Visa to enter New Zealand

We strongly recommend to all participants that they check, as soon as possible, the rules for entering New Zealand that are applicable to passport holders from their specific country. Participants with passports from “visa waiver” countries do not need to apply for a visa to travel to New Zealand. However, they will need to have their letter of invitation to the Conference with them, in case they are requested at the border. We shall send the invitation letters to all participants in September but please send a request to krys.pawlikowski@canterbury.ac.nz  if you require such a letter earlier. A list of visa-waiver countries can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/media…

If your country is not on this list, then this is a “visa-required” country and you need to apply for a visitor visa outside New Zealand.  The required Visa Application Form INZ 1017 and Visitor Visa Guide INZ1018  can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/formsandfees/formsandgui…

As a “conference delegate” you can apply for a limited visa; see Information for Limited Visas, INZ 1070. This kind of visa could be processed faster. You should refer to the conference during which you will present your paper, regardless whether you apply for a visitor visa or a limited visa. With your application, you should include our invitation letter, and copies of your air tickets to and from New Zealand. Please request our personalized invitation letter from  krys.pawlikowski@canterbury.ac.nz  as soon as possible. Evidence of funds to support your stay in NZ will be required too: $1000 (per month) or $400 (if accommodation is prepaid). Please apply as soon as possible, since the application process can take even more than 2 months. Note that officers of New Zealand Embassies/Consulates may request additional information as part of the requirements for assessing the visa application. If additional information is requested, it must be provided to the case officer. In some countries Immigration New Zealand does not have visa  processing services, so it is important that the applicants allow sufficient time for the applications to be sent to the appropriate office and for the passports to be returned. You can find information on where to apply and what the visa fees are at http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/formsandfees/officeandfe…

Note citizens of some countries need to apply for transit visas for countries through which they pass during their journey to New Zealand – irrespective of whether they are disembarking and entering that transit country.

Other useful information

The New Zealand currency uses dollars ($ or NZD) and cents (c) , with 100 cents equal to one dollar. Coins are in the denominations of 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2. There are $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes available. One New Zealand dollar is worth approximately 78 US cents (August 2013). There are automatic teller machines in the airport and throughout most cities, should you wish to withdraw cash on your credit or debit cards.

For weather in New Zealand and in Christchurch, see http://www.metservice.com/national/home

Further information on New Zealand can be found at the following sites:

www.tourism.net.nz
http://www.newzealand.com/ ,
http://www.newzealand.com/int/  and
www.nzescape.com