What you need to know about coming to NZ
Visa Information
It is mandatory for all visitors to New Zealand to obtain an electronic Travel Authority (eTA). Visit NZeTA Immigration for more information and to complete the online application form.
All visitors to New Zealand must have a passport which is valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in New Zealand.
Participants from countries who do not have a visa waiver arrangement with New Zealand will need to apply for a visa before they travel to New Zealand. Here is the list of visa waiver countries.
Applying for a Visa
Visa application forms may be found on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Select: Visit -> Other -> Visitor Visa and then follow the prompts.
Visa required nationals needing to apply for a New Zealand visitor visa
When you arrive in New Zealand, you must apply for entry permission and answer questions about biosecurity and customs.
If you need a separate invitation letter, once you have registered and paid, please email idfwds@idfwds2026.com to request this.
All participants are responsible for arranging the appropriate VISA arrangements and costs, appropriate to their held passport and regional embassy. The Conference office takes no responsibility for the application process or outcomes of an individual’s application.
For more information about visa application fees and processing times, you can contact Immigration New Zealand via their website or you can also contact them directly on +64-9-914-4100.
Timeframes
We recommend that applicants apply for a visa as early as possible, ideally more than 12 weeks before the date of intended travel. Immigration New Zealand does not have visa processing services in some countries, so it is faster and more efficient to complete online applications wherever possible.
NB: Transit visa for Australia
If you need to travel through Australia to get to New Zealand you may need a transit visa. Some countries are eligible to transit through Australia without a transit visa. Please check here.
Visa Waiver Countries
If you are a citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, you do still need to apply for an eTA and you must:
- Hold a valid ticket from New Zealand to a country where you have the right of entry
- Have sufficient money to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand
- Hold a passport valid for 3 months beyond the date you intend leaving New Zealand
- Remain in New Zealand only for the time granted on your arrival
If your travel itinerary includes a transit stop in Australia you may need an Australian Transit Visa. Details about this and how to apply can be found on the Australian Immigration website.
Failure to obtain this visa in advance of your travel may result in you being unable to board your aircraft.
Visa waiver nationals do not require a visa, however, they must hold an NZeTA
Booking your Travel to Auckland
Auckland Airport is serviced by several international airlines. When travelling internationally by plane, you must also complete a traveller declaration, and receive a Traveller Pass, before travelling. This includes New Zealand citizens and residents, children and infants.
Domestic and regional airlines including Air New Zealand and Qantas also provide frequent services to Auckland from other New Zealand destinations. For airline contact details please click here.
For domestic travellers, there are also intercity coaches which will arrive to the center of the city (a 5 minute taxi ride to the Cordis Hotel).
On your arrival at Auckland airport
All arriving international passengers undergo biosecurity checks upon landing in New Zealand.
The checks are designed to protect New Zealand’s vital horticulture and agriculture industries, as well as its unique environment, from invasive pests and diseases.
All food, plant, and animal materials must be declared on your New Zealand Traveller Declaration. These items will be inspected by biosecurity officers. Failure to declare “risk goods” could result in a $400NZD fine or prosecution.
Please ensure that any shoes worn on farms in your home country are thoroughly cleaned. All dirt, grass, and other debris must be removed, especially from the grooves in the soles. To avoid delays upon arrival in New Zealand, place your shoes in a plastic bag in an easily accessible part of your luggage. This will assist with inspection.
If you plan to visit any New Zealand farms during your stay, please ensure your footwear is clean before your arrival.
We also recommend thoroughly cleaning your shoes again, placing them in a plastic bag, and making them easily accessible for inspection when returning to your home country. You may need to declare any visits to farms in New Zealand upon your return.
More information about New Zealand’s biosecurity requirements is available on the Biosecurity New Zealand website.
Extra border requirements for passengers from Indonesia and Europe
Passengers arriving from these countries need to go through extra screening when they arrive in New Zealand.
Due to the presence of foot and mouth disease in Indonesia and a recent detection in Germany, Biosecurity New Zealand has enhanced screening in place for travellers from these countries.
These travellers:
- may have their footwear disinfected
- may be asked more questions by quarantine officers to assess their risk, especially if they have declared equipment used outdoors or with animals, or have visited a rural or wilderness area.
- may have their baggage searched.
Passengers arriving from Indonesia, Europe and other countries where foot and mouth disease is present may be asked extra biosecurity questions upon arrival.
Travellers cannot bring meat or meat products from Germany
Revised import rules for personal consignments mean passengers cannot bring meat or meat products, including pet food, from Germany. Other animal products may be permitted but must be declared.
All travellers can help protect New Zealand
Travellers can protect New Zealand from foot and mouth disease by:
- avoiding contact with wildlife or livestock, such as cattle, pigs, or goats
- avoiding visiting farmlands or rice fields
- making sure shoes and clothing are free of any soil or dirt
- avoiding bringing back risk items, including souvenirs such as skulls or untanned leather souvenirs
- staying away from New Zealand farms or livestock for at least a week after arrival.
Transport from the Auckland airport
The airport is only 40 minutes from the central business district. A number of bus, shuttle, taxi and rideshare services operate from the terminal forecourts.
SkyDrive Bus
SkyDrive (operated by Ritchies Transport) offers an express shuttle service between Auckland Airport and SkyCity in Central Auckland.
The first bus leaves the SkyCity bus terminal on Hobson Street at 5.00am, direct to the airport. Buses run every 30 minutes with the last bus from the domestic terminal at 10.30pm. Buses leave from bus stop A at the domestic terminal. Tickets may be purchased directly from the bus driver (card payment only), or via the SkyDrive website at skydrive.co.nz.
Taxis and Shuttles
Auckland Airport licenses specific taxi and shuttle companies to ensure airport visitors and travellers receive a high standard of service.
Taxi and shuttle ranks are located outside the arrivals area (door 8) at the international terminal and outside door 4 at the domestic terminal. You can pre-book with one of the companies listed below or just turn up at the terminal ranks – taxis and shuttles are always available.
Recommended Taxi Companies:
Alert Taxis - From $65
Auckland Co-op - From $68
Auckland Taxi Service From - $69
Cheap Cabs - From $50
Corporate Cabs - From $75
A one-way shared taxi shuttle from Auckland Airport to the Central Business District, is $30 for one passenger and an additional $10 per extra passengers in the same group.
For specific fare pricing, contact the taxi and shuttle companies directly here.