[@OdunolaOlowa]

Do i need biometric and medicals for entrering into New Zealand

[@NZPocketGuide]

For specific entry requirements into New Zealand, such as biometrics and medical examinations, it generally depends on the type of visa you're applying for and your country of origin. Visitors from certain countries may need to provide biometric information as part of their visa application, and some visas may require medical examinations to ensure that incoming travelers meet health standards. I'm not qualified to give specific immigration advice, so for the most accurate and personalized information, it's best to consult New Zealand's official immigration website or contact their immigration authorities directly. For more travel tips and resources, feel free to explore our community on www.patreon.com/nzpocketguide, where you can find detailed guides and support for your travel planning. Safe travels!

[@icarolineg]

Do you guys know the difference between NZeTA and a visa?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Yep, here you go -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/j53Ek4uAhtiFfLc

[@세요여보-t7s]

How to pass immigration if you have tourist visa. First time traveler

[@NZPocketGuide]

Just show your visa paperwork to the immigration adviser (or just your passport if you have an e-passport) and off you go ;)

[@muhammadyasin7359]

if iam passing through new zealand for like an hour and have pakistani passport, do i need a transit visa?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Most countries do not need a transit visa for New Zealand but you will need to contact immigration New Zealand to get an official answer as your country may be on the list to require visa.

[@lakhnechahmed2735]

I am Ahmed from Algeria, I am 51 years old. I would like to complete my PhD studies. After completing my studies, can I apply for immigration?

[@NZPocketGuide]

You will need to check your immigration path with Immigration New Zealand directly 🤩

[@johnnyhehehe9098]

I think you too old there's a cut off for certain age

[@kennedymatthew25]

If I’m just visiting for 4 days do I need to apply for a visa?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Usually not, BUT it will depend of your country of origin, please contact immigration New Zealand to confirm as we can not provide immigration or visa advice.

[@AndikaDwiparanaSN]

Hi @nzpocketguide I have question, where is the best place to change USD to NZD in new zealand?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Heya, thanks for the question, we just answered it in our last live Q&A video (#66)

[@maximiliano8849]

Hi. Do control drugs include supplements?

[@NZPocketGuide]

It will depend which ones, refer to the Customs website for detailed info :)

[@almasboy4516]

How much cost of the car in NZ ?

[@NZPocketGuide]

We have some tips ready for you -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWSTqp9nl9OdqMk

[@bskjonnemand]

If i dont leave the airport do i habe to go through customs

[@NZPocketGuide]

Good question. If you're connecting to another international flight then perhaps not. Maybe double check that with your airline :)

[@bskjonnemand]

@@NZPocketGuide just did everything then waiting for my connecting flight and for everyone else the answer is no you don't have to go through customs as long as you're doing an international connection flight

[@NZPocketGuide]

Thanks for taking the time to share your answer with everybody Benjamin, you rock!

[@miyounova]

@@bskjonnemand Oh so if you arrive from another country say to Auckland but your final destination is another city in NZ, you go through customs in Auckland???? Shit, I'll have to be careful with that!

[@Geliott]

Are there biosecurity in NZ Post? I sent tiny dry tree branch via letter. Will it be gutted? :\

[@NZPocketGuide]

They do spot check anything into NZ, by mail, boat, airport etc...

[@Geliott]

@@NZPocketGuide well, rip then ;\ Thanks for answer!

[@Geliott]

@@NZPocketGuide my letter wasn't opened :P what a miracle!

[@NZPocketGuide]

@@Geliott Lucky this time ;)

[@niftybright]

Thank you for your efforts.😄 Do homoeopathy medicine required prescription. Tc

[@NZPocketGuide]

That is a good question. We're pretty sure it is but worth checking. Contact NZ customs and let us know :)

[@manykuoy5447]

Can I bring dietary supplements in my luggage?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Declare them on arrival for sure :)

[@kshitijkotwal2231]

Will they go through my phone and laptop ?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Customs New Zealand and Immigration New Zealand has the right to do so if they think they should. There is a bit of paperwork involved though so it may take a while.

[@lizgerdes]

What happens if you bring in more then $10,000?

[@NZPocketGuide]

You will need to declare it and fill up a few extra form so immigration New Zealand an check that the money is legitimate.

[@kienquoctran4198]

It is useful

[@NZPocketGuide]

thanks Viet Kien :) When are you planning to visit New Zealand?

[@radiattromp7151]

what about leather jackets

[@NZPocketGuide]

Should be Ok as long as you declare it. We've just released another video going through all the things you need to declare when arriving in NZ so that should give you a better idea :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJLIfJitjMx4Z9k

[@세요여보-t7s]

What is egate?

[@NZPocketGuide]

It's basically a machine that scans your passport and opens a door so you can pass through :)

[@sreejeshmohan3743]

@BackpackerGuide.NZ i will arrive at auckland by 11:30pm and have to get to hamilton. I wont be getting any buses at that time so will i be able to stay and rest at airport by any means?

[@NZPocketGuide]

For sure! There are many hotels, motels and hostels near the airport, most of them can either pick you up from the airport of are a very short bus ride away :)

[@TheAgeOfLyrics]

simple answer, DON'T BRING IN ANYTHING ILLEGAL, apart from cloths

[@NZPocketGuide]

Haha yep that's pretty much common sense right?!

[@TX1961]

Is that guy using a French accent?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Haha yeah, Robin was born in France. Well spotted!

[@panjiagustian7197]

what accent does she has?

[@NZPocketGuide]

Laura is from England (UK) WHat about your Panji?

[@lachlanmaclean4224]

F

[@xorbodude]

damn. invasion of privacy much?

[@NZPocketGuide]

That's travel for you ;)

[@pushpopaddict]

LOLOL the 5 Airport Hacks -_____-

[@NZPocketGuide]

Haha

[@ramuthapa1641]

Great job❤ thanks for good information guys..

[@NZPocketGuide]

Thanks for watching!

[@danielcholewinski1110]

If you are arriving in Auckland internationally and then catching a plane from Auckland to christchurch how much time do you require to get through customs and swap planes?

[@NZPocketGuide]

It depends on how busy the airport and security is. I personally would ensure I have at least 3h as planes can also be delayed.

[@danielcholewinski1110]

@@NZPocketGuide the flight I am looking at has a 3 hour 5 minute stop is that playing it pretty safe?