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UPDATED SPRING 2024

Travelling on a cargo ship is a unique experience.  Whether you love the sea, are conscious of your carbon footprint, don't like flying or simply prefer to sail in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the crowds, then travelling by cargo ship is the right choice for you.

We've been doing this for over 30 years and are passionate about providing a personalised service tailored to your needs.

Alas, since the pandemic and with only a few exceptions, deep sea intercontinental voyages are no longer possible; shipowners and/or their charterers have withdrawn this discretionary activity, we are seeing little enthusiasm from them to resume the activity any time soon.

That means:

- No transatlantic voyages

- No Australia/New Zealand/Europe voyages

- No Europe/South America voyages

- No transpacific voyages

- No round the world voyages

- No voyages in around Asia or Oceania

However, still possible are:

- short haul European, Mediterranean, Baltic are bookable however 2024 availability is already limited on some routes.

- Europe/South Africa/Europe voyages but are fully booked well into 2025; waitlisting/standby is possible for additional cargo induced voyages on a rolling 6-week basis.

- French Polynesian voyages (mv Aranui V)

- mv Bella Desgagnes (St Lawrence River, Canada)

- mv St Helena, global voyages supporting the Extreme E organisation are available but bookable only close to departure.

There may be cruise ship alternatives, please ask if you have a specific voyage in mind as several Voyage Options are possible on some of the routes popular with cargo ship travellers. Note please that owing to the restrictive policies of the major cruise lines, in most cases you may only book cruises through a travel agent in your country of residence. 

Do please take some time to check our website for available routes, also our ‘Ask the Captain’ section for frequently asked questions BEFORE contacting us!

Our website is updated regularly with currently bookable options; please do not contact us regarding deep sea international cargo voyages that are not listed as without the support and co-operation of willing shipowners we can no longer viably respond.

Try us and travel the world your way!

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Imagine for a moment that you are on the deck of a ship, sipping a glass of wine. You turn your head towards the water just in time to spot a pod of dolphins swimming by or flying fish, providing company in the ocean. After lingering in the sunshine for a while, it's time to head inside for a 3-course evening meal and a splash in the pool before retiring to bed.

Now, what kind of vessel are you on?

No, you are not on a standard commercial cruise ship. You are not on a packed luxury liner hopping between Caribbean islands. You are aboard a modern freighter. Hundreds of cargo ships, carrying everything from fire engines to apples, are crossing the world's oceans, and many are happy to take you along for the ride. Adventurous travelers, including the Transitions Abroad family, have been doing so for years, as have many long before us.

What Does Travel on a Cargo Ship Feel Like?

A far more intimate and relaxed experience than you might imagine! The experience on board contrasts sharply with the rough and industrial outward appearance a container ship tends to project. You will be one of a handful of passengers among a crew likely to number up to a dozen or a few more. There will be no evening cabaret shows as on a standard cruise, though you may have access to TV, video, and board games in a common area on the ship where passengers may meet the crew. You may even play cards with the crew under the night skies. You might be invited to karaoke with the sailors, and you will almost always dine alongside the captain, who is far more likely to turn up in shorts and a t-shirt than in full uniform. Some cargo ships also offer equipped exercise rooms or pools.

Here was our first taste of the wonders of sea travel. Our introduction to freighter travel was a relatively short 5-day sailing between Australia and New Zealand. We joined the French ship CMA CGM Utrillo in the busy port of Melbourne, where our luggage — including two bicycles and bags — was quickly hauled on board and into a spacious cabin by a host of cheery Filipino deckhands.

What are the Costs of Cargo Ship Travel?

Depending upon your destination (Transatlantic, Transpacific, South Seas, Worldwide, and other special combinations), your daily freighter travel costs will be about $100-$130 per day per person per day with a luggage allowance of approximately 30kg-100kg (66-220lbs) depending on the line you are taking. Generally, US dollars are the primary currency used onboard to buy soft drinks, snacks, beer, and toiletries. You can then use your credit cards at each location you disembark.

What kind of Hospitality Can You Expect on Board?

Our next surprise was how quickly we felt part of the family. Just moments after arriving, our fellow passenger (a French woman "going around the world in 80 days”) hinted that the captain was sure to throw us a welcome barbecue. “He does that for every one new,” she said with a wink. Sure enough, the next evening was spent on the back deck of the ship, feasting on grilled fish and chatting with the seamen as the sun went down.

One of our concerns before sailing was that we'd find the days long. It was just the opposite. There were three square meals a day (hearty plates of meat and vegetables for workers) and our time between eating was filled with strolls around the deck and trips up to the bridge to check our position and ask questions.

Had there ever been stowaways? Yes, once a harmless passenger was allowed to board. What about pirates? Not here, but there were off the coast of Africa. And just how much fuel did a cargo ship need? In the current era of relatively low oil prices, $60,000 U.S. a day will generally cover the trip.

Why is it a Relaxing Way to Travel?

With our curiosity temporarily curbed, we would return to our cabin for reading our books or Kindle, journal writing, and a bit of table tennis if we felt especially energetic. Far away from the hustle and bustle of life on firm land, we were truly relaxed. The experience was in complete contrast to our usual hurried airplane trips.

For Hamish Jamieson, the owner of Freighter Travel NZ and one of only a handful of travel agents in the world licensed to book tickets on cargo ships, the simplicity of being at sea is the main attraction.

“When you're sitting up the front of the bow of the ship, on your own, and all you see is the sea going past and you hear the wind and waves, you're in heaven. For me, an afternoon...sitting right on the bow, watching the world go by with my binoculars, that's my heaven,” he said.

What Kind of Flexibility is Needed for Freighter Travel?

Of course, nothing in life is all smooth sailing. While we didn't encounter any problems during our trip, we did struggle with the uncertain nature of freighter travel before we boarded. Our initial departure date jumped forward first by three days and then seemed to bounce around by 12-24 hours every time we called to check the latest news. Ours was not an uncommon experience and you must prepare yourself for flexibility.

Even ports of call are not guaranteed because on a cargo ship, freight comes first, not the passengers. If the demand is not there for a certain stop, the ship will go where the business is.

“Our trip from the USA to Europe changed three times after initial booking,” said Rebecca Hogue and Scott Drennan, then on a journey around the world without using airplanes . Their initial trip from South Carolina to Belgium was from Florida to Italy. “Had we not been flexible with our departure times and locations, things would not have worked out.”

As Mr. Jamieson is fond of telling his passengers, when you go to sea, there are two things you must pack: a sense of humor and a sense of patience.

What are the Practical Issues?

Your trip may also involve some red tape, particularly concerning U.S. stops. American citizens are not permitted, for example, to travel within their country by cargo ship, although they can make international journeys. Meanwhile, travelers to the United States must have a visa, even if they would not need one to arrive by air. Only Canadians are exempt from this rule.

Be sure to budget time and money to get vaccinations like Yellow Fever if you are going through the Suez and Panama canals. A medical certificate declaring you in generally good health is another typical requirement.

Where in the World Do You Want to Go?

The hardest part of booking your cargo ship voyage is deciding where to go. Will it be to South America and around Cape Horn? How about a 55-day round trip from California to Australia and New Zealand via Tahiti and Mexico? Mr. Jamieson offers a few more ideas and favorite voyages based on years of experience.

“For me the ultimate voyage is from Auckland, in New Zealand, to Singapore. It takes 40-45 days to sail what you can fly in just under 12 hours but it visits nearly every island in the Pacific on the way and it stops for 2-3 days. The second choice for me would be from Singapore through to Houston in Texas. It goes up through Thailand, Vietnam, half a dozen ports in China, into Japan, then straight across the Pacific and through the Panama Canal.”

With enough time and money at your disposal--round-the-world trips can take 80 to 100 days or more--there are few places a cargo ship can't reach. Voyage destinations on cargo ships can change, so the many options available will often surprise you. You need to be adventurous enough to do your research, find a specialized cargo ship travel agent (see resources below), and then get on board.

The Golden Rules of Cargo Ship Travel

• Be prepared to make your own fun. There are seldom programmed activities aside from the odd safety drill.
• Go before you're too old. An upper age limit of 77-80 years is not uncommon, as no doctor on board and there are often plenty of stairs.
• Check that your travel insurance covers freighter travel.
• Be flexible. Schedules can and do change frequently. You may need 2-3 ships to reach your destination.
• Book in advance. Cabins are limited and the most popular routes can be sold out by ships months ahead.
• Forget about working in exchange for your passage. Current union rules mean this is no longer permitted.
• Take a good supply of seasickness pills. While not very common, rough weather can occur, sending tables, chairs, and your stomach flying across the room.
• Wifi and other modern electronics are now often available on cargo ships for travelers . If connectivity is important to you, ask whether those options are accessible and free in advance.

Friedel Rother gave up her job as a journalist for Reuters to ride a bicycle around the world with her husband. They have published two books in addition to cycling.

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Freighter Travel (NZ) Introduction

Freighter Travel (NZ) welcome you to the exciting world of Freighter Voyaging—seeing the world from a bulk cargo or container vessel with our international voyages from New Zealand.

Freighter Travel is here to advise you on all aspects of freighter voyages from New Zealand and will assist you in planning a trip to remember.

A voyage on a cargo ship could be the most rewarding experience of your lifetime. You can visit places you have only dreamed about, where traditional voyage ships may not call and return home with a store of adventures and memories to cherish.

Voyage as a passenger with the merchant marine and savor the tranquility and elements of the ocean without the hustle and bustle of a voyage ship.

You get all the benefits of excellent accommodation and meals; the opportunity to get to know the crew, the workings of the ship; and an almost endless choice of destinations or ports of call.

Some cargo ships have a swimming pool and gymnasium which are shared with the ships crew and/or officers.

Because the ship is already sailing whether you're on it or not, the travel is considered carbon-neutral, perfect for those who are after a green-travel option.

Our National and International Voyages from New Zealand

Voyage Duration – You can cruise on a freighter for as long or as short as you wish—from a 120-day round the world voyage, down to 14-day voyage from Tauranga to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and back to Auckland—the possibilities are many and varied.

Options – Freighter Travel has the facility through our Bonded Travel Agency to combine your voyage with air travel or a land-based tour or holiday.

This allows you to join any passenger cargo ship at your chosen port of call, and to disembark at the time and destination to suit your plans. You have the option of including a short voyage while you are overseas, flying to and from your voyage, voyaging to your destination and flying home, or vice-versa.

If your preference is for more than one voyage to see specific ports of call, we can arrange your connecting flights, rental car, accommodation and/or tours between voyages. We can also arrange any documentation that you may require.

At sea the day is yours to do as you choose. Relaxing or exercising on deck, mixing with passengers or crew, dining, spending time on the bridge, learning how the ship is controlled and navigated—all combine into a pleasant, leisurely routine.

Dress Code – At sea there is generally a breeze, so a windbreaker jacket is strongly recommended. Comfortable, practical footwear, sweaters and slacks are suitable. Dress is generally informal, but passengers will be advised as to dress code for each particular ship when booking.

Going Ashore – With the correct documentation, going ashore at ports of call is simple. Take your passport ashore and some local currency—the ship's master or chief steward will help with this. Always check the sailing time before leaving the ship. In large ports take careful note of the dock area and the name or number of the ship's berth. It is advisable to be mindful of the country's traditions and dress codes, particularly for women in Eastern countries. Although a ship's turnaround in port may in some cases be a matter of hours, it is amazing what can be seen ashore in this time.

For further information about our freighter voyages from New Zealand, please contact us or visit our international voyages from New Zealand Web site.

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Itinerary Options

One of the great advantages of traveling by cargo ship is the amazing flexibility available to you, the passenger.

You can join the ship for as long as you wish. You may even choose to disembark from one ship, spend a week ashore at a place of your choice, and then join another ship for the rest of your voyage. Passengers on the Grimaldi Line can disembark at one port and rejoin another ship one, two or three weeks later as these ships operate a regular weekly service.

Some other options you may like to consider are:

Fly—Interlude—Voyage – Fly to the country from which your voyage leaves, take some time to explore the area, then join your ship for your voyage home, arriving fresh and relaxed from your time at sea. Example: fly to England, explore the United Kingdom, join your ship and sail home via the Suez or Panama canal calling at up to nine ports before stepping ashore in New Zealand.

Voyage—Interlude—Fly – Or reverse the arrangement and arrive at your destination totally energized and ready to start sight-seeing! A voyage from Auckland via Noumea, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Singapore, Jeddah, Suez Canal, Malta La Spezia to London, England has enough interest to satisfy the most experienced traveller.

Fly—Interlude—Voyage—Interlude—Fly – Taking a voyage between touring different countries is an excellent method of having a rest and giving yourself time to assimilate all you have seen before beginning another section of your holiday. For example, take an fourteen day voyage from Monfalcone to Pireaus, Ashdod, Haifa, Izmir, Ravenna, Koper and back to Northern Italy port of Monfalcone—14 days for only 780 Euros per person. Other interesting trips are available around the Mediterranean.

Freighter Voyage Fares

The cost of a freighter voyage is calculated on the basis of a daily rate, with most voyages priced between US$100 - US$130 per day. This daily rate is much cheaper than ordinary voyage ships, which usually charge around US$200 - US$400 per day.

Although the daily rate is cheaper, freighter voyages tend to be much longer than regular voyages. This means that a freighter voyage will usually cost more than a typical 1 or 2 week standard voyage vacation.

You can find more information about Freighter Voyage Fares here .

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30 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand 🗺️ [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the ultimate list of new zealand travel tips.

Ah, New Zealand ! Known to the local Māori as “Aotearoa”, New Zealand is a remote country in the South Pacific famous for its dramatic scenery. At about 1,600 km (1,000 mi) long and 450 km (280 mi) at its widest point, the country is easy to explore. And explore you will, with a range of landscapes to entice you, adventure activities to excite you, and friendly locals to guide you. But as is the case with exploring any new country, there are common first-timer pitfalls that may get between you and an idyllic Kiwi getaway. As New Zealand’s largest travel guide, we at NZ Pocket Guide are delighted to make your travels much more seamless with this list of tips for travelling in New Zealand.

1. Plan a Realistic Itinerary

Our first tip for travelling in New Zealand is don’t try to do everything. New Zealand might be a small country but there’s a lot to see, a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of tours and activities. Plan a realistic itinerary that fits your timeframe. If you only have a week in New Zealand , just explore one of the two main islands. We say two weeks is the absolute minimum to enjoy a trip to both the North Island and South Island, but we highly recommend stretching it to three or even four weeks . With New Zealand being far from pretty much everywhere on the planet, it’s a once-in-the-lifetime destination for many. Try to save your New Zealand trip until you have enough time to make the most of it.

For advice on planning your itinerary, see  How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary and How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand .

2. Remember to Pay the NZeTA and IVL or Choose a Different Visa

If you’re visiting New Zealand on a Visitor Visa and you come from a Visa-Waiver Country , you are required to have an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) as well as pay the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) before arriving in New Zealand. You may not have to pay these arrival fees if you are on another type of visa, such as a Work Visa or Student Visa . While we’re on the subject, you might want to look into different visa types if you want to be able to work and stay longer in the country, such as the popular working holiday visa .

For more tips on the arrival fees, check out the 10 Things You Need to Know About the NZETA .

3. Pack Lightly with Versatility in Mind

There is a bit of a misconception that New Zealand isn’t a developed country, but it’s not that bad! You can get a lot of goods and services very easily. With that in mind, you don’t have to pack a ton of food (or any, for that matter), months’ worth of toiletries, nor your whole wardrobe; you can get all that and more in New Zealand. Plus, with New Zealand being a destination where you’re encouraged to explore the country rather than staying in one place, you’ll find that a lighter bag is easier to move between accommodations. On a note about clothing, choose versatile outfits, preferably those to explore the outdoors comfortably. New Zealand tends to have a casual dress code, so there’s no need to pack a ton of different outfits.

For more packing advice, head over to our New Zealand Packing List: What to Pack for New Zealand .

4. Declare!

On the subject of packing, you need to be aware of what not to pack and what to “declare” when arriving in New Zealand . This is because New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules in order to protect its ecosystem. In short, you will be given a   New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) to fill out either online before your flight or on paper during your flight or cruise to New Zealand. Tick the boxes if you have, for instance, any food, sports gear, animal products or plant products packed in your luggage. If you are unsure, just tick the relevant box anyway. You’ll be asked more questions about the answers you give on arrival. Be honest, declare anything you’re unsure of. Otherwise, if you don’t declare something you should have, you could face a NZ$400 fine. Eek!

Get more details using our guide on What Do You Need to Declare When Arriving in New Zealand? and  Arriving in New Zealand: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process .

5. Be Aware of All of the Transport Options

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the “best way to travel New Zealand” but choosing the right transport is an extremely personal choice. Travelling by car , campervan , the bus network or a bus tour are the main ways to explore the country, but there are flights , trains and ferries that might be incorporated into your trip too. Start doing your research by checking out our New Zealand transport guides:

• Renting a car/campervan
• Buying a car/campervan
• Buses and bus tours
• Plane, train and ferry .

And if you don’t know where to start, check out our article, What is the Best Way to Get Around New Zealand?

Featured Bus Tour: Backyard Roadies

You can’t get more local than Backyard Roadies who formed out of the pandemic showing locals their awesome New Zealand “backyard”. Well, it’s time to show international travellers the highlights too on their variety of New Zealand tours ranging from 10 to 21 days! To add to the “Kiwi” vibe, Backyard Roadies is not only 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, but they go the extra mile to make their guests feel like locals, spending more time at each destination than most other tours. With small groups and a mix of male and female guides, Backyard Roadies offers fun, safe and great-value tours for all.

Learn more about their tours and become part of the Backyard Roadies family over at backyardroadies.com .

6. Travel in the Shoulder and Low Season

Summer in New Zealand is from December to February , but expect things to get busy from November to March . During this time, flights are more expensive, car rentals are costlier, accommodation books up quickly, attractions are more crowded… With those in mind, we recommend travelling in the low season , from June to August , or better yet, the shoulder seasons from April to May and September to October . The weather is not that bad, just check it out in The New Zealand Seasons and Climate .

For more tips on the best months to travel, see our article on The Best Time to Visit New Zealand .

7. Book Well in Advance if Travelling in Summer

Ok, so for those of you who can’t resist visiting New Zealand when the weather is at its warmest, be sure to do your bookings well in advance. The country goes crazy between the months of December and February so we recommend booking accommodation and vehicle rentals as soon as possible in order to get your first choice. Activities don’t tend to need booking too far in advance, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

For more advice on how to book your trip around New Zealand, head to  What You Need to Know About Booking Transport in New Zealand and  The Essential Guide to Booking Activities in New Zealand .

8. Travel from South to North

Due to most international flights landing in Auckland , the majority of tourists travel from the North Island to the South Island . The best tip to break away from the crowds and get better deals on transport is to simply travel from south to north! Take a quick flight from Auckland to Queenstown or Christchurch and travel your way back up to Auckland.

Another bonus is for those wanting to rent a vehicle . Car and campervan rental companies have an influx of vehicles being dropped off at their South Island depots, so tend to charge less or even provide more car relocation opportunities with pick-ups in the south and drop-offs in the north.

9. You Can’t Camp Just “Anywhere”

If you plan to stay in a tent or a campervan in New Zealand, be sure to know where you are allowed to camp. Most of the time, you will need to be driving a certified self-contained campervan if you want to park up and stay the night somewhere for free. Otherwise, you will need to stay in campsites and holiday parks . Oh, and you can’t really stay “anywhere” for free, as different regional councils have different laws – see the Freedom Camping Rules in New Zealand: Region by Region . In short, you’ll need to plan where to camp for the night.

For more information, see  What it’s Really Like to Freedom Camp in New Zealand .

10. Always Carry an Extra Layer!

New Zealand has a famous phrase to describe the weather: “four seasons in one day.” In other words, the weather changes so rapidly and unexpectedly that you’ll be glad to have an extra layer with you in case it gets cold. We even suggest carrying a rain jacket in your day pack in the likely case that you experience one of New Zealand’s frequent showers. For hikes, you’ll need to take the preparation to the next level, so check out How to Prepare for a Great Walk in New Zealand for tips.

11. There are Only Three Types of ID You Can Use to Prove Your Age

With the legal drinking age being 18 years old, you may need to show your ID to prove your age when buying alcohol. The only forms of ID that are accepted are your passport , a New Zealand driver license and the Hospitality New Zealand 18+ Card . So if you are on a short trip to New Zealand, keep your passport with you for the bar or for buying a bottle of wine from the supermarket. Even if you are actually 30, your ID still might be checked. If you are in New Zealand for a while, keep your passport safe and get yourself an 18+ Card instead.

For more information, see our guide on  What ID is Valid for Buying Alcohol in New Zealand?

12. Choose the Right Type of Accommodation for You

Accommodation comes in many forms in New Zealand, which might be different from what you’re used to when travelling. Motels typically consist of self-contained units, while holiday parks are similar but also have campsites and powered sites for campervans. Hostels have private and shared rooms with communal facilities, while hotels offer more premium rooms with facilities such as a restaurant. There are also homestays and holiday homes available. Browse our Accommodation category to see which type of accommodation appeals to you and your budget.

13. Pay in New Zealand Dollars (+ Know About Swedish Rounding)

The currency used in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar . You’ll find cheaper currency exchange bureaus in New Zealand’s cities compared to its airports. While cash is accepted everywhere, most vendors also accept Visa and MasterCard . Bonus tip: New Zealanders know “paying with card” as “paying with EFTPOS”. Note that when paying with cash, New Zealand follows Swedish rounding, i.e. rounding prices up or down to the nearest multiple of 10 due to the currency not having any 1, 2 or 5 cent coins.

Get more payment tips in  The Best Way to Pay in New Zealand .

14. Know the New Zealand Road Rules

To keep yourself and others on the roads safe, check out the New Zealand road rules before heading out. The obvious thing to remember is that traffic flows on the left in New Zealand, but there are some rules about intersections and one-way bridges that are essential to know. If you are not used to roundabouts, you should also learn how they work. Wise up by checking out our guide on How to Drive in New Zealand .

For more tips on driving in New Zealand, take a look at the 12 Safe Driving Tips for New Zealand .

15. Cyclists, Stick to the Bike Trails

For safety reasons, it’s not recommended for cyclists to travel via the highways in New Zealand. New Zealand drivers are not used to cyclists on the road, so often don’t give enough room when overtaking. On the other hand, the country has a myriad of off-road bike trails of various grades to enjoy car-free cycling. Learn more in our article, Mountain Biking in New Zealand: A Complete Guide .

For cycling rules on the roads, however, check out the City Cycling Rules in New Zealand .

16. New Zealand Might Be More Expensive Than What You’re Used To

Everyday items, such as food and drink, are likely to be more expensive than what you might be used to at home. That’s the downside of being in an isolated country with very little competition. Take a look at the typical prices listed in How Expensive is New Zealand? and plan your budget accordingly.

Check out our tips on how to budget for New Zealand in the 11 Ways to Save Money in New Zealand , as well as   How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand?

17. Plan More Travel Time Than What Your GPS Suggests (+ A Warning About Google Maps)

New Zealand’s highways are not multi-lane straight roads (or, at least very few are). Most are single-lane winding roads and some are even gravel, so you’ll unlikely be travelling at 100 kph for the entire journey. For this reason, it usually takes a little longer to cover the same distance in New Zealand than in other countries. Plus, considering that you’re probably going to New Zealand to soak up the scenery and do amazing things, you’ll want to plan some extra time to allow for photo stops. On a similar note, Google Maps is notorious in New Zealand for taking drivers on the shortest route to a destination but not necessarily the easiest. If travelling to a more remote destination, double-check that Google isn’t taking you onto some obscure farm track or logging road.

For more driving tips like this, take a look at our Road Trip Tips category .

18. Come for Nature; Not for Cities

New Zealand does nature so damn well. It’s the home of two UNESCO World Heritage Areas , five International Dark Sky Reserves , 13 National Parks which are free to visit, by the way, and countless other conservation areas. On the other hand, cities in New Zealand don’t offer quite as much and to the same majesty as in other countries, such as Australia. Cities are where people live and work in New Zealand; the wilderness is where people play. The latter is far more interesting.

Add some of New Zealand’s natural attractions to your bucket list using our guide to the Natural Wonders of New Zealand .

19. Protect Yourself from the Sun and the Sandflies

The UV levels in New Zealand are about 40% higher than the same latitudes in North America and Europe. Just seven minutes of sun exposure can leave you with sunburn, while dehydration can come on quickly too. Lather up with at least SPF factor 30 before spending time outside, even when it’s cloudy in summer and even when it’s sunny in winter . Also in summer, sandflies are prolific. Learn how to protect yourself from these insects that leave an itchy bite in the 10 Ways to Stop Sandfly Bites .

For more health tips, check out  Health Tips For Travelling in New Zealand .

20. Don’t Underestimate the Amount to Do in New Zealand

Just scroll our  101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List and you’ll get an understanding of the staggering number of things to do. And that list just scratches the surface! Many travellers make the mistake of coming to New Zealand after doing little research and then finding themselves doing impulsive tours and activities in fear of missing out. Stick to your budget and timeframe by doing your research – our Activities category is a good place to start – and being choosy. Make a list of your must-dos!

21. Hiking Will Be Your Best Friend

Don’t be put off by the word “hiking” in New Zealand. The Department of Conservation (DOC) of New Zealand has made it easy with hundreds of easy-to-follow walking trails across the country, ranging from 10 minutes to 10 days! Some trails are stroller and wheelchair-friendly , while others are short and easy for beginners, while more still offer a challenge. Hiking trails are a fun and free way to see many of New Zealand’s top natural attractions and landscapes.

Check out some of the Top 50 Hikes in New Zealand to get an idea of the types of walks available.

22. Know the Difference Between the North Island and the South Island

If it hasn’t been obvious by the time you’ve hit point #22 on this list of tips for travelling in New Zealand, the country is split into two main islands; the North Island and the South Island . Some travellers have to make the tough decision to travel either the North Island or South Island when they are on limited time.

In short, the North Island is where you’ll find the most volcanic activity, Māori culture and cities, while the South Island is where you’ll find snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and, well, scenery, scenery, scenery. Contrary to popular belief, there are some things that you can find on both islands though, like ski fields, glowworms and wineries. Therefore, it’s always worth checking if an activity is available on your chosen island, even if it’s not famous for it.

See our full comparison of New Zealand’s two main islands in Should You Travel the North Island or South Island?

23. Try the Local Cuisine But Also Cook Your Own Meals to Save Money

Of course, you’re travelling in a new country with a new culture and flavours, so you’ll want to eat out in New Zealand to try staples like fish and chips, a Māori hāngī, savoury pies and more . But as discussed earlier in this list of tips for travelling in New Zealand, everyday items like food are expensive, especially in restaurants, cafes and even takeaways. If you’re on a budget , we highly recommend you make at least one meal for yourself per day. Many accommodations have self-catering facilities, as do campervans, so there’s no excuse! Get the lowdown on grocery shopping in New Zealand by following the tips in our guide, Food Shopping in New Zealand .

24. Luxury, Budget, Family, Working Holiday… New Zealand Suits a Range of Travel Styles

There’s room for everyone to enjoy a holiday in New Zealand. Make a luxury getaway by enjoying once-in-a-lifetime bespoke experiences or explore the country extensively by simply doing all of the free things to do ! New Zealand is also extremely family-friendly , while couples on a honeymoon can find many places to get secluded together. Backpacking and doing a gap year on a working holiday are also a top reason to come to New Zealand.

25. Don’t Expect a Good WiFi Connection

New Zealand is a little behind on the times when it comes to accessible WiFi. On the odd occasion when a cafe offers “free WiFi”, it’s usually slow or only for a small amount of data. Accommodations are getting better with offering WiFi, but don’t be surprised if an accommodation advertises free WiFi then gives you a coupon for 20 Mb, i.e. barely enough to email your granny! There are solutions to the WiFi problem, which we offer in How to Get Internet and WiFi in New Zealand , but disconnecting from the world to reconnect with yourself and those around you is not a bad way to experience New Zealand.

26. Tipping is Not Mandatory

Tipping is not common practice in New Zealand, bearing in mind that the minimum wage is quite high so workers’ livelihoods don’t depend on it. If you feel like the service has been exceptional, however, then a tip will always be welcomed.

Need more of an explanation on tipping? See our guide to Tipping in New Zealand .

27. Make Sure You Have the Right Travel Adapter

Ok, so this is a pretty basic travel tip for New Zealand but essential nonetheless. New Zealand’s power outlets use Type 1 three-pin connectors, so get yourself an adapter so you can plug in your electronics from overseas. See our recommendations in the 5 Best Travel Adapters for New Zealand .

28. The Tap Water is Drinkable

Yes, tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink. Many towns even get their tap water fresh from the spring! With that in mind, there’s no need to contribute to the world’s plastic problem by buying bottled water; just refill your reusable water bottle as you go.

29. Don’t Be a D*ck to the Environment

On the same note as the point above, be aware of the extra environmental customs in New Zealand. Otherwise, it just gives tourists a bad name! For instance, clean your shoes properly at cleaning stations to prevent Kauri dieback , keep your distance from seals and penguins , don’t feed kea , etc. Obviously littering is pretty insulting to the environment and the locals so try to avoid that! See the  30 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in New Zealand for more tips for the eco-conscious traveller.

30. Use NZ Pocket Guide

Finally, as New Zealand’s largest travel guide on the web, we’re here for you every step of the way for free! Have a look at our Destinations category for every single city, region and national park to discover.

Our   Travel Tips section gives you answers to all those questions you may have about visiting New Zealand, from arrival to departure.

When it comes to filling up your days with exciting experiences, our   Activities section is sure to inspire you.

When looking for places to stay, head to our Accommodation section covering all types of stays in New Zealand.

See full sample itineraries completed for you in our Trip Ideas section.

And those staying in New Zealand longer to work or study will find plenty of tips in our   Work in NZ category, including job listings .

For a more personal touch,  join us for our live Q&A session on YouTube where you can ask us your New Zealand travel questions.

More Tips for Travelling in New Zealand

That’s it for our tips for travelling in New Zealand. For more New Zealand travel tips, check out the following links:

• 30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand
• New Zealand Travel Advice: How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand
• The Complete Travel Guide to New Zealand

Happy travels!

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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• How Much Does It Cost?
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• How Do I Book?
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• What Happens In Port?
• Will there be a Doctor Onboard?
• Do I Need Travel Insurance?
• What Is The Age Limit?
• Where Can You Go?

One of the great advantages of traveling by cargo ship is the amazing flexibility available to you, the passenger.

You can join the ship for as long as you wish. You may even choose to disembark from one ship, spend a week ashore at a place of your choice, and then join another ship for the rest of your voyage. Passengers on the Grimaldi Line can disembark at one port and rejoin another ship one, two or three weeks later as these ships operate a regular weekly service.

Other Modes of Travel

Freighter Travel has the facility through our IATA Bonded Travel Agency to combine your voyage with air travel or a land-based tour or holiday.

This allows you to join any passenger cargo ship at your chosen port of call, and to disembark at the time and destination to suit your plans. You have the option of including a short voyage  while you are overseas, flying to and from your voyage, cruising to your destination and flying home, or vice versa.

If your preference is for more than one voyage to see specific ports of call, we can arrange your connecting flights, rental car, accommodation and/or tours between cruises. We can also arrange any documentation that you may require.

Some other options you may like to consider are:

Fly – to a destination – take a break and then sail home

Fly to the country from which your ship leaves, take some time to explore the area, then join your ship for your voyage home, arriving fresh and relaxed from your time at sea. Example: fly to England, explore the UK, join your ship and sail home via the Suez or Panama canal calling at up to nine ports before stepping ashore in Australia or New Zealand.

Cruise – to a destination – take a break and then fly home

Or reverse the arrangement and arrive at your destination totally energized and ready to start sight-seeing! A voyage from Hong Kong via Ningbo, Shanghai, Port Kelang, Suez Canal, Tangiers or Malta, to London, or Hamburg, Antwerp and Le Havre – this voyage has enough interest to satisfy the most experienced traveller.

Fly – Explore – Cruise – Explore – Fly

Taking a voyage between touring different countries is an excellent method of having a rest and giving yourself time to assimilate all you have seen before beginning another section of your holiday. For example, take a fourteen day voyage from Monfalcone to Piraeus, Ashdod, Haifa, Izmir, Ravenna, Koper and back to Northern Italy port of Monfalcone – 14 days for only € 990  per person. Other interesting trips are available around the Mediterranean.

Making Your Booking

Your holiday arrangements require our close liaison with you and the shipping company.  It must be appreciated that as you will be sailing on a working ship you will need to have a flexible approach to your travel arrangements.

To make a booking – send us an email,  we will contact the relevant shipping company and get an offer for you.  We communicate this offer to you and give you a week to decide.  If you wish to proceed you are then required to pay a deposit of 25% of the fare and complete a Passenger Booking Form and a Passenger Declaration.

During the intervening time, we will ask you for other information and forms – the final balance of fare is due 45-60 days before sailing.  A Medical Certificate is required for ALL passengers as there is no doctor on board.

Get in touch  or find out more in: What to Expect | Life at Sea

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Effective January 20th 2024, American Express introduced the ability to pay our Merchants 365 days a year in line with Payments NZ, the payments industry governance organisation. Merchants will see payments and collections 365 days a year as we will be settling on weekends and public holidays.

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American Express Card Members spend 3.6x more per transaction than the average New Zealand Card holder. 1 Order and display your free American Express signage today.

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Take care of business quickly and easily with custom reports at your fingertips.

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Streamlined Disputes

Resolve disputes quickly, get details and custom alerts; manage responses, and more, all in one place.

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Attract higher spending customers 1 with free signage - everything from stickers to logos, one click away.

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Ask questions and submit requests, 24/7, plus take advantage of interactive help and live chat. 

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Manage Your Account Online

All you need is your Merchant Account Number, postcode, and bank account details, and you will have the tools you need to control your Account. 

1.  Source: American Express Card Member data comes from internal sources; external card holder data sourced from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand via  https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/electronic-card-transactions-march-2022/  as of April 2022.

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The 4 Best Debit Cards for New Zealanders Travelling Overseas - 2023

If you love to travel, you’ll be wondering about the best way to manage your travel money. Carrying cash isn’t convenient, and using a credit card can leave you worrying about interest fees and penalties. A travel debit card can be an attractive option - but which is the best to choose?

Here’s our selection of the 4 best debit cards you can take with you on your travels. We’ll look at the positives and negatives for each one next:

• Wise -  our pick for travel debit card for travelling overseas
• Travelex Money Card - prepaid card for travelling abroad
• Westpac Travel Money Card - no fees to load by bank transfer

ANZ debit card - free overseas ATM withdrawals

Wise - no exchange rate markups.

• No annual fee or exchange rate markups, just low, transparent costs for the services you use
• No minimum balance requirements
• Hold, exchange, send and spend close to 50 currencies
• Send payments in a range of foreign currencies, to 80+ countries
• Local bank account details to receive payments in 9 currencies, including NZD, AUD, USD, GBP and EUR
• Business account options available as well as personal account products

Find out more about the Wise card .

With this card:

• It's very easy to set up and order
• Top up for free in NZD using Apple Pay, card or bank transfer
• 2 withdrawals up to 350 NZD/month fee free
• Pay with your Wise card in most places overseas where debit cards are accepted
• You can transfer money to a bank account overseas

What you should consider before ordering it

• Transaction fees apply for some services
• 14 NZD fee to get your card
• 1.75% + 1.50 NZD fee for ATM withdrawals once fee free allowance is exhausted

Go to Wise or read our review .

Travelex Card - get this card instantly

• Order online and collect and activate in store - or get one instantly in a Travelex branch
• Hold and convert up to 8 currencies including AUD, USD, GBP and EUR
• No fee to get a card, or to replace it upon expiry - however, transaction and account dormancy fees do apply
• No Travelex international ATM fees - you’ll pay to use your card at home though
• Competitive exchange rates which are likely to include a small markup on the Google rate

• Load and spend 8 currencies
• No fee to get your card in the first place, if you order online
• Collect your card in person from a Travelex store, and activate it right away
• No Travelex ATM fees overseas
• 250 NZD minimum initial load amount, subsequent loads must be 50 NZD or more
• Domestic ATM and POS fee of 2.95%, + inactivity fees after 12 months of not using your card
• You’ll pay a fee to top up in NZD

Go to Travelex or read our review .

Westpac Travel Card - no fees to load by bank transfer

• Hold and exchange up to 9 currencies
• Top up with a debit card for a fee, or for free from your bank account
• Lock in exchange rates at the time you top up to help you budget
• No purchase fee, and no monthly charges to pay
• Withdraw your unspent funds back to your Westpac account easily

Find out more about  Westpac Travel Money card .

• Top up from your Westpac account for convenience
• Use for spending and withdrawals anywhere Mastercard is accepted
• 24/7 global emergency assistance if something goes wrong
• 4 NZD domestic ATM withdrawal fee
• 1.5% fee to top up using a debit card
• 5 - 10 day delivery time
• Add an ANZ debit card to your eligible ANZ account
• Account balances will usually be in NZD - but there’s only a 1.3% currency conversion fee when you’re abroad
• No ANZ overseas ATM withdrawal fee
• No annual card fee - account fees may apply depending on the ANZ account you select to link to the debit card

Read more about the ANZ debit card .

• No overseas ATM fee from ANZ
• No annual card fee - just add the card to your existing ANZ account
• Spend anywhere you see the Visa logo
• 1.3% currency conversion fee
• ANZ’s regular accounts don’t have multi-currency functionality
• ATM operators may apply fees, even if ANZ does not

What are travel debit cards?

Travel debit cards are a good alternative to carrying cash. They also offer the convenience of a credit card, but work differently.

When you use your debit card overseas , you're drawing money directly from your bank account when you make a purchase. It's designed for everyday money transactions and means you're not accumulating debt.

Debit cards are a great option if you've saved money specially for your trip and if you want to budget your overseas spending . Some debit card providers offer virtual cards , which allow you to spend on your phone while you travel and stay protected from fraud.

We also suggest bringing a back-up debit card and a separate credit card for peace of mind and greater flexibility on your trip.

Where can I use a travel debit card?

Travel debit cards can usually be used in just the same way that you’d use any other debit card. That means you’ll be able to use your card wherever you see the network logo. If your card is issued on the Visa or Mastercard networks, it should be very widely accepted globally.

Sometimes travel debit cards aren’t accepted for some transactions like paying a deposit when you hire a car for example - if this is the case the merchant will inform you that you’ll need a different payment method.

How much does a travel debit card cost?

Travel debit cards can come with several different fees. Some cards have an upfront charge you’ll pay when the card is issued, while others are free to receive. In all cases there are some transaction fees to consider, which may include:

• Exchange rate markups, applied when you convert or spend
• Extra fees if you spend a currency not supported by the card, or which you don’t hold a balance in
• International and domestic ATM fees
• International and domestic POS fees when you spend with a merchant
• Top up fees, which can vary by currency
• Account dormancy fees
• Cash out or account close fees

One very important fee to check is the cost of spending a currency you don’t hold a balance in. Some cards - like the Wise card - will simply automatically convert your balance to the currency you need with the lowest possible fee. Other cards will use the network exchange rate but apply an extra charge for this service, which can be pretty steep. The Westpac card we feature, as an example, has a 5.95% fee when you spend a currency you don’t hold a balance in - which may come as a surprise if you’re not expecting it.

Do I need a debit or credit card for travelling overseas?

You can usually use either a debit card or a credit card when overseas - and in fact, having at least one of each may be a smart move so you’ve always got a plan B if your primary payment method is rejected.

Credit cards can come with steep international fees, including a foreign transaction or foreign cash fee, and a cash advance charge if you use your card in an ATM. However, some credit cards which are designed to be travel cards may offer better rewards or cash back on international transactions. 

If you shop around for international debit cards you might find you can find lower fees, and a better exchange rate, but you’ll not normally be able to access the same cash back or rewards. Compare both options to see which suits you best.

Pros and cons of travel debit cards

For many people, holding a specific travel debit card alongside one or more regular credit or debit cards can make spending on holiday easier and cheaper. With multi-currency accounts you’ll be able to top up in dollars and switch to the currency you need online or via an app. That gives you total control of your budget and lets you see exactly how much you have available for spending at any one time.

• Lock in exchange rates in advance so you can budget
• Not linked to your regular bank account for increased security
• Manage your money and get transaction notifications in an app
• Some cards have better exchange rates than bank cards offer
• Widely accepted around the world
• Some travel debit cards only support a handful of currencies
• Exchange rate markups or foreign transaction fees may apply
• Transaction fees including costs for topping up accounts in NZD can be high

FAQ - Best debit cards for New Zealanders for travelling overseas

Which debit cards are best for travel.

There’s no single best travel debit card. However, picking a card linked to a multi-currency account can make it easier to hold and exchange currencies, and also offer international services like sending and receiving payments from abroad. 

Do New Zealand cards work in Australia?

Cards which have been issued on the Visa or Mastercard networks will usually be accepted pretty much worldwide, including in Australia. Check with individual merchants, or look out for your card issuer’s symbol when you pay.

Can I use New Zealand dollars in Australia?

Although some merchants may accept NZD overseas, you’ll usually get a pretty poor exchange rate. You’ll usually be better off getting a travel debit card linked to a multi-currency account you can top up in NZD, and convert to AUD to withdraw and spend easily when you’re in Australia.

Do I need a debit card for travelling overseas?

Having a debit card when you travel overseas can be convenient and secure. Most travellers choose to have one or more credit and debit cards, so they’ll have options in case one card can’t be used.

Why Choose Us?

Like anything that takes real passion and commitment, we can give you a million reasons why our organic wines are the best ones to choose! But ultimately, every reason means that our passion moves us to find and offer you excellent wines for the best price.

Friends & Family – NOT Factories…For over 10 years we have developed relationships with outstanding world class wine makers. Our friends are likeminded, in that they put their heart and soul into every bottle. We have spent time in each others company, talking for hours about our love of wine, of food and family, and how these are not just aspects of our day to day lives, but they are the very things that make up life itself.

ITS ALL ABOUT THE JUICE!

Our wines are organic and bio-dynamic – this means that the process starts with the ground. The future impact our actions have on the environment, and the art of winemaking, are considered carefully by each winemaker, not because the green leaf logo on the back of the bottle will sell some more wine, but because generations to come (their children’s, children) will one day walk the rows between the developing vines, taking the same care and having the same passion for the environment and for their trade. It is because of the pride taken in where these wines are from, ensuring the terroir is prominent, and is expressed and experienced in every sip that one takes.

Vegan and Natural wines stem from that very same motivation: caring about what you put in your glass and your overall wine tasting experience.

This, for 10 years, has been and still is my pursuit and my commitment. From GROUND to GRAPE to GLASS I look for nothing less than passion and excellence in every bottle I sell.

Welcome to the Travelling Wine Merchant.

The Travelling Wine Merchant is a UK based company which aim to bring exclusive wines to the UK at a great value. Read More

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Totally trade

For all your tradie needs, we’ve got it.

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Why Plumbing World?

Stu heads for the trade section of his local Plumbing World and takes us through the many benefits of being a PW shareholder.

 Stu Watts | Plumber

Dos and don’ts

Rob shares his top 5 tradie dos and don’ts for doing the job right – and keeping your clients and customers happy.

 Rob Teina | Plumber

What’s New

Rob shows us the latest and greatest products now available at your local Plumbing World – including the homegrown LeVivi range.

Tradie Talk – Insiders Guide

Rob takes us behind the scenes to show us the complete range of products available for tradies at your local Plumbing World.

Tradie Talk – Counter Talk

Rob shares a yarn about the ease of ordering stock with an account at Plumbing World – and how PW helps set up young plumbers for a successful career.

Walking the talk

Rob takes us room-by-room through one of his latest jobs – a modern housing development with Plumbing World products to the fore.

Why Plumbing World

Find out why Plumbing World is great for you

With nationwide branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill, Plumbing World has grown to become the largest 100% New Zealand owned national plumbing merchant, supplying everything from basic trade products to top fashion bathroom fittings.

Account Holder Benefits

• Regular trade specials
• MaxPoints loyalty programme
• Competitive trade pricing
• Reliable delivery to site
• Internet access
• pwGO – Access to trade purchasing and account management website and app with on-going development.

NZPM Shareholder benefits

NZPM offers a range of benefits exclusively to their shareholding members, including:

• Preferred tradesmen status
• Exclusive listing on Plumbing World’s website
• NZPM Extra Corporate buying rates for vehicles, fuel, mobile phones and hardware etc., resulting in savings for your business
• Overseas Trips Programme
• Quarterly trading rebate on Gold product purchases

For more information, visit

Young Plumbers Club

Young Plumbers is focused on nurturing the future success of the NZ plumbing industry.

For more information visit

Incentive and Reward Schemes

MaxPoints is Plumbing World’s loyalty programme, available to all trade account holders.

MaxPoints is FREE to join and signing up is easy, so is earning points! With a huge range of rewards on offer, NZPM shares and travel, there is nothing you cannot do. Manage your balance and redemptions online and spoil your team to the MAX!

Join today at

pwGO is the official purchasing app and web platform for Plumbing World tradies.  With thousands of products to order at your fingertips.

• Order products for delivery or collection
• Save time at the counter with Express Checkout
• Great search functionality incl. barcode scanning
• Spec and safety data sheets
• Statements, Invoices and Account Balance

For more information, visit pwgo.co.nz

Fast-track your career and challenge yourself to be the next Young Plumber of the Year. Learn more.

Alex and Stu reckon a sense of humour is one of the most important skills you should have as a plumber… what do ya reckon? 🤣🛠🧰

Plumbing World prides itself on having built long-term relationships with the best suppliers in the industry. This provides you with the following benefits:

• All leading brands are stocked
• Volume buying power
• Full parts backup service
• Warranties – repairs and replacement
• Urgent direct deliveries

Due to an industry-wide systems maintenance, bank-to-bank payments made between 11pm Saturday and 5pm Sunday will be delayed. Payments between Westpac and other banks will leave accounts immediately but will process and appear in destination accounts on Sunday evening, after 5pm. Transfers between Westpac accounts and use of cards at stores and ATMs will be unaffected. See more at Payments NZ

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Merchant Guide.

How to get started with your merchant facility and who to contact if you need help.

EFTPOS terminals with a hardware specification of PCI 3x must be upgraded by 30 June 2024. If your EFTPOS terminal has a hardware specification of 3x, your terminal won’t be able to process card payments after this date. Please contact your terminal provider to upgrade.

Helping you accept card payments your way.

Our merchant guide will help you understand how to set up and use your Westpac merchant facility, so that you can start accepting scheme credit and debit card payments in store , online , over the phone and in regular instalments .

You can also find out what technology you need, how to process payments, how our merchant fees work and when you’ll get paid.

As a Westpac merchant, it’s important to follow the instructions in this guide and on our Merchant Risk Hub to help protect your merchant facility and keep your business compliant with your Merchant Services Agreement . You also need to comply with the Visa, Mastercard® and UnionPay International scheme rules covered in this guide.

Additional rules may apply depending on the type of business you operate and the way you accept card payments in your business. Our team will work with you to help you understand your specific obligations.

We’re here to help.

If you can’t find the answers you need in this guide, please get in touch with our team.

Get help with your merchant facility.

In-store (card present).

How to accept card payments through an EFTPOS terminal when the cardholder is physically present in your store.

Online (card not present)

How to accept card payments through your e-commerce facility or by payment link. 

Over the phone (card not present)

How to accept card payments over the phone using an EFTPOS terminal or a virtual terminal with a mail order/telephone order (MOTO) facility.

Recurring (card not present)

How to accept card payments in regular instalments from your customers.

Travel & entertainment (T&E) services and responsibilities

Find out about additional card payment services and responsibilities for travel and entertainment merchants – including guaranteed reservations, advance deposit, priority check out, cancellations and card not present receipt requirements.

Merchant risk

Find out how to help protect your business against payment disputes (also known as chargebacks) and get help understanding your Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) responsibilities.

Statements & settlements

Find out how merchant pricing works and when payments accepted through your merchant facility will be settled to your bank account.

In-store (card present) merchant guide.

Our in-store merchant guide explains how to accept credit or debit card payments through an EFTPOS terminal from cardholders who are physically present in your store or business premises. This is known as a ‘card present’ payment.

You can also find merchant guides for accepting online payments , MOTO (mail order/telephone order) payments  and recurring payments .

MOTO/phone payments merchant guide (card not present).

The mail order/telephone order (MOTO) merchant guide explains how to accept credit or debit card payments through an EFTPOS terminal or a virtual terminal from cardholders who place their orders over the phone.

Because they aren’t physically present in your store or business premises, this is known as a ‘card not present’ payment.

You can find also find guides for accepting  in store payments , online payments , and recurring payments .

Online merchant guide (card not present).

The online merchant guide explains how to accept credit or debit card payments through an e-commerce merchant facility on your website, app or by payment link.

Because cardholders aren’t physically present in your store or business premises, this is known as a ‘card not present’ payment.

You can find also find guides for accepting  in store payments , MOTO (mail order/telephone order) payments  and recurring payments .

Recurring payments merchant guide.

The recurring merchant guide explains how to deduct ongoing payments from your customers’ credit or debit cards (for subscription-based services such as gym memberships or regular payments like utility bills ) .

You can also find guides for accepting  in store payments ,  MOTO (mail order/telephone order) payments  and  online payments .

Merchant risk.

Statements & settlements., travel & entertainment merchants: additional services & responsibilities., get in touch., new customers.

Call the Westpac Merchant Onboarding team on 0800 888 066 (option 1), weekdays between 8:30am to 5pm, or email  [email protected]

Existing customers

Contact your Westpac Relationship Manager, or contact our Merchant Assist team on 0800 888 066  (option 2), weekdays between 8.30am to 5pm, or email  [email protected]

0800 888 066

• Option 1. New or additional merchant facilities, or to change ownership of an existing facility.
• Option 2. General enquiries on your existing merchant facility including suspicious transactions.
• Option 3. Westpac Get Paid on-the-go or Westpac Get Paid in-store technical support.
• Option 4. Westpac Get Paid online technical support.
• Option 5. Terminal faults that aren't related to Westpac Get Paid.

Things you should know.

Westpac’s Merchant Services Agreement applies. Fees and charges, eligibility and credit criteria apply. Mastercard® is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Westpac Get Paid® is a registered trademark of Westpac Banking Corporation.

This guide is provided by Westpac to support our customers with some of the transaction processing requirements that apply, but it does not cover all obligations that may apply to your business. Westpac does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of this guide for your business.

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Collection: home & travel - all, official black ferns match-day coffee travel cups (350ml) - blue, official black ferns match-day coffee travel cups (350ml) - pink, official all blacks match-day coffee travel cups (350ml) - classic black, official all blacks match-day coffee travel cups (350ml) - blue, official black ferns match-day coffee travel cups (350ml) - classic black, official all blacks travel cups (420ml) - black, official all blacks travel tumbler (500ml) - classic black, official all blacks classic black travel thermos, official all blacks "classic" logo coaster set, official all blacks "home ground advantage" coaster set, all blacks 'game changer' poster, all blacks 'the haka' poster, black ferns 'celebration' poster, black ferns 'winning' poster, all blacks 'home game - away game' doormat, all blacks 'probably at the game' doormat, all blacks large doormat - black, all blacks large doormat - natural, black ferns whanau doormat, all blacks coir door mat (black), kia ora coir door mat (blue).

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Traveling Merchant

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• Item (Quantity) Rate

• Internal NPC ID : 368

The Traveling Merchant is a unique NPC vendor who randomly visits the player's town for one day. His inventory is randomized and different every visit, selling 4–10 / 4–12 (average 5.47 / 5.97 ; see below for details) different items listed below . This amount is increased by 2 on Celebrationmk10 worlds, and by 1 by using the Peddler's Satchel .

In order for the Traveling Merchant to spawn, at least 2 other NPCs must already be present. The Guide counts as one of these, but the Old Man and Skeleton Merchant do not [1] . He will not spawn during Solar Eclipses , the Goblin Army , Frost Legion , Pirate Invasion , Martian Madness [2] or if the chat is open. He does not require his own house in order to spawn, and will instead spawn next to NPCs, including town pets, spending the day walking around them.

Once the criteria are met, the Traveling Merchant has a 22.12% chance of spawning each day, appearing at a random time between 4:30   AM and 12:00   PM. The chances of him spawning are always the same regardless if the player is sleeping. He leaves the same day at 6:00   PM, but can only do so once he is off-screen. He despawns if the world is vacated any time after he spawns.

If threatened by enemies , the Traveling Merchant will defend himself with a Revolver . Once Hardmode begins, he upgrades to a Pulse Bow .

• 1.2 Uncommon
• 1.4 Very Rare
• 1.5 Extremely Rare
• 1.6 Extraordinarily Rare
• 1.7 Number of sold items
• 2 Shimmered form
• 10 References

Quick Answers

Items sold [ ]

Due to elaborate randomizer functions and dependencies upon several variables, it is nearly impossible to state an exact chance of an item being sold by the Traveling Merchant. [3] However, it is possible to group them in six rarity "slots", ranging from "Common" to "Extraordinarily Rare". Note that these slots do not correspond to the Traveling Merchant's shop inventory slots – all sold items may be from only one slot. They are only meant to provide a rough, comparative estimate of an item's rarity. Each shop slot will roll a 1/n chance of being for every possible item where n is 100 × the rarity slot. This chance is affected by the luckiest player currently in the world. Items that are always selected when another item is selected don't have their own chance being selected. All colored team blocks share the same chance of getting selected; if the chance succeeds, the color is randomly chosen. When multiple items pass this chance, the item that was tested, the latest will be the selected.

Within the slots, items higher in the list below have a marginally higher chance of being sold, e.g., the Companion Cube is sold slightly more often than the Water Gun ( on average ), because it is higher in the list.

The Traveling Merchant sells exactly one painting and has guaranteed slot for it.

Uncommon [ ]

Very rare [ ], extremely rare [ ], extraordinarily rare [ ], number of sold items [ ].

The following tables list the chances of the numbers of items sold by the Traveling Merchant. [3] Only "base" items are counted, i.e., Dynasty Shingles and Team Platforms are excluded from this number, since they are always sold together with their "base" items Dynasty Wood or Team Block, respectively. The selected amount is increased by 2 on Celebrationmk10 worlds.

These chances reveal that the average number of sold "base" items is 5.47 / 5.97 .

Shimmered form [ ]

When submerged in Shimmer , the Traveling Merchant will transform into his Shimmered form. This has no impact on gameplay or dialogue and is only a visual change. He can be returned to his classic look by submerging him in Shimmer again.

• For each tick of the first half of each day (4:30   AM – 12:00   PM = 7.5 hours = 27,000 ticks), there is a 1 in 108,000 chance to spawn the Traveling Merchant. Thus, the Traveling Merchant has a: 1-(107999/108000)^27000 = 0.2212001339 ≈ 22.12% chance of arriving each day.
• This means that if a specific item from the Traveling Merchant is desired, but he arrived without that particular item, and it is before 12:00   PM in-game, he can be killed for a chance of another Traveling Merchant spawning.
• The Traveling Merchant does not leave during events .
• Note that this method will still trigger invasions like Goblin Army and Pirate Invasion when the time is set to dawn, making the Traveling Merchant stop "respawning".
• Killing the Traveling Merchant, and then quickly un-pausing time and pausing it back, will spawn a new Traveling Merchant with a new set of stock.
• The Traveling Merchant departs by simply disappearing while off-screen. If the player keeps him on-screen when he would normally depart, he will remain until he is off-screen again. If he is kept on-screen until dawn, he will not depart until he is off-screen after 6:00   PM the following evening. This does not, however, change his inventory.

The Traveling Merchant may have any of the following names:

• Many of his wares may be a reference to the East India Company , and to the goods that were brought to Europe during the age of discovery in general.
• The name Willy is most likely a reference to the 1949 play Death of a Salesman written by American playwright Arthur Miller , where the main character is Willy Loman, a traveling salesman.
• His quote " Come and have a look! One pound fish! Very, very good! One pound fish! " is a reference to the Pakistani trader and recording artist Muhammad Shahid Nazir, also known as One Pound Fish Man , who found fame as an internet sensation for his viral video " One Pound Fish ".
• The quote " Combination hookah and coffee maker! Also makes julienne fries! " is a reference to the 1992 American animated musical fantasy film Aladdin .
• His quote " Hmm, you look like you could use an Angel Statue! They slice, and dice, and make everything nice! " is a reference to the ongoing joke of how Angel Statues are one of the most useless statues in the game; this is also referenced by a quote from the Merchant .
• Along with the Cyborg , the Zoologist and the Princess , the Traveling Merchant is one of the only NPCs to sell a new item post- Moon Lord , which is Not a Kid, nor a Squid .
• When he is submerged in shimmer , he will change sprites to one with blue hair and a red coat.

See also [ ]

• Skeleton Merchant

History [ ]

• Desktop 1.4.3 : Now sells 4 new paintings .
• Now only sells Sitting Duck's Fishing Pole after defeating Skeletron .
• No longer sells the Super Star Shooter .
• Desktop 1.4.0.4 : Fixed Traveling Merchant and Skeleton Merchant accidentally having NPC Happiness .
• Desktop 1.4.0.1 : Now sells Celestial Wand , Exotic Chew Toy , Birdie Rattle , and many more new items.
• Desktop 1.3.2 : Fixed not being able to attack at Night .
• Desktop 1.3.1 : Now sells the Companion Cube , Team Blocks , Team Platforms and the Presserator .
• Now defends himself with a Revolver (in pre-Hardmode ) and the Pulse Bow (in Hardmode ).
• Now sells many new items, including yoyos , accessories , and paintings.
• Desktop 1.2.4.1 : Now sells Animal Skins .
• Desktop 1.2.4 : Fixed issue where Scorpions worked with King Statue and Traveling Merchant did not.
• The Traveling Merchant can no longer spawn in lava .
• Fixed bug where Queen/King Statues did not teleport the Stylist and Traveling Merchant, respectively.
• Desktop 1.2.3 : Introduced.

• Console 1.08 : Added Capes (Winter, Mysterious, and Red Capes and Crimson Cloak) and Diamond Ring.
• Console 1.07 : Introduced with vendor items up to Desktop 1.2.4.1, except the Angel Halo, Capes, and Diamond Ring.
• Switch 1.0.711.6 : Introduced.

• Mobile 1.2.11212 : Introduced with vendor items up to Desktop 1.2.4.1.

References [ ]

• ↑ A tick is a time unit countable by the software. Most of Terraria 's updating logic happens every tick. A tick has the length of 1/60th of a second, hence there are 60 ticks in a second and 3600 ticks in a minute.

Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.