travel money new zealand

New Zealand currency & costs

How to pay for things in New Zealand and a guide to general costs.

On this page:

The average price of:

Currency exchange  

Bringing cash into new zealand  , banking  .

• Tipping and s ervice c harges  

Goods and Services Tax (GST)  

• Swedish Rounding

Peak seasons in New Zealand  

Accommodation  .

• Transport    
• Food and drink    

Currency and payment in New Zealand  

New Zealand’s unit of currency is the dollar (NZD$). All major credit cards are accepted in New Zealand, with Visa and Mastercard the most widely used. Many retailers in main centres also have Apple Pay. Travellers’ cheques are no longer accepted.   

You can exchange foreign currency for New Zealand currency at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are in international airports and most city centres.  

New Zealand currency is available in:  

• Coins with values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2.  
• Notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.  

Check the current currency rate with this currency converter .   

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There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report (opens in new window) .  

Bank opening hours in New Zealand vary, but branches are generally open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Some are also open during weekends. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are available at bank branches, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.  

Tipping and service charges  

Tipping in New Zealand is not obligatory, even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.  

All goods and services in New Zealand are subject to a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15%, which is included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, but if a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged.  

Swedish Rounding  

Due to the discontinuation of 1c, 2c and 5c pieces, purchases made in New Zealand are subject to “rounding” of amounts either up or down. New Zealand’s Reserve Bank believes most retailers are adopting the Swedish Rounding System. Under this system, prices ending in 1 to 4 cents will be rounded down, and prices ending in 6 to 9 cents will be rounded up. For example, a purchase of $15.14 would be rounded down to $15.10, and a purchase of $15.16 would be rounded up to $15.20. It is at the retailer’s discretion how they handle prices ending in 5 cents.  

How much do things cost in New Zealand?   

Prices for accommodation, flights and vehicle hire can fluctuate during busy seasons. The peak times are around Christmas and high summer (December through to early March) across the country, and in winter (June to August) for popular ski areas such as Queenstown and the central North Island. School holidays are also very busy times. It is advisable to book well ahead if you’re planning to travel over those periods. Visiting in the low or shoulder seasons in between can mean better deals and more choice.  

Pricing will depend on the location, time of year, and day of the week, so the below is just to give a general idea of cost. Use our accommodation finder to see price ranges for your specific needs.  

• Campsite : NZ$10-$35 per person  
• Dorm bed in a  hostel/backpackers : NZ$17-$35 per night  
• 3-star  motel  /  hotel  room: NZ$80-$200 per night  
• 4- to 5-star hotel: NZ $200 and above per night  

Transport   

Vehicle hire prices can vary greatly depending on the time of year, the type of car/motorhome you want to hire and how long you are hiring it. Use our Transport finder below to check prices on supplier websites or contact them directly. The price of petrol (gas) can fluctuate daily and may differ slightly between regions. It is always indicated on signs outside petrol stations or at the pump.  

The price of domestic flights varies between airlines depending on demand, so check pricing on their websites. You can find more information on other transport options here.

Food and drink   

This will vary widely depending on whether you’re ordering takeaways, eating at a casual café or at a fine dining restaurant. The following is a rough guide to food and beverage costs in New Zealand.  

• McDonald’s Big Mac Hamburger: $8.70   
• Café sandwich: $5-$10  
• Main meal at casual dining restaurant: $20-$35  
• Large coffee: $5-$6  
• Can of soft drink: $3-$5  
• Pint of beer: $10-$16  
• Glass of wine: $10-16  

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Rate last updated Monday, 29 April 2024 7:40:18 AM NZST. Please note that these are the Travelex online sell rates.

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NZ Currency Exchange: Best Places to Exchange Money in New Zealand

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, where to get the cheapest currency exchange in new zealand.

A fiddly but compulsory aspect of planning a trip to New Zealand is getting some New Zealand Dollars . In order to avoid paying for everything on your credit/debit card, in turn, paying unnecessary fees, it’s a good idea to just pay one (or two or three) currency exchange fees and pay your way with cash. But where are the best places to exchange money in New Zealand? Find out with this New Zealand currency exchange guide.

To compare the different methods of paying for things in New Zealand, including cash, debit and credit cards, check out   The Best Way to Pay in New Zealand .

Is it Better to Exchange Money in New Zealand or Overseas?

Better exchange rates, therefore cheaper currency conversions, to the New Zealand Dollar, can be found in New Zealand compared to overseas. This is often due to overseas currency exchange bureaus and banks having to buy in the New Zealand Dollar themselves before selling it to customers. Of course, there are exceptions, but if you’re unsure whether your local overseas currency exchange bureau offers a good deal, the general rule is that you’ll likely get cheaper exchange rates in New Zealand.

Exchanging currency overseas, however, does come with the benefit of being prepared with some New Zealand Dollars before arriving in New Zealand. This often brings peace of mind knowing that exchanging currency is something you can remove from your list of things to do on arrival .

Currency Exchange at New Zealand Airports

Your first encounters with currency exchange bureaus in New Zealand are at international airports. Travelex is the only currency exchange you’ll find in New Zealand airports , including Auckland , Christchurch and Queenstown . With no competition in the airports, their exchange rates and fees are at a premium.

On the other hand, exchanging currency at the airport is often the most convenient way to exchange money in New Zealand, considering most travellers arrive through these airports. Exchanging currency at the airport means that you don’t have to spend time finding currency exchange bureaus later.

By the way, make sure you check out our guide,  Arriving in New Zealand: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process so you’re prepared for all of the arrival formalities.

Currency Exchange in New Zealand Cities

The currency exchange bureaus in New Zealand’s cities tend to offer much better value than what is found at the airport. Because there are several currency exchange bureaus, there’s more competition to keep prices competitive.

If you want to get the best deal, we recommend doing your own research. Visit several currency exchange bureaus and write down their percentage fees/fixed rate plus the exchange rate. Or easier, just ask how much they’ll give for your desired quantity of currency and make a note of it. After comparing, simply exchange your currency for New Zealand Dollars with the company that’s going to give you the most New Zealand Dollars.

11 Best Currency Exchange in Auckland

• Lotus Foreign Exchange – 228 Queen Street (Burger King)
• Lotus Foreign Exchange –  166B Great South Road, Papatoetoe
• No 1 Currency – 175 Queen Street
• No 1 Currency – 238 Queen Street
• City Forex – 44 Wellesley Street West
• Relianz Forex – 32 Queen Street
• Tasman Foreign Exchange – 3B/23 Dundonald Street, Eden Terrace
• XE Money – Level 4, 32 Mahuhu Crescent
• Travel Money NZ – 163 Queen Street (temp closed)
• Travel Money NZ – Unit G3, 239 Queen Street (temp closed)
• DP Money Exchange – 263 Queen Street (temp closed) .

Plan the rest of your time in Auckland using  The Complete Travel Guide to Auckland .

4 Best Currency Exchange in Christchurch

• Lotus Foreign Exchange – 41/129 Riccarton Road, Riccarton
• Lotus Foreign Exchange – Shop 50A/55 Main North Road, Papanui
• Travelex Kiosk – 13/129 Riccarton Road, Riccarton
• Travel Money NZ – 55 Main North Road, Northlands (temp closed) .

Plan the rest of your time in Christchurch using The Complete Travel Guide to Christchurch .

2 Best Currency Exchange in Queenstown

• Travelex – Travel & Visitor Information Centre, Clocktower Building, Camp Street
• Travel Money NZ – 7 Shotover Street (temp closed) .

Plan the rest of your time in Queenstown using  The Complete Travel Guide to Queenstown .

Withdrawing New Zealand Dollars from ATMs

More abundant across New Zealand than currency exchange bureaus, ATMs are another worthy way to get New Zealand Dollars in New Zealand with an overseas debit or credit card. However, you cannot exchange foreign currency at an ATM; only make a withdrawal.

Withdrawing New Zealand Dollars with a Debit Card

New Zealand ATMs and banks accept overseas debit cards, most commonly issued by Visa and MasterCard , but some also accept Maestro and Plus , as long as there is a four-digit PIN encoded. There is likely to be a withdrawal fee for withdrawing currency from an ATM from an overseas bank account, usually around NZ$5 flat fee, and some might charge an additional conversion surcharge of around 3%. (Not to mention, your bank to which the card is issued will charge you an exchange rate).

Withdrawing New Zealand Dollars with a Credit Card

The most widely accepted credit cards are those issued by Visa or MasterCard , while American Express , Diners Club and Bankcard are less accepted. Credit cards tend to not have a fee for withdrawing cash or paying from a foreign currency, but there is still a currency conversion fee, usually around 3% with MasterCard and Visa.

More Ways to Pay in New Zealand

For more information about paying with a debit and credit card, travel money card and more, see our comprehensive guide, The Best Way to Pay in New Zealand .

Transferring Money from Overseas to a New Zealand Bank Account

Finally, if you’re staying in New Zealand long-term and are opening a New Zealand bank account , it may be cheaper to transfer foreign currency to your New Zealand bank account.

A few options are available for transferring money to your New Zealand bank account. You can do it through your home bank in an online transfer (telegraphic transfer) or with an international bank draft. Alternatively, you can use a foreign exchange broker, like  XE Money  or  Wise , to transfer money to your New Zealand bank account, avoiding hefty bank fees.

Follow our tips in  How to Transfer Money to Your New Zealand Bank Account for all of the pros and cons of each transfer method.

More About New Zealand Currency Exchange

That’s it for our guide to the best places to exchange money in New Zealand. For more money talk, take a look at these:

• The Travel Guide to New Zealand on a Budget
• How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand ?
• How to Transfer (& Spend) Money Without a Bank Account

Plus, find more essential travel advice in the   31 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand .

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 approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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• Travel Money Cards

Wise: the Best Travel Money Card in New Zealand

Posted by Caitlin Bingham July 26, 2023

It’s fairly easy and convenient to get foreign currency, but it leaves you at the mercy of hidden fees and exchange rates. A quick trip to the ATM while abroad, or currency exchange at the airport, can leave your bank account hurting.

This is when a travel money card can be your friend. Such cards allow you to load up foreign currency, so you can enjoy your holiday without being stung by sky-high exchange rates and fees.

However, not all travel money cards offer the same features or charge the same conversion fees. So, while convenient, it pays to be aware of attached fees, or you might end up paying as much as you would with an FX operator.

As part of our mission to help consumers make the right choices, Canstar’s expert in-house researchers crunched the numbers on several travel money cards. And the winner is Wise, the recipient of our Travel Money Card | Outstanding Value Award 2023.

What is Wise?

Wise is more than just a simple travel money card.

Wise provides users with a single multi-currency account, that allows people in their increasingly global lives to pay, to get paid, and to spend, in any currency – wherever they are and whatever they’re doing.

Through your Wise account you can send, spend and receive foreign currencies, both online or via the Wise debit card.

All of these are done at the real market exchange rate, helping you retain as much value as possible. A single exchange fee is charged up-front, but there are no other hidden fees – you always see the total cost upfront.

What does Wise offer?

A wise account offers:.

• Account details:  get account details in nine currencies (GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, NZD, SGD, CAD, HUF and TRY) in minutes, so you can pay and be paid like a local
• Direct debits: share your AU, EU and UK account details with merchants to conveniently automate and pay bills and subscriptions
• Payment methods: pay bills in NZ via a range of methods including cards, Apple Pay, bank transfer or BPay
• Manage your finances: keep track of payments and manage accounts via integration with accounting software like Quickbooks and Xero
• Saving jars:  set money aside in individual Jars, for rainy days, vacations or anything else
• International money transfers:  send money to over 75 countries at the real exchange rate. Money can be transferred instantly when using PayID
• Scheduled transfers: set up recurring transfers to automate the process of sending money abroad with Wise’s API
• Real-time tracking: transfer money and and view its progress in real-time

What does the Wise debit card offer?

• Spend:  use the Wise debit card in over 200 countries and anywhere online
• Free to use: there are no monthly subscription, maintenance or transaction fees*
• Save money:  spend at the real exchange rate, with no sneaky mark-ups
• Withdraw cash: withdraw up to NZ$350 per month for free (a small fee applies for withdrawals after the first $350)
• Security:  set spending limits, freeze/unfreeze the card instantly in the app and get real-time notifications for every transactions
• Smart money-saving technology:  automatically chooses the currency that offers the best conversion rate
• Virtual cards: No need to wait for your card to be delivered, your card details appear on your account as soon as your order, so you can start spending in store and online immediately, with Google or Apple Pay. Have up to three virtual cards at one time

*A small conversion fee is charged if you card doesn’t have the local currency pre-loaded, requiring currency conversion

Travel money cards: what other options do you have?

While Wise is our Travel Money Card | Outstand Value Award winner, our team crunched the numbers on four other travel money cards in this year’s award.

Air New Zealand OneSmart

Cash passport platinum mastercard, travelex money card.

• Load up to eight foreign currencies plus NZD at any one time (AUD, SGP, HKD, JPY, GBP, EUR, CAD and USD)
• Earn one Airpoints dollar for every NZD $100 spent overseas
• Earn one Airpoints dollar for every NZD $200 you spend domestically
• Use anywhere Mastercard is accepted
• Withdraw local currency from any ATM that accepts Mastercard
• Each month, your first three ATM withdrawals are free
• Load up to ten different currencies on one card (NZD, AUD, EUR, USD, GBP, JPY, CAD, HKD, SGD and AED)
• Lock in exchange rates each time you load and reload
• Manage and track your Cash Passport on the go via your mobile, tablet, laptop or PC
• Use your Cash Passport like you would a credit or debit card, except with your own prepaid funds. In-store, online or to withdraw local currency at ATMs
• Manage nine popular currencies on the go including: USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, CAD, SGD,  JPY, HKD and NZD
• Zero ATM, Eftpos and online shopping fees
• Shop at millions of outlets wherever MasterCard is accepted
• Optional additional emergency card 24/7 global assistance
• Exclusive discounts with Mastercard Priceless Cities benefits

Westpac Global Currency Card

• Manage it online, anytime
• Lock in exchange rates with up to nine different currencies (AUD, USD, GBP, SGD, EUR, NZD, HKD, JPY, CAD)
• No purchase fee, no monthly fees and no bank transfer fees
• 24/7 assistance

Compare Travel Money Cards

Headed off overseas and looking for the best in money cards? Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular cards in New Zealand:

The display order does not reflect any ranking or rating by Canstar. This information is not an endorsement by Canstar of travel money cards or any specific provider. Information correct as of 20/09/23. For full pricing details see individual providers’ websites.

About the author of this page.

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for New Zealand 2024

There’s plenty to do in New Zealand - but you’re going to need to think about how you arrange your travel money to make the most of your trip to the other side of the world. Getting a travel money card can help.

UK customers can choose from a broad range of travel debit, prepaid and credit cards. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks - this guide walks through your options to help you decide, plus we’ll introduce a couple of our favourites from each category so you can see if any suit your preferences and needs.

Wise - our pick for travel debit card for New Zealand

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in GBP and switch to NZD before you travel. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees from 0.41%. Here are some of the pros and cons of the Wise travel money debit card, to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Hold and exchange 40+ currencies , including GBP-NZD

No fee to spend any currency you hold, low conversion fees from 0.41%

Mid market exchange rate on all currency conversion

Some fee free ATM withdrawals every month

No ongoing fees and no interest to pay

7 GBP delivery fee

No option to earn points or rewards

Click here to read a full Wise review

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card offers easy ways to spend and make cash withdrawals as you travel. Travel money cards can be used to make international payments, spend in stores and online, and make cash withdrawals just as you do with your bank card. Some cards let you hold a balance in multiple currencies, others remove the foreign transaction fees you’ll often find from regular credit and debit cards, and other cards can let you earn cash back or rewards overseas.

The good news is that there are lots of different travel money card providers in the UK. The downside is that you’ll need to do some homework to figure out which might suit you best. This guide is here to help.

What are different types of travel cards?

Travel cards can broadly be split into the following categories. We’ll walk through the features and benefits of each in a moment:

Travel debit cards

Travel prepaid cards

Travel credit cards

Quick summary: Best travel cards for New Zealand

This guide covers the different travel card types you might consider for your New Zealand trip - plus we’ve included reviews of 2 of our favourites from each category to help you choose. Here’s what we’ll be looking at:

Wise travel debit card : Hold 40+ currencies including NZD, with no ongoing fees, and spend with the mid-market exchange rate with no foreign transaction fee and low conversion costs from 0.43%

Revolut travel debit card : Hold 25+ currencies including THB, in one of 4 different plan types, including some with no monthly fee, and some which come with ongoing costs but which unlock more benefits and no fee transactions

Post Office travel money card : Hold NZD and 21 other currencies, with no fee to spend a currency you hold - 3% fee applies if you don’t have the currency required in your account

Monese travel money card : Hold a balance in GBP, then spend in NZD with no fees, up to your plan’s limit. Different plans on offer, including Simple which has no ongoing fees to pay

Barclays Rewards Visa travel credit card: Spend with the Visa exchange rate, and earn 0.25% cash back, with no foreign transaction fee and no cash advance fee. Interest and penalties can apply

Halifax Clarity Mastercard travel credit card: No foreign transaction fee, no annual fee, and no cash advance fee if you withdraw money at an ATM. Variable interest and penalties can apply

Travel money cards for Thailand compared

Here’s a brief comparison of all the cards we’ve picked out - in a moment we’ll also look at each card in more detail.

Ultimately, which travel card suits you will depend on your personal preference and spending habits. All of the travel debit, prepaid and credit cards we’ll look at here have their own great features. If you’re looking to hold a multi-currency balance you’ll probably find a travel debit or prepaid card works best.

Pick one with no ongoing costs and you can just keep it after New Zealand and use it the next time you travel too. Travel credit cards are a good choice if you want to spread your costs over a few months - but bear in mind that fees and interest can apply in this case, pushing up the price in the end.

Travel Debit Cards for New Zealand

Travel debit cards work in a similar way to your bank debit card, but they’re issued by specialist providers, and linked to a digital multi-currency account. You can add money in GBP and then convert to NZD in the account, to see your travel money budget instantly. Or if you’d prefer, the cards we’ve picked out below let you leave your money in pounds and then can manage the conversion for you at the point of payment.

Travel debit cards have been optimised for different customer needs, but they’re generally cheap, secure and reliable - so all you’ll need to do is pick the specific card that suits you.

Travel debit card option 1: Wise

There’s no fee to open a personal Wise account , but you’ll pay a one time card order fee of 7 GBP. After that there’s no minimum balance and no monthly charge. Wise accounts can support 40+ currencies for holding and exchange, with low fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

No fee to open a personal Wise account, no minimum balance requirement

7 GBP one time fee to get your Wise card

2 withdrawals, to 200 GBP value per month for free, then 0.5 GBP + 1.75%

Hold NZD and 40+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

Get local account details to receive GBP, NZD, EUR, USD and a selection of other major currencies conveniently

Travel debit card option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers for personal customers in the UK, including Standard plans with no monthly fee, to the top end Ultra plan which has a 45 GBP/month fee and comes with loads of perks including a fancy platinum plated card. You can hold around 25 currencies, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance. The higher account tiers also come with extras like various different forms of complimentary insurance, discounts, cash back opportunities and travel benefits.

No monthly fee for a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade to one of 4 different account plans which have monthly fees running from 3.99 GBP/month to 45 GBP/month

All accounts have some no fee weekday currency conversion with fair usage fees after that which are 1% for Standard plan holders

Standard plan holders can withdraw 200 GBP overseas per month for free

Hold around 25 currencies

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in New Zealand

How much does a travel debit card cost.

Travel debit cards are usually free or cheap to order, although there may be a delivery fee to get your first card. Once you have your card there are likely to be some transaction fees, and you may find you pay a monthly cost, depending on the card you pick.

Of the cards we’ve highlighted above, Wise has a one time fee to get your card, but then no monthly charges or minimum balance requirements. Revolut customers in the UK can choose from different account plans, including one with no ongoing charges, or several different account options with a monthly fee in exchange for extra perks and benefits.

How to choose the best travel debit card for New Zealand?

Generally, having a travel debit card when you’re spending in foreign currencies can help you save money and spend securely. However, there’s no single best travel debit card for New Zealand, so you’ll need to compare a few to see which suits your spending and withdrawal needs best.

The Wise card and the Standard Revolut card both offer no ongoing costs, so are a fairly low risk way to try out whether or not a travel debit card suits you. If you use your card frequently you can then consider upgrading to a Revolut plan with an ongoing fee and higher no fee transaction limits.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in New Zealand?  

You’ll probably find there’s a spending limit for your travel debit card. However, this limit can vary quite significantly, depending on the provider you pick. You can also usually adjust your spending limits for security in the provider’s app which means you can set the limit you’re comfortable with.

For the providers mentioned above, Revolut UK travel debit card holders have some spending caps based on merchant and transaction type. This applies to things like sending money to others, buying travellers cheques or money orders, and betting. Wise caps monthly card spending at 30,000 GBP but you can also move your limit lower if you’d like to, for security reasons.

ATM withdrawals

ATM withdrawals with a travel debit card are also likely to be subject to limits. Revolut applies a 3,000 GBP limit based on any given 24 hour period. Wise ATM withdrawal limits are 4,000 GBP per month. Both providers allow you to make some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly, but the exact amount you can withdraw will depend on your account type.

Prepaid Travel Cards for New Zealand

Prepaid travel cards can be bought or ordered through providers like the Post Office, or financial technology specialists like Monese. You can use a prepaid card in a similar way to using a travel debit card, but the linked account might not have quite the same functionality. For example, while Post Office prepaid travel cards support a multi-currency balance in 20+ currencies, Monese lets you hold GBP, EUR and RON, but not New Zealand dollars. On the other hand, Monese is more flexible in terms of its range of account plans, which you can upgrade on will without any penalty. Let’s look at these options in more detail.

Prepaid travel card option 1: Post Office Travel Money Card

You can order a Post Office Travel Money Card online or pick one up in person at a branch as long as you have a valid ID on you. You’ll be able to top up and hold in 22 currencies, although bear in mind a fee applies if you add money in GBP. There’s no fee to add foreign currencies. The exchange rate used when you top up or convert may include a markup, but once you hold a currency balance in your account you can spend it with no further charges.

NZD and 21 other currencies are supported for holding and exchange

No fee to spend a currency you hold on your card

3% cross border fee if you spend in an unsupported currency

3.5 NZD ATM withdrawal fee

Manage your account and card from the Post Office travel money app

Prepaid travel card option 2: Monese Travel Money Card

Monese offers several different account plans which come with linked cards you can use while overseas. Depending on the plan you pick you’ll get some free international spending and some free ATM withdrawals. Simple account plans have no monthly fees, but are more limited in terms of no-fee transactions compared to the other account tiers. While Monese does offer foreign currency account plans, these are not available in NZD.

• Pick the account plan that suits your needs, including a Simple plan with no monthly costs and some plans which do have a fee to pay every month
• Accounts offered in GBP, EUR and RON
• Simple account plan holders can spend up to 2,000 GBP a month in foreign currencies with no fees - other account plans have unlimited overseas spending with no extra fees
• All accounts have some fee free ATM withdrawals every month, with variable limits based on account plan
• Virtual cards available

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in New Zealand

How much does a prepaid card cost.

Using a prepaid travel card when you’re away from home can mean paying less overall compared to some other card payment options - but it’s not usually completely free.

Different providers charge in different ways. For example accounts may have ongoing charges, or you may have to pay a fee or currency conversion charge when you top up. Weighing up a few different prepaid travel cards is the only way to decide which is the best value for your particular needs.

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for New Zealand?

The best prepaid travel card for New Zealand depends on your spending patterns. The Post Office Travel Money Card has the advantage that you can convert your money to NZD and see your budget instantly. However if you don’t do this, you might end up paying a 3% fee. Monese has different plan types, so has the flexibility to allow you to pick the one you want - but you can’t hold a NZD balance.

Prepaid travel card spending limit

The Post Office travel card lets you top up to 5,000 GBP at a time, with the maximum balance at any given time set at 10,000 GBP, or 30,000 GBP annually. Monese accounts may have different limits based on the tier you pick - usually set at a maximum holding balance at any time of 40,000 GBP. You may be limited to spending up to 7,000 GBP a day, depending on your account type.

With the Post Office card, you can make up to 750 NZD maximum daily withdrawals and each withdrawal costs 3.5 NZD. Monese accounts may have a maximum ATM withdrawal of 300 GBP a day, depending on the specific account you pick, so it’s worth reading the fee schedule carefully to understand the details.

Travel credit cards for New Zealand

Travel credit cards work in a similar way to other credit cards, but they’ve been optimised for travel and can offer perks like no foreign transaction fee or more rewards and cash back for overseas spending. Which card you can apply for can depend on your credit score, but most UK card providers offer a no obligation tool to check your eligibility online. Bear in mind that your credit history can also change the interest charged and the maximum credit you’re offered. Overall, credit cards can be safe and convenient, but often more expensive than a debit or prepaid card.

Travel credit card option 1: Barclaycard Rewards Visa 

The Barclaycard Rewards Visa credit card is a good, straightforward option for UK customers looking for a credit card which does not have foreign transaction fees, and which doesn’t have an annual fee. As with any credit card, some costs can apply including interest fees if you don’t clear your bill monthly, but you’ll be able to earn 0.25% cash back on all your card spending at home and abroad.

No annual fee, with 0.25% cash back on card spending

Currency exchange uses the network rate and no foreign transaction fee

No ATM withdrawal fee - but interest can still apply

28.9% representative APR, with penalty fees for late payments

Secure spending with extra protection on some purchases

Travel credit card option 2: Halifax Clarity Mastercard

The Halifax Clarity Mastercard has a variable interest rate which is based on your creditworthiness, but doesn’t use different rates for different transaction types as some cards do. There’s no foreign transaction fee when you spend or withdraw in foreign currencies, but bear in mind that an ATM operator might charge a fee, and interest accrues instantly for cash advance transactions.

No foreign transaction fee when spending or making a cash withdrawal overseas

Interest applies instantly when making cash withdrawals

Same interest rate applies on all purchase categories

Variable APR based on your credit score - you’ll need to check your eligibility online to see the APR you’d be offered

Spending is covered by the Consumer Credit act which means extra protections for purchases from 100 GBP to 30,000 GBP in value

Pros and cons of using credit cards for New Zealand

How much does a travel credit card cost.

Credit cards can end up being a fairly expensive way to handle your card spending, depending on the card you pick and how you use it. The travel credit cards highlighted above have no annual charge, and no foreign transaction fee - but as with any credit card, interest applies if you don’t pay your bill in full every month. If you’re late making a payment, penalties can also apply.

How to choose the best travel credit card for New Zealand?

The best travel credit card for New Zealand depends on your preferences and situation. Because there’s an eligibility screening process with credit cards, you may find you can’t get approved for some cards if you don’t have an established and strong credit history. It’s generally worth looking for a card with no annual fee, and the lowest available interest rate, just in case you can’t always repay your bill monthly.

Travel credit card spending limit

Your travel credit card spending limit will be set by the card provider, and will depend on your credit score. You’ll be shown details of your spending limit when you’re approved for a travel credit card.

The cards we’ve looked at earlier don’t charge a cash advance fee, but this is a common cost when using a credit card at an ATM, so worth looking out for when you select any credit card. It’s also worth noting that it’s very common for ATM withdrawals to start accruing interest instantly, so you’ll end up needing to repay some charges whenever you use your credit card in an ATM.

How much money do I need in Thailand?

From the UK, most people heading to New Zealand are planning on staying for a bit longer than the average holiday. If you’re going to be touring New Zealand for multiple weeks, setting a budget is essential to make sure you don’t end up spending far more than planned. Costs in New Zealand can vary pretty widely. It’s not a particularly cheap destination to visit, but as with most places with a vibrant tourism industry, there’s food, activities and accommodation to suit most budgets if you look hard enough. Here’s a quick look at some common costs in New Zealand:

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for New Zealand?

New Zealand is a perfect holiday destination because there’s so much to do. But lots of activities means you’ll need to figure out the best way to pay for things while you’re there, to avoid unnecessary costs and make your money go further.

Using one or more travel card options can help you manage your travel budget flexibly, and may also mean lower overall costs. Consider a Wise travel debit card for convenient, low cost spending and withdrawals with ways to pay and get paid in NZD. Or as an alternative, check out a Monese travel prepaid card for free currency conversion to your specific plan limit, or a travel credit card like the Barclays Rewards Visa for cash back opportunities and ways to spread your costs over several months if you need to. No matter what type of travel card suits you best, there’s going to be an option for you - use this guide to research and get ready to enjoy that trip of a lifetime to New Zealand.

FAQ - Best travel cards for New Zealand

Can you withdraw cash with a credit card in new zealand.

Yes. You can use your credit card to make an ATM withdrawal at any ATM in New Zealand where your card network is accepted. However, bear in mind you’ll pay interest instantly when you use a credit card in an ATM. Choosing to withdraw with a low cost travel debit card from Wise or Revolut may bring down your overall fees.

Can I use a debit card in New Zealand?

Yes. Debit cards are widely supported in New Zealand, and can be used in many places, although you may struggle at some small independent merchants or at markets. That said, having multiple ways to pay is reassuring, making carrying both a prepaid or travel debit card and some New Zealand dollars in cash a smart plan.

Are prepaid cards safe?

Yes. Prepaid cards are not linked to your normal UK bank account which means that they’re safe to use. Even if you were unlucky and someone stole your card while you’re in New Zealand, they would not be able to access your main account - and you could freeze your prepaid card in the app easily if you needed to.

What is the best way to pay in New Zealand?

Paying for things with a specialist travel debit, prepaid or credit card in New Zealand is most convenient. However, having a few options for payment is a good plan, just in case your preferred payment method can’t be used for some reason. Consider getting a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut, which has some no fee ATM withdrawals so you can also conveniently get cash as a back up, and for when card payments aren’t offered.

Editorial note: We may not cover every product in this category. For more information, see our Editorial guidelines .

The 6 best travel money cards for new zealand in 2024.

New Zealand is one of the most visited countries by Australians, being one of our closest neighbours. It is full of pristine and breathtaking wilderness including walks, snow covered mountains and majestic fjords.

In New Zealand you are likely to pay for accommodation, food, transport and entertainment as well as withdraw cash from ATMs with your card.

We have analysed a number of the best overseas travel cards to take to New Zealand for Australians in 2024 and have summarised their best points.

Best 6 Travel Money Cards for New Zealand in 2024:

• Wise Travel Card for the best exchange rates
• Revolut Travel Currency Card for low fees
• Travelex Money Card - Best all rounder
• Australia Post Travel Platinum for best international prepaid debit card
• Westpac Travel Money Card for best prepaid card from major bank
• Macquarie Transaction Debit Card best debit card for use in Australia too

Wise Travel Card - Best Exchange Rates

• 40+ currencies available
• Best exchange rates globally
• One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
• No international transaction fees
• No annual or monthly fees
• Extremely low costs to send money overseas

Wise Travel Card

• Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
• Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise Card charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
• Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
• Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
• It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
• Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted

For those traveling to New Zealand, the Wise Travel Card offers a suite of benefits that are particularly well-suited for their travel needs. A standout feature of this card is the access it provides to over 40 currencies at the intermarket exchange rate, globally renowned for being the most cost-effective rate. However if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees. Finally Wise Travel Card lets you transfer money to an overseas bank account with extremely low fees and the best exchange rate.

Revolut - Low Fees

• 30+ currencies available
• One of the best exchange rates globally
• No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
• No initial card fee
• Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies

Read our Revolut Card Review

Revolut Travel Card

• No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
• Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
• Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
• Can be used wherever Visa is accepted

The Revolut Travel Card is a decent option for those who travel a lot as it offers over 30 currencies at a great exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. However if you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition they have introduced fees for international transfers. Finally if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.

Travelex Money Card - Best All Rounder

Best features.

• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance
• Initial and replacement card are free
• Lock in up to 10 currencies
• Travelex Travel Money app

Read our Travelex Travel Card Review

Travelex Money Card

Minimum load of $100 and maximum load of $100,000

Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted

Fees include a $10 closure fee, $5 for an additional card and $4 inactivity monthly fee.

While Travelex don't charge ATM fees, some ATM operators may charge their own fees.

Currencies that can be loaded are AU$, US$, EU€, GB£ , NZ$, TH฿, CA$, HK$, JP¥, SG$

If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge

Boingo hotspots offer free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Travelex Money Card is a good all-rounder no matter if you are heading to the vibrant cities of Auckland or Wellington, or exploring the stunning landscapes of the South Island.

You can use it to take money out of the ATM, for merchant purchases like restaurants and even for online shopping in foreign currency. While the exchange rates aren't as good as Wise or Revolut abroad , the support network if the card is lost or stolen is very good. This perk can be especially handy while experiencing the majestic sights of New Zealand.

Australia Post Travel Money Card - Platinum Mastercard

• Initial card and replacement cards are free
• No fee on reloads via bank transfers
• No monthly or inactivity fees
• Increased protection with Mastercard Zero Liability
• Access to cash from your account through the Global Emergency Assistance, if your card is lost or stolen

Currencies that can be loaded are NZD, AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, THB, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD and AED

1.1% Admin fee for instore loads, including initial load

$5 fee for reloads via debit bank card

$10 closure fee

2.95% on withdrawals from Australian ATMs is expensive

$3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATM is expensive

$3.99 + 5.95% fee on cross currency transactions

Min load of $100 and max of $100,000

If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash that is in your account through MoneyGram or Western Union agents, with no charge

Boingo hotspots offer the free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Australia Post Travel Platinum travel money card is the best of the prepaid cards in New Zealand as its exchange rate for New Zealand dollars is best when compared to Travelex, Commonwealth bank, HSBC or Citibank travel cards.

To avoid the fees on this card we advise to deposit a small amount instore for your initial load and deposit the rest by bank transfer to avoid fees. In addition we recommend this card for tap, swipe or insert card transactions only like paying for hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Do not use it for ATM withdrawals as the fees are expensive and avoidable if you use a different card like the Macquarie Transaction card.

Westpac Travel Money Card

• Best New Zealand dollar exchange rate offered by the major 4 banks
• No foreign transaction fees
• No fee on initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
• No ATM fee at 50,000 Global Alliance ATMs worldwide
• Free additional card

Macquarie Transaction Account Debit Card

• No ATM fees in New Zealand
• No ATM fees in Australia
• No monthly fees or initial card fee
• No foreign transaction fee
• Contactless limit with no PIN up to $200 per transaction
• Joint accounts available

Learn more about the best credit, debit and prepaid cards for travel

Best Credit Card for International Travel

Best Prepaid Travel Cards

More Travel Card Guides

Learn more about the best travel money cards for your holiday destination.

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Like all reputable money exchanges, we are registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

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4 Best Ways to Take Travel Money to New Zealand in 2024

New Zealand is a super popular destination for Australian visitors, as well as a great expat location for people looking to live, work or study somewhere new. In fact, recent figures show that more than 40% of all visitors to New Zealand are from Australia - higher than the pre-Covid percentages.

If you’re planning your trip to New Zealand, use this handy guide to pick from 4 popular ways to take money to New Zealand, so you’ll be able to conveniently pay for things when you arrive, without excessive fees.

Best ways to take money to New Zealand

In this guide we’ll walk through 4 of the most practical and popular ways to take money to New Zealand, including our top picks for providers to look at, pros and cons. Here are the common ways to pay overseas that we’ll investigate:

Prepaid Travel Card

Travel Debit Card

Travel credit card

Prepaid travel cards to use in New Zealand

Ideal for: setting your NZD budget in advance and making secure and convenient payments and withdrawals on arrival, with low fees and good exchange rates

Because New Zealand is a popular destination for Australian travellers, you won’t struggle to find a prepaid travel card you can top up in AUD and use for spending in NZD. There are several popular options on the market, from online specialist services, providers like Travelex or even the Post Office. 

Prepaid travel money cards are usually linked to a multi-currency digital account which you’ll fund in advance of travel, and then top up as needed, with a card or bank transfer in AUD. Some cards ask you to switch from AUD to the currency you need before spending, while others will do the conversion automatically at the point of payment. Check the rules for the card you’ve picked as there are sometimes extra foreign transaction fees to pay if you don’t switch your funds over in advance, which can push up costs unnecessarily.

Travel money cards usually support several currencies - and in some cases, dozens. That means that it’s also worth looking out for a card with no inactivity fee and no ongoing charges, so you can just top up and use it again on your next trip to a country which uses a supported currency.

Learn more about our picks for the 6 best prepaid cards - there’s more on our top choice, Wise , next.

Wise - our pick for prepaid travel card

With this card:

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your linked Wise account
• No annual or monthly fees to pay, and no minimum balance requirement
• Currency exchange uses the mid-market rate with no markup
• Some free ATM withdrawals available every month
• Virtual and physical cards available

Read a full Wise card review here.

Pros and cons of taking money to New Zealand with a prepaid travel card

• New Zealand dollars are supported on most prepaid travel cards available in Australia
• Many cards support multiple currencies so you can use them again on your next trip
• Safe to use, as your prepaid card isn’t linked to your main everyday account
• Cards are available with no minimum balance or ongoing fees to pay
• Currency exchange may have better rates than a bank will offer
• Exchange rates may include a markup on the mid-market rate
• ATM fees may apply, depending on the card you pick
• Some cards charge a fee if you spend in an unsupported currency, or if you spend a currency you don’t hold in your account already

Travel debit cards to use in the New Zealand

Ideal for: no interest or penalty fees to pay for convenient spending in New Zealand with low fees and fair exchange rates

Travel debit cards are available from specialist services, or from your bank. Where they differ from your standard debit card is that you can also usually get travel perks and benefits, like insurance or airport lounge access, plus lower overall costs for overseas spending. 

While you may be able to get a debit card from a bank, cards from digital specialist services can have some advantages. They’re often backed by a multi-currency digital account which can hold and exchange dozens of currencies. That means your card can be used beyond one trip to New Zealand if you pick one with low fees and a good selection of supported currencies. It’s also a handy way to set your budget in advance - just convert to the currency you need for spending before you travel and it’s easy to track your live spend in the destination currency (NZD in this case).

Another advantage of using a specific travel debit card rather than your bank card is security. If your travel card was lost or stolen there’s no connection to your everyday account, so you can simply freeze the card without worrying about anyone accessing your primary AUD funds. 

We’ll go into more detail about our top pick for a travel debit card - Revolut - next, and you can also read more about the best travel debit cards in Australia here.

Revolut - our pick for travel debit card for New Zealand

• Hold and exchange 25+ currencies, free to spend currencies you hold
• Choose the account plan that suits your needs and spending, including some with no monthly fees
• Some fee free ATM withdrawals and currency exchange with the mid-market rate, based on the account tier you choose
• Extra perks like accounts for under 18s, plus cash back on card spending for top tier account holders
• Travel benefits offered for some account plans

Pros and cons of taking money to New Zealand with a travel debit card

• Top up in AUD in advance and switch over to NZD easily before you travel
• Spend and make ATM withdrawals with no interest, cash advance or penalty fees
• Many cards from specialist services are linked to multi-currency accounts you can use on future trips too
• Not connected to your main AUD account, adding a layer of security when you’re overseas
• Some transaction fees usually apply
• You may pay a fee when converting from one currency to another, which may be split out transparently, but which is often just rolled up in the exchange rate you get
• Some cards have monthly fees to pay to get full feature access

Taking cash in New Zealand

Ideal for: small purchases and tipping, and as a back up plan in case your card is out of action

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand publishes interesting information about how commonly cash is used in New Zealand compared to credit or debit cards. This shows that most people asked only used cash once or twice in the 7 days before being surveyed - and one third of people stated they never used cash. All in all, having a little bit of cash to hand while you’re in New Zealand is useful, but you probably don’t want to carry too much as most transactions will be more convenient by card.

Assuming you do decide to use NZD cash alongside cards to pay for things once you’re in New Zealand, you’ll be able to either convert Australian dollars for New Zealand dollars before you travel, carry AUD cash with you to convert when you get there, or make an ATM withdrawal on arrival.

Making ATM withdrawals in New Zealand is usually the easiest option as you don’t need to carry too much cash in AUD or NZD all at once, and if you use a dedicated travel card to make your withdrawal you may cut your overall costs, too.

Do I need cash in New Zealand?

Generally it’s a smart idea to have several payment options with you at any given time, just in case one is rejected. That means that most travellers to New Zealand choose to carry a bit of cash, as well as one or more cards, so they’ve always got a Plan B.

One of the most convenient options is to use a prepaid card or travel debit card to make ATM withdrawals in New Zealand dollars once you arrive in New Zealand, often with low or no fees, depending on the card you pick.

Learn more about travel money in New Zealand here .

How to buy pounds on arrival in New Zealand?

If you carry Australian dollars in cash when you travel to New Zealand, you can exchange them with currency exchange stores in cities and tourist areas. Bear in mind though that airports and hotels usually don’t offer very competitive exchange rates, and very rural areas won’t have any currency exchange service available at all.

How to buy GBP in New Zealand?

You can also exchange AUD to New Zealand dollars in cash in Australia before you travel. Options like the Post Office and Travelex often let you order NZD online and collect your cash later in a branch. Fees and exchange rate markups may apply, and you’ll get a better rate with a service like Travelex if you use their travel money card compared to ordering New Zealand dollars in cash.

Best place to get New Zealand dollars from

There’s no single best place to get your travel cash. Providers pick their own rates and fees, which can vary widely. Shopping around is essential - bear in mind that it’s usually worth avoiding currency exchange in the airport, and heading to a city centre where competition drives down the overall price.

Best way to withdraw money overseas?

Withdrawing money from a local ATM once you arrive in your destination is convenient, and can be safer than carrying a lot of cash all at once - but it can also be expensive.

The exact costs you incur will depend on the specific card you use, including whether it’s a credit or debit card. With either card type you’ll need to check what foreign transaction fee is levied - this is often about 3% every time you withdraw. If you’re using a credit card you’ll usually also pay a cash advance fee which is a further percentage charge, and you may start to accrue interest instantly, too.

Getting a travel debit card, like the Wise card, can be a good option for taking money out from ATMs in the local currency. With Wise you get some fee free withdrawals every month, with low costs after that - plus there’s no foreign transaction fee, and you’ll get the mid-market rate every time.

How much cash can I take overseas

There’s not actually a cash limit for overseas - but you’ll need to report to AUSTRAC or at the border if you’re exporting currency (AUD or any other currency) of 10,000 AUD or more in value.

In reality, the more cash you carry, the more you’re risking if you’re unfortunate enough to be the victim of crime. Carrying a small amount of cash, plus one or more cards to make withdrawals as and when you need to, is usually a more sensible option.

Travel credit cards to use in New Zealand

Ideal for: spreading the cost of your holiday over several months and earning extra reward points as you spend

Travel credit cards often have low or no foreign transaction fees, or extra rewards when you spend in foreign currencies. Other cards come with benefits like free global wifi, lounge access or complimentary insurance. However, there are also usually fees to pay to use a travel credit card - such as an annual fee, cash advance fees, interest and penalties if you don’t clear your bill regularly. 

Having access to a credit card when you’re overseas can be a good option when you need a card as a payment guarantee - such as when you check into a hotel or rent a car. Bear in mind though, that using a credit card at an ATM is a very expensive option, with cash advance fees and interest mounting up quickly.

Learn about the best travel credit cards in Australia here, and read on for more on our top pick.

28 Degrees - our pick for travel credit card

• Order online and start spending with your virtual card instantly if approved
• No annual or monthly fees
• No foreign transaction or currency conversion fees
• Make ATM withdrawals overseas - fees apply for this service 
• Unlock perks like discounts on travel bookings and internet roaming packages

Pros and cons of travel credit cards to New Zealand

• Earn rewards and discounts, or get travel perks - depending on the card you pick
• Spread your costs out over a few months
• Some cards have low or no foreign transaction fees
• Credit cards are useful as a payment guarantee in some situations
• Interest and fees usually apply if you don’t pay back your bill immediately
• Cash advance and interest costs apply when using an ATM
• Eligibility rules apply

Travel requirements from Australia to New Zealand

Generally if you’re heading to New Zealand with an Australian passport you can enter for tourist reasons with no need to apply for a visa or visa waiver in advance. Bear in mind that entry requirements can change rapidly, so checking before you travel is always advised.

Check the government’s Smart Traveller website to learn more.

Does New Zealand accept Australian dollars?

No. You won’t be able to spend AUD anywhere in New Zealand. If you’re carrying dollars with you you'll need to exchange them for New Zealand dollars when you arrive.

Best currency to take to the New Zealand

You’ll only be able to spend in New Zealand dollars in New Zealand, so you can choose to either carry AUD in cash with you and convert on arrival, or to order your travel cash in New Zealand dollars before you leave. Bear in mind that exchange rates when converting AUD to NZD vary widely - you’ll often get a better rate using a specialised travel card, and making cash withdrawals in New Zealand to get your New Zealand dollars in cash.

Top travel money tips to New Zealand

Here are a few final tips to help your money go further while you’re away:

• Have several different payment methods in case one isn't accepted wherever you are
• Get a travel money card before you leave to make it easier and cheaper to spend and withdraw in New Zealand

Avoid common travel money traps in New Zealand with this handy guide.

How much money do I need per day in New Zealand?

Exactly what you’ll need to pay for your visit will depend a lot on what you like to do, and where in New Zealand you’ll stay. Generally New Zealand is a little cheaper than Australia for many things - although in popular tourist areas you’ll still pay a premium. To put this in context, overall, a 3 course lunch for 2 will set you back in the region of 110 AUD, and a single bus ride could be around 3 dollars. 

Do some detailed research to see how much things are likely to cost based on your plans and where you’re headed, so you can set your budget. Get more detailed cost information by city, from Numbeo.com .

How much does it cost to fly from Australia to New Zealand

Flight costs vary widely depending on where in Australia you’ll leave from and the time of year you’ll visit New Zealand. At the time of writing (August 2023), you can find flight deals from around 250 AUD to 350 AUD return depending on where you fly to and from, for example.

There’s no single best way to take money to New Zealand, and for most people, having a variety of ways to pay makes sense because then you have a back up plan if one payment method isn’t accepted.

Consider getting a travel card - such as a prepaid travel card from Wise or a travel debit card from Revolut - to use alongside your regular debit or credit card, and make an ATM withdrawal on arrival so you have a little cash for tipping and small payments. Using your specialist travel card can mean you get a good exchange rate, plus many have some free ATM withdrawals overseas. They’re also a safe option as they’re not linked to your home bank account, so even if you’re unlucky and have your card stolen the thieves can’t get to your everyday account.

Use this guide to decide which option to take money to New Zealand will work best for you, based on your own preferences and needs.

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Should I exchange money before I travel to New Zealand?

Spending using a card is more convenient and common in New Zealand, although having a little cash can also be smart. If you don’t plan to exchange money before you travel it’s very easy to make a cash withdrawal at an ATM on arrival. This can also be cheap, particularly if you have a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut.

Can I withdraw NZD from a local ATM?

You can’t withdraw New Zealand dollars at an ATM in Australia, but you can use a travel card to make an ATM withdrawal on arrival in New Zealand. Depending on the card you pick, your withdrawal may even be free. 

Are prepaid travel cards a good way to take money to New Zealand?

Travel prepaid cards from services like Wise are a safe way to spend when abroad. With Wise you’ll also get mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees which can bring down the costs of your trip.

Can I use cash in New Zealand?

Yes. Cash isn’t particularly widely used aside from small purchases and tipping, but carrying some cash to use alongside your cards is a smart idea.

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