Bhutan travel guide for New Zealanders

All visitors, including New Zealand citizens, must obtain a tourist permit before entering Bhutan. The permit is processed by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator who also arranges the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) payment. The SDF is US$200 per night (about NZD 300) and is non‑refundable if you cancel.

A passport valid at least six months beyond your intended departure date is required. No separate visa stamp is placed in the passport; the permit is issued electronically and presented on arrival.

Bhutan does not have a resident New Zealand embassy. The nearest New Zealand diplomatic mission is the High Commission in New Delhi, India.

For consular assistance, contact the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi: 011‑2411 3000 (check).

A typical 7‑day itinerary (including flights, SDF, accommodation, guide and driver) costs roughly NZD 7,500–9,000 per person. This includes:

- International flight from Auckland to Paro (≈ NZD 2,200 round‑trip, check).

- SDF (US$200 × 6 nights ≈ NZD 1,800).

- Mid‑range hotel or guesthouse (NZD 150 – 200 per night).

- Guide and driver (NZD 120 – 150 per day).

- Meals and entry fees (NZD 50 – 80 per day).

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to Bhutan. The common route is Auckland → Delhi (≈ 18 h total) then Delhi → Paro (≈ 2 h). Total travel time, including layover, is around 24–30 hours.

Bhutan is UTC+6 year‑round; Auckland is UTC+12 (UTC+13 in summer). The time difference is 6 hours (or 5 hours when NZ is on daylight saving).

Electrical sockets accept Type D, F and G plugs, 230 V 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter.

Tipping is customary for guides and drivers at the end of the trip; typical amounts are NZD 20–30 per day for a guide and NZD 15–20 for a driver.

Police: 113

Ambulance: 112

Fire: 110