Travel to Australia from New Zealand: Guide for NZ Residents [2026]

Thinking about hopping across the Tasman for a trip to Australia? As a New Zealand resident, you're in luck – traveling to Australia is relatively straightforward. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Australia from NZ in 2026, including entry requirements, travel options, and how to save money on your AUD spending with the Wise card.

Current Travel Status: New Zealand to Australia (2024)

Good news for Kiwis planning a trip to Australia! As of 2026, New Zealanders can travel to Australia with minimal entry formalities. The Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement allows New Zealand citizens to visit, live and work in Australia without applying for a visa beforehand.¹

However, it's always wise to check the latest information before finalizing your travel plans, as rules can change. Make sure you comply with the basic Australian entry requirements, which we'll cover next.

New Zealand to Australia Travel Requirements

While traveling to Australia is relatively easy for New Zealanders, there are still some requirements to keep in mind:

1. Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
2. Complete the Incoming Passenger Card (IPC): You must complete a physical orange Incoming Passenger Card, which is typically provided on your flight.
3. No visa required: New Zealand citizens can enter Australia for tourism or business without a visa and stay indefinitely. If you're not an NZ citizen, and then you have to meet the visa requirements based on your country of citizenship.
4. Check prohibited items: Make sure you're not carrying any items prohibited by Australian customs.

Key Options for Travel to Australia from New Zealand

Let's explore the main ways to get from New Zealand to Australia:

Flying to Australia from New Zealand

Flying is the most popular and often the only practical option for traveling to Australia from New Zealand. Here are some key points:

• Flight duration: Typically 3-4 hours, depending on your departure and arrival cities.²
• Major routes: Auckland to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane are common, but there are flights from other NZ cities too.
• Airlines: Choose from Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia, among others.
• Tip: Compare prices and book in advance for the best deals.

Traveling by Cruise Ship

For those seeking a vacation, some Kiwis choose a leisurely cruise to explore Australia's coastline:

• Duration: Can range from 3-14 days, depending on the itinerary.
• Departure ports: Usually from Auckland, but sometimes from Wellington or Christchurch.
• Popular destinations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and sometimes Tasmania.
• Tip: This option combines transportation and accommodation, which can be cost-effective for longer trips.

Traveling Within Australia

Once you're in Australia, you have several options for getting around:

1. Domestic flights: Ideal for covering large distances quickly.
2. Trains: Scenic routes available, but limited network compared to other countries.
3. Buses: Budget-friendly option for intercity travel.
4. Car rental: Great for exploring at your own pace, especially in rural areas.
5. Public transport: Efficient in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

3 Tips for a Seamless Trip When Travelling to Australia from NZ

1. Get an Opal or Myki card: These are public transport cards for Sydney and Melbourne respectively. They make getting around much easier.³,⁴
2. Download useful apps: Consider apps like TripView for Sydney public transport or PTV for Melbourne to help navigate the cities.
3. Use the Wise card for AUD spending: Save on currency conversion and foreign transaction fees with the Wise card.

Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Maximize Your AUD Transactions with the Wise Card

Make your money go further on your Australian adventure with Wise:

• Open a Wise account online or via the app.
• Order a Wise card for a one-time fee of NZD 14.
• Enjoy the mid-market rates with low, transparent fees.
• Use your Wise card for ATM withdrawals, in-store purchases, and online payments.

With Wise, you can focus on enjoying your Australian trip without worrying about excessive foreign transaction fees or poor exchange rates.

Get Your Wise Card Today 👉

Remember to always check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before your trip, as regulations can change. With proper planning and the right financial tools like the Wise card, your journey from New Zealand to Australia can be smooth, enjoyable, and cost-effective. Safe travels!

Sources:

1. Visa and Immigration FAQ
2. Book cheap flights to Australia from New Zealand – Booking.com
3. Opal | transportnsw.info
4. myki - Transport Victoria