Tourism Industry FAQs
Last updated:
September 2008
Who is the Minister of Tourism?
The current Minister of Tourism is Rt Hon John Key
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Who is the Associate Minister of Tourism?
The current Associate Minister of Tourism is Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
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How many people visit New Zealand each year?
New Zealand receives around 2.5 million international visitors each year. Up-to-date arrival data can be found on the Ministry’s research website.
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Which airlines fly to New Zealand?
New Zealand’s main international airport is located near Auckland City and around 80% of international arrivals enter New Zealand through this port. Other international airports are located in Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin.
Airlines servicing -
Auckland: Aerolineas Argentinas, Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Vanuatu, Aircalin, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, EVA Air, Korean Air, Lan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Pacific Blue Airlines, Polynesian Blue Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International
Wellington: Air New Zealand, Qantas, Pacific Blue
Christchurch: Air New Zealand, Qantas, Pacific Blue, Emirates, Air Pacific, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines.
Queenstown: Air New Zealand, Qantas
Dunedin: Pacific Blue
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Do I need a visa to visit?
You may need to apply for a visitor visa or permit if you intend to stay temporarily in New Zealand, but you do not intend to study or work. When you are granted a permit, you can stay in New Zealand for up to nine months.
More information can be found on Immigration New Zealand’s website.
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How much will a visa cost?
Visa charges depend on the type of visa required and international prices.
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Do I need a special driver’s licence?
Visitors can legally drive in New Zealand for up to twelve months if they have either a current driver’s licence from their home country or an International Driver's Permit. After twelve months, visitors are required to convert to a New Zealand driver's licence.
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New Zealand has a range of accommodation options available to visitors including hotels, motels, campgrounds and hosted accommodation. Qualmark® is New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality.
All accommodation and tourism businesses listed on the Qualmark website carry the Qualmark®, which means they have been independently assessed as professional and trustworthy, so you can book and buy with confidence.
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Do I have to pay duty/tax on my purchases?
All purchases in New Zealand are subject to a Goods and Services Tax of 12.5%. In most cases this amount is factored into the advertised price of the good or service.
An exception to this is purchases made at duty free stores. These stores are usually located at airports or in major centres and duty is only withdrawn with proof that the product is leaving the country. This can be done by providing flight information or arranging shipping to an overseas address.
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