For travelers from other countries, a trip to New Zealand can seem otherworldly. The nation’s geographic isolation for tens of millions of years has made it home to unique plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth, and its natural beauty has resulted in it being the setting for many of your favorite films.
But if you think New Zealand is all kiwi birds and hobbit movie sets, you’re missing out. There are unique and interesting cities like Auckland and Wellington, exciting adventure activities, and jaw-dropping landscapes that await you here. All you need is the right travel medical insurance , and you’ll be ready to go.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in New Zealand – FAQs
Health insurance is important no matter where you are. And although New Zealand offers free or subsidized healthcare to residents, this is not available to you as a tourist. If you need medical treatment while on a trip to New Zealand, it’s going to cost you. To control just how large that bill can be, make sure you have travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for New Zealand?
There is no legal requirement to purchase travel medical insurance to visit New Zealand, but this does not mean you should forego having it. The country has excellent hospitals and doctors, but they will not be inexpensive. If you become sick or injured, you will need travel medical insurance to protect your bank account from massive medical bills.
Why buy travel medical insurance before traveling to New Zealand?
The risk of getting sick or injured doesn’t take a holiday just because you do. You’re just as likely – and perhaps even more so – to get hurt or become ill in a foreign country as you are at home. When you’re out sightseeing, trying new experiences, and eating unfamiliar food, the chance of a health complication only increases. Since you can’t completely eliminate the health risks, mitigate the financial risk of medical treatment abroad with travel health insurance.
New Zealand’s Most Popular Places for Travel
New Zealand is a captivating place with bountiful natural beauty. You could spend a year here and not see even a fraction of the sites. However, if we were to pick just five to put on your itinerary, they would be these:
Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound
Located on the South Island, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts incredible fjords carved out by glaciers over millions of years. You can explore lush rainforests, commanding mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and peaceful islands off the shore. Sea kayaking and hiking are two of the most popular activities here, including the famous Milford Track hike. Be sure your camera’s memory card has plenty of space before visiting, because you’re going to take a lot of pictures.
Wellington
New Zealand’s capital should be on every itinerary. Its location between forested hills and peaceful bays, and unique combination of attractions make it a must-visit. While in Wellington, take the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views of the city, explore Weta Cave to see sets from movies like Avatar and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and see unique wildlife such as the iconic kiwi bird and tuatara at the Wellington Zoo.
Rotorua
The earth literally bubbles in Rotorua, one of the most active geothermal locations on the planet. Put on your hiking boots to explore steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, thermal springs, and calderas. But there’s much more to do here than just sightsee. You can also try your hand at mountain biking, fishing, and even skydiving, if you’re brave enough!
Auckland
The largest city in New Zealand offers a more urban feel, but is still an outdoor paradise. The Hauraki Gulf is perfect for water sports like fishing, sailing and scuba diving, and Woodhill Mountain Bike Park is ideal for the singletrack enthusiast, with over 50 trails available for all skill levels. If you’re ready for some culture, catch a performance at the Royal New Zealand Ballet, or learn about New Zealand’s history at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Napier
Situated in sunny Hawke’s Bay on the North Island, Napier is adorned with art deco buildings that were constructed in the 1930s after an earthquake destroyed the original town. Today, it’s home to numerous gourmet restaurants, farmer’s markets, and quiet streets to explore. Napier is an ideal couple’s getaway in New Zealand.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in New Zealand
So long as you take appropriate measures if participating in any hazardous sports, New Zealand is a remarkably safe country to visit. However, there are still certain things you should keep in mind during your visit.
Petty Crime
New Zealand does not experience a high crime rate, and visitors do not need to take more than general precautions. Perhaps the most common crime is theft from vehicles; particularly rental cars and RVs. Your best bet is to never leave your possessions in a vehicle, even if it’s locked and they’re out of sight. Take any important items with you, or leave them locked securely in your hotel.
Road Conditions
It’s common to rent a car to explore New Zealand, and road conditions are generally safe, so long as you’re familiar with driving on the left. However, keep in mind that many routes are very hilly and winding, with narrow lanes and steep drop-offs. Drive very carefully, and obey all traffic laws.
Nature’s Fury
New Zealand is located along the “Ring of Fire,” an active seismic zone that stretches all the way to South America. As such, earthquakes, tremors, and volcanic eruptions are possible. These can cause landslides and closed roads, so be sure to pay attention to local media and authorities to stay safe.
New Zealand can also experience tsunamis and tropical storms. Thankfully, each hotel room should have detailed instructions about evacuation routes, contact information for local authorities, and other important information to follow in case of a storm.
COVID-19
New Zealand removed most COVID-19 restrictions in September, 2022. There are no longer any vaccination or testing mandates for incoming travelers. However, masks are still required in a few settings, and rules are subject to change at any time.
Before You Travel to New Zealand – Do This
- Check to see if you are eligible to enter New Zealand on the New Zealand Immigration website.
- Confirm if you need to apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) .
- Research and purchase appropriate travel medical insurance.