Immigration · Visit

Visitor visas for New Zealand.

Tourism, family, business or a longer stay with the people you love — advised by senior hands, with the same care whether your matter is simple or anything but.

New Zealand · you're here Australia · switch
Choose by purpose

Why are you visiting?

New Zealand grants different visitor visas for different reasons. Find the one that matches your visit — a senior adviser will place you in moments if you're unsure.

01

General Visitor Visa

Most common Holidays, sightseeing, or simply seeing the country for yourself — for stays of up to nine months. ↗ 02

Visiting Family & Friends

Family support Time with the people who matter — children, grandchildren, partners and friends who call New Zealand home. ↗ 03

Business Visitor Visa

No paid work Conferences, negotiations and short business activities — without performing work for a New Zealand employer. ↗ 04

Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Up to 5 years A longer-stay pathway for the parents of New Zealand citizens and residents — extended time, properly arranged. ↗ 05

Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa

Aged 66+ A two-year stay for those aged 66 or older who invest in New Zealand — a considered route for retirement on this side of the world. ↗ 06

Complex & Declined

Senior counsel A past decline, a character or health matter, or a tight timeframe — handled with judgement and a steady hand. ↗
Before you apply

What to know about visiting New Zealand.

Most people who travel to New Zealand need either a visitor visa or, if they hold a passport from a visa-waiver country, an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). Which one applies depends on your nationality, how long you intend to stay, and the purpose of your visit.

A visitor visa is for a temporary stay — tourism, visiting family, or short business activities. It does not permit you to work, and stays are generally limited to nine months in an 18-month period, though the Parent Boost Visitor Visa allows the parents of citizens and residents to stay considerably longer.

The purpose of your visit determines the right category, and applying under the wrong one is a common and costly mistake. If there's a past decline, a health or character matter, or a deadline in play, it pays to take senior advice before you lodge — not after.

We advise on visitor matters for both New Zealand and Australia, including visits that span the Tasman. If you're not certain which visa fits, that's exactly what a consultation is for.

Common questions.

Do I need a visitor visa or an NZeTA? +
It depends on your passport. Travellers from visa-waiver countries can usually enter on an NZeTA; others need a visitor visa. We'll confirm which applies before you commit to any travel plans.
How long can I stay on a visitor visa? +
Generally up to nine months within an 18-month period for a standard visitor visa. The Parent Boost Visitor Visa allows the parents of citizens and residents to stay considerably longer, subject to its own requirements.
Can I work on a visitor visa? +
No. A visitor visa does not permit paid work. If your purpose involves working, a different visa category applies — and a consultation will point you to the right one.
Can I visit family who live in New Zealand? +
Yes. Visiting children, grandchildren, a partner or friends is a recognised purpose. For parents specifically, the Parent Boost Visitor Visa may allow a longer stay.
My visa was declined before. Can you still help? +
Often, yes. A prior decline isn't necessarily the end — but it changes how the next application should be prepared. This is precisely where senior advice makes the difference.
Begin

Not sure which visitor visa fits?

Speak with a senior adviser. We'll tell you exactly where your visit sits — and the strongest way forward.

Book a confidential consultation →