Travel Vaccines and Advice for New Zealand
New Zealand was one of the last major landmasses settled. It has a rich diversity in not only landscape but plants and animals as well. You can find beaches, mountains, dense forests, and lots of outdoor activities.
Consisting of 2 main islands, with volcanoes and glaciers as main features. The North Island has the capital, Wellington, and most of the population of New Zealand live on the island. The South Island contains a majority of the country’s famous landscapes with many National Parks and protected land.
New Zealand has a rich culture, blending Maori and British traditions. There’s a wide range of attractions and activities all throughout the country. Stop by the well-known Auckland Museum for Maori culture and history, try making it to the top of the Sky Tower, or do a tasting at one of over 70 wineries in New Zealand. The country has a little something for everyone.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for New Zealand?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in New Zealand
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for New Zealand?
What Is the Climate Like in New Zealand?
How Safe Is New Zealand?
Visit Queenstown
What Should I Take to New Zealand?
Canadian Consulate in New Zealand
Do I Need Vaccines for New Zealand?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for New Zealand. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for New Zealand: hepatitis A, polio, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for New Zealand |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for New Zealand |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Be sure to protect yourself from hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection caused by HAV, through vaccination. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Along with vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding undercooked shellfish are essential for prevention.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread through bodily fluids, poses a significant health risk. Safe practices help, but vaccination is the ultimate safeguard. It prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring strong and persistent protection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are viral infections with distinct symptoms. They spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent MMR infections, with the MMR vaccine offering protection against all three diseases.
The food and water standards are similar for Canada and New Zealand. Most travellers don’t need to take special precautions while travelling in New Zealand in regards to food and water habits.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in New Zealand
Prevent Bug Bites in New Zealand
Prevent bug bites by covering up and using insect repellents with DEET or picaridin. If bitten, wash the bite, resist scratching, and soothe with hydrocortisone or antihistamines. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in New Zealand
Safeguard your health while abroad by consuming cooked and hot foods, opting for bottled or sealed drinks, and practicing proper hand-washing. Limit your exposure to risky local dishes. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain these precautions: eat carefully prepared foods, avoid untreated water, sanitize your hands, consider probiotics, and exercise caution with unfamiliar cuisine.
Altitude Sickness in New Zealand
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), is caused by insufficient oxygen at high elevations. Symptoms include headaches and nausea. To avoid AMS, ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and consider medications like acetazolamide. If AMS strikes, descend to lower altitudes promptly, rest, and seek medical help if symptoms persist.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for New Zealand?
If you’re travelling as a tourist and planning on staying in New Zealand for three months or less, you don’t need a visa. But, you do need a passport that will be valid for a at least three months after your trip and proof of either return tickets or a ticket for travelling onward after your stay in New Zealand.
A departure tax of NZ$25 is levied on international passengers over 12 years of age.
New Zealand Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to New Zealand? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of New Zealand and Canadian Travel and Tourism
If you plan on staying for longer than the three months you should apply for a visitor’s visa. You can also apply for a work or student visa for New Zealand.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in New Zealand?
New Zealand has mild temperatures with high rainfall. With the climate dominated by the sea and the mountains, it depends on where you are in New Zealand for the climate. Here are a few major cities and what you can expect weather wise while travelling:
- Auckland – The most populous city in New Zealand has warm humid summers and mild winters. It’s located on and around an isthmus while also straddling the Auckland volcanic field. Because of its location, it has an oceanic and humid subtropical climate. Year round temperatures are in the 10 to 15 degree range with the coldest reaching 5 and the highest in 10. There can be high levels of rainfall year-round, but there is rarely ever snow in Auckland.
- Wellington – Located in the south-western tip of the North Island, the capital of New Zealand is known as “Windy Wellington.” It offers a mild, temperate marine climate with the occasional frost during the winter season. From October to April the city has temperatures around 20 with lots of sunshine. You can expect rainfall throughout the year with June and July being the wettest months.
- Blenheim – In the north-east of the South Island, Blenheim is a sunny city in the Marlborough region. Due to a rain shadow effect from the mountain ranges to the west, the climate of the city is mild. You can expect warm summers with temperatures averaging in the 15 and cool winters with some frost and temperatures around zero. There is rarely snow and the mountain ranges shelter the city from the heavy rains coming in from the west.
How Safe Is New Zealand?
New Zealand is generally safe for travellers, but it’s always important to take precautions.
When you’re in New Zealand, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Keep your valuables safe and use a trustworthy taxi service. Follow road safety rules, wear your seatbelt, and obey speed limits.
Be respectful of the environment and follow any rules for visiting protected areas. Stay informed about any potential risks or hazards, and be prepared for emergencies with important phone numbers and travel insurance information.
Visit Queenstown
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand. It is famous for its stunning natural scenery and exciting adventure activities. Visitors can go bungee jumping, skydiving, paragliding, jet boating, white-water rafting, skiing, and snowboarding. There are also many scenic walking and hiking trails, such as the Queenstown Hill Walk and the Routeburn Track, as well as scenic drives to places like Glenorchy.
Visitors can take wine tours and tastings to experience the local wine culture. One of the most popular tourist attractions is Milford Sound, which is a fjord with waterfalls, mountains, and forests. Queenstown is a great place to visit for both adventure and relaxation, with something to offer everyone.
What Should I Take to New Zealand?
Depending on your travel plans, you may need to consider packing some of these essential items in your suitcase for your trip to New Zealand. Don’t forget to pack:
- Sunscreen – New Zealand is a very sunny country, so be sure to pack some type of sunscreen to protect your skin. Try getting a sports- or water-specific sunscreen. Even if you don’t think you’ll be outside for a lot of your trip, wear sunscreen for those times you are out in the sun. Nothing is worse than getting sunburned your first day of vacation.
- Umbrella/Raincoat – Most of New Zealand has heavy rainfall throughout the year. Unlike some countries there isn’t a wet season and a dry season. Be prepared for anything with a small umbrella or a raincoat you can pack in your day bag in case you need it. Don’t ruin your day by being soaking wet, be prepared and stay dry.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – Whether you’re walking through a museum, sightseeing in the city, or doing some glacial hiking, it’s important to have comfortable shoes. Avoid blisters and aches by packing some comfortable shoes in your suitcase.
Canadian Consulate in New Zealand
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in New Zealand, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
High Commission of Canada in New Zealand
Level 11,
125 The Terrace
Wellington, 6011
New Zealand
Telephone: (64 4) 473 9577
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for New Zealand
“A great experience this morning. Very knowledgeable and informative for a trip to New Zealand.”
“A very good travel clinic, with excellent nurses, supplies and research information, for all travellers to New Zealand and across the globe. I highly recommend going to this location.”
“Very satisfied with my visit to the clinic. The health care provider was very knowledgeable. She took time to review all relevant vaccines and medications for New Zealand. I did not feel rushed or pressured in any way. I would highly recommend others visit the Passport Health Victoria Street clinic (Toronto, ON) for any travel medicine consultations.”
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