Visas
New Zealand is planning a warm welcome for visitors from around the world during Rugby World Cup 2011.  Many people will qualify for visa-free entry, but some will need to apply for a visa before they come to New Zealand. Younger visitors might want to consider applying for a working holiday visa.  If you are travelling to New Zealand via an Australian airport, you may also need an Australian visa – consult your travel agent or airline if you are unsure. For everything you need to know about entering New Zealand, please click here. 

Customs
When you arrive in New Zealand, you’ll need to be carrying a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date. There will be Customs, immigration, and biosecurity points to pass through, regardless of whether you arrive by air or sea. To read about what to expect, what the rules are, and what you can bring into the country, click here. 

Biosecurity
New Zealand is free of many pests, plant diseases and animal infections common elsewhere in the world. We put a lot of effort into minimising the risk of these being introduced. When you arrive in New Zealand, you might have goods with you that could be carrying pests and diseases, so you must declare all risky goods at our border control points or dispose of them in the airport amnesty bins, or you risk receiving a significant fine. To learn more, click here.

Transport
There are many ways to travel round New Zealand -- by public transport, or by our extensive network of state highways and local roads. Driving is a great way to see the country, but there are a few things you need to know before you get behind the wheel: you will need an international driver’s licence; we drive on the left hand side of the road; safety belts are compulsory, and it is illegal to use a cellphone while driving. It's also easy to underestimate travelling time. Distances may seem short on paper, but New Zealand roads can be narrower than you're used to, cover hilly terrain, and vary from motorways to unsealed gravel roads. We want you to travel safe and have a great trip. To find out more please click here.

For information about driver fatigue, please click here.  

For information about drink-driving limits and penalties, please click here.

Health Care
New Zealand has a world-class, publicly-funded health service. However most visitors are not covered, so we recommend that all visitors should have travel insurance that includes health cover. We do have reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom, but conditions apply. To find out more about health care eligibility in New Zealand, and get advice on health issues that may be relevant to you click here.

Injuries
If you’re injured while in New Zealand, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) may be able to help with the cost of treatment and support while you’re here. However it is not a replacement for travel insurance, and does not cover illness, disrupted travel plans, or emergency travel to get you back home. To read more about ACC’s automatic, no-fault injury cover, click here.

i-SITE Visitor Centres
New Zealand has a terrific network of i-SITE Visitor Centres throughout the country. Every person who works at an i-SITE is a local expert, who can help you find quality activities, attractions, accommodation, transport, and more. For contact details, visit http://www.i-site.org.nz.

Tents, Campervans and National Parks
New Zealand is blessed with incredible natural beauty, and camping is a great way to experience it. However it is important that you do this safely, cleanly, and in areas that are set aside for this type of experience. Visit www.camping.org.nz for lots of useful information. New Zealand's amazing national parks also give you the chance to see close-up our unmatched landscapes and wildlife. There are tracks for all levels of fitness and experience, and plenty of huts, campgrounds, and lodges to stay in. However our climate is changeable, and conditions can be challenging. Stay safe by planning carefully and having the right equipment. For more national park information, please click here.

Police
Fancy a spot of hunting between matches while in New Zealand and wondering if you can bring your gun? Have you been here before, left without paying a speeding fine and wondering what will happen when you return? Police have the answers to these and other questions, please click here.

Commerce Commission
There’s lots of great stuff to buy in New Zealand, such as fine wine and food, local clothing, unique arts and crafts, souvenirs, and much, much more. As a consumer, you will want confidence in the information you receive before purchasing. To know your rights, please click here.

Taxation
You might also need to know about our tax system. Whether you're a fan, sports player, referee, coach, administrator, or business operator we want to help you understand your tax requirements, please click here