New Zealand: travel laws for tourists, topic by topic
Relaxed
Overall verdict for New Zealand: Relaxed. Below, the risk level of each of the 23 topics that get travellers fined or arrested. The exact rule, thresholds and penalties are in the LawsTravels app.
New Zealand: read the 3 riskiest rules free →
🎁 Free, no account: Animals, Drugs, Smoking
The 23 topics at a glance
Banned or serious riskAllowed, with limitsRelaxed
💊Drugs🎁 FreeAllowed, with limits
💉MedicinesRelaxed
🛡️Theft & scamsRelaxed
🐾Animals🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk
🚬Smoking🎁 FreeAllowed, with limits
🍺AlcoholAllowed, with limits
❤️Sex & datingRelaxed
👕Dress codeRelaxed
🕌ReligionRelaxed
🚗DrivingAllowed, with limits
📷Photo & videoRelaxed
🔪WeaponsAllowed, with limits
💶FinesAllowed, with limits
🛂Visa & customsAllowed, with limits
🤝BehaviorRelaxed
⛓️Jail riskRelaxed
⚖️ExtraditionAllowed, with limits
📡Internet & VPNRelaxed
🚁DronesAllowed, with limits
💵Cash & currencyRelaxed
🩺Vaccines & healthRelaxed
💻Remote workAllowed, with limits
🗣️Politics & protestAllowed, with limits
How New Zealand compares
With 1 of 23 topics flagged red, New Zealand is more relaxed than 3 of the 3 other countries in Oceania (regional average: 3.0). Worldwide, New Zealand ranks #132 of 148 for strictness (tied with 13 other countries).
What sets it apart
- Animals: flagged red here, while only 4 of 148 countries are this strict.
- Jail risk: relaxed here, while 127 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.
- Medicines: relaxed here, while 119 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.
What to watch most in New Zealand
- Feeding wildlife — pigeons, monkeys, deer, dingoes — is an offence in a growing number of places, sometimes with four-figure fines.
- Getting close for a photo: national parks set legal minimum distances, and rangers enforce them.
- Buying souvenirs made from ivory, coral, turtle shell, reptile skin or shark: seized at customs, and prosecuted under CITES.
New Zealand at a glance
CapitalWellington
CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)
LanguageEnglish, Māori
Emergency number111
Driving sideLeft
Mains voltage230 V
Calling code+64
Time zoneUTC+12:00 / UTC+13:00
Plug typesI
Land bordersNone (island or enclave)
Frequently asked questions
Is New Zealand strict with tourists?
Overall verdict: Relaxed. 1 of 23 topics are flagged as banned or a serious risk (Animals), 11 require caution.
What can get me fined or arrested in New Zealand?
The strictest topics for travellers in New Zealand are: Animals. Each has specific thresholds and penalties, detailed in the app.
Where do I find the exact rules for New Zealand?
In LawsTravels: open New Zealand, each topic shows the level, the rule, the thresholds and what to do at customs, offline. 3 topics are free on every country; the other 20 unlock for the price of a coffee.
What is the emergency number in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, dial 111. Capital: Wellington. Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Main language: English, Māori.
Which side of the road do they drive on in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, traffic drives on the left. Mains voltage: 230 V. Calling code: +64. Time zone: UTC+12:00 / UTC+13:00. Plug types: I.
Countries with the closest profile
Levels summarise publicly available legal information for travellers and are not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies: confirm with the embassy or consulate of your destination.
LawsTravels