United Kingdom travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens do not need a visa to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, but from 2025 you must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel. The ETA is not a visa; it is a digital permission that you apply for online, usually approved within days. It allows multiple visits of up to six months each over two years. Without an approved ETA, you will not be allowed to board your flight.

For tourism, New Zealand passport holders can enter the UK without a visa for up to six months. However, since 2025, an ETA is mandatory. Apply through the official UK government website or app; the fee is £10 (about NZD 21) per person. Approval is usually quick, but apply at least a few days before departure. Your passport must be valid for the entire stay; there is no specific minimum validity rule for New Zealanders, but check the latest guidance.

You may be asked at the border to show proof of onward travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds. Have these ready, though they are rarely requested for short visits.

The New Zealand High Commission in London is your main contact for consular assistance. For passport renewals, notarial services, or emergency help, contact them directly. If you need urgent help outside office hours, call the 24/7 consular emergency line. The embassy cannot help with visa or ETA issues; those are handled by UK Visas and Immigration.

The pound is strong against the New Zealand dollar, so the UK is not a budget destination. A rough daily budget: budget travellers can manage on about NZD 150–200 per day with hostels and self-catering; mid-range travellers should plan for NZD 250–350; hotels and dining out push it to NZD 400+. London is noticeably more expensive than the rest of the country.

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to the UK; expect at least one stop, usually in Asia, Australia, or the Middle East. Total flight time is around 24–30 hours including the stopover. The main arrival airports are London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Manchester (MAN). Book early for the best fares, and consider a stopover to break the journey.

The UK uses Type G plugs with three rectangular pins, standard voltage 230 V and frequency 50 Hz. New Zealand uses Type I plugs, so you will need an adapter. Your devices likely support 230 V, but check the label; if they only support 110–120 V, you will need a voltage converter.

Tipping is less ingrained than in New Zealand. In restaurants, a service charge of 10–12.5% is often added to the bill; if not, leaving 10% is appreciated. In pubs, you do not tip for drinks. Taxi drivers and hotel porters may appreciate a small tip, but it is not expected. Always check the bill for a service charge before adding extra.

For police, fire, or ambulance, call 999 or 112. For non-urgent medical advice, call NHS 111. For non-urgent police matters, call 101. These numbers are free from any phone. Save them in your phone before you travel.