New Zealand Tourist Visa for Indians

With its abundance of natural beauty, New Zealand is perhaps one of the world's most pristine nations. When you combine this natural beauty with a contemporary way of life and easy access to technology, New Zealand emerges as a really distinctive travel destination.

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The fact that about 3 million people visit it each year attests to this. It may be on your list of places to visit, but in order to fully experience everything that the nation has to offer, you must acquire a tourist visa.

Top Things to Do in New Zealand as a Tourist

From whale watching to skydiving, sailing to diving, New Zealand is a country which offers a host of options to the traveller. Despite the small size of the country, it is touted as one of the top places in the world to try adventure sports. Listed below slare some of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand.

  1. Fiordland National Park - A world heritage site, it is ideal for someone looking to explore the untamed beauty of the country.
  2. Queenstown - This quaint town is known for its adventure activities, with thrill seekers from across the globe thronging to this place to get a rush of adrenaline.
  3. Rotorua - This is ideal for someone looking to get a taste of local Maori culture. Hot springs, geysers, and mud pools make sure that it is on everyone's travel itinerary.
  4. Hawke's Bay - An ideal destination if you are a wine connoisseur, this place is famous for wine tours.
  5. Rakiura - This is an island which is popular among birdwatchers, thanks to the national park which covers most of it.

In addition to the aforementioned places, the country is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, catering to different moods.

Fees for New Zealand Tourist Visa

Depending on the traveler's nation of origin, a tourist visa to New Zealand may cost more or less. According to their country of origin, tourists in New Zealand are categorised into three bands. Band A is for those in New Zealand who want to apply for a tourist visa Band B is for people from the Pacific; and Band C is for people from other countries. 

The different fees for a tourist visa to New Zealand are highlighted in the table below.

Tourist Visa Type

Fees for applicants from Band A (NZ$)

Fees for applicants from Band B (NZ$)

Fees for applicants from Band C (NZ$)

Immigration Charge (NZ$)

Hard copy

170

135

170

14

Online

151

116

151

14

Temporary retirement visa (visitors)

3,340

3,340

3,340

14

Approved destination status group visa - China (offshore)

NA

NA

50 per person

10

Group visa (others)

85

85

85 per person

10

Due to the diplomatic ties between New Zealand and more than 30 countries, visa fees are not required for nationals of those countries. Indian visitors are not excluded from paying the visa cost and must do so according to the table.

New Zealand Tourist Visa Requirements

Individuals looking to visit New Zealand on a tourist visa need to ensure that they meet a few basic requirements, as listed below:

  1. They should have valid travel documents. The passport should not expire within 3 months of their visit.
  2. They ought to have enough money to pay for their travel to the nation. This should contain money for living expenses in addition to money for basic requirements.
  3. They shouldn't have any criminal case against them.
  4. They should show that they are a genuine tourist, with all plans to leave the country once their visa expires.
  5. They should have a return ticket or should show sufficient income to purchase a return ticket.

Uses of a New Zealand Tourist Visa

A New Zealand tourist visa can be used for the following purposes:

  1. To meet family or friends in the country
  2. To participate in adventure activities or amateur sports
  3. To explore the country as a traveller
  4. Study for a maximum period of 3 months
  5. Visit the country to get married

How to Apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa

Individuals who are keen to visit the country on a tourist visa can apply for it either online or manually. The online application can be submitted. In case they wish to apply offline, they can do so by downloading Form INZ 1017 and filling it. This form can then be submitted to the nearest New Zealand Visa Application Centre.

They will have to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and provide documentary proof with the form. The documents needed are highlighted below:

  1. Duly filled and signed application form
  2. Fee payment receipt
  3. Latest passport size photographs (2)
  4. Original passport
  5. Medical certificate
  6. Proof of financial stability
  7. Proof of return - air tickets

Check New Zealand Visitor Visa Status

Individuals can check the status of their application through the official website of the immigration department. One needs to register in order to check the status. Registration can be done by clicking here and providing certain basic information. Once registered, they can use their login credentials to stay abreast as to their visa status.

FAQs on New Zealand Tourist Visa

  • How long can I stay in New Zealand on a tourist visa?

    The duration of stay depends on the purpose of visit, with the maximum duration being 9 months.

  • Can I work in New Zealand on this visa?

    No, you cannot work in New Zealand on this visa. The purpose of this visa is limited to visiting the country/exploring it as a tourist. A work visa would be required in order to work in the country.

  • I am a frequent visitor to the country. Should I apply for a new visa each time?

    No, frequent visitors can apply for a multiple entry visa, which enables to visit the country multiple times in a given period.

  • I am travelling to New Zealand to participate in a sports tournament spread over 4 months. Can I travel on a tourist/visitor visa?

    No, you can participate in a sports event on a tourist visa only for a maximum of 3 months. If the duration of participation exceeds 3 months you need to get a work visa.

  • I have a connecting flight from New Zealand. Should I have a tourist visa in order to catch it?

    If you are travelling from New Zealand on a connecting aircraft, you are not need to hold a tourist visa as long as your stay does not exceed 24 hours. Additionally, during this time you are not permitted to leave the airport. In such cases, a transit visa will be issued. A tourist or visiting visa is necessary if you plan to travel outside of the transit zone or stay in the nation for longer than 24 hours.

  • Is the New Zealand tourist visa available for Indians?

    The borders of New Zealand are now completely open to travellers from all around the world, including India. All visitors must, however, meet specific standards, be in good health, and submit the traveller declaration form. 

  • How much does New Zealand tourist visa cost for an Indian?

    New Zealand tourist visa of 90 days costs around Rs.14,999 for an Indian. 

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