NZeTA 2026: the app costs less than the website — and the NZ$100 levy comes on top
New Zealand expects an NZeTA before you board, and the cost is not a single line item — a NZ$100 visitor levy is collected with it. Here is what each charge is, why the app is cheaper than the website, how long approval takes, and how long the authority lasts.
What is an NZeTA, and do Taiwan passport holders need one?
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is for travellers from visa waiver countries and Australian permanent residents. A Taiwan passport holder visiting as a tourist is visa-waived, but visa-waived does not mean nothing to arrange: an NZeTA must be held before boarding.
Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs lists New Zealand as visa-free for up to 90 days for Taiwan passport holders, with a paid NZeTA to be obtained online in advance (list updated 23 July 2026). Visa-free entry and the NZeTA are separate requirements; both are needed.
Cruise travellers should read the rule carefully. Passengers arriving by cruise ship from visa-required countries may hold either an NZeTA or a visa, but anyone flying into New Zealand to join a cruise ship must hold a visa.
NZeTA cost: NZ$17 by app, NZ$23 by website, plus NZ$100 IVL
From the Immigration New Zealand fee schedule in force since 1 October 2024:
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NZeTA via mobile app | NZ$17 | The official NZeTA app, published by Immigration New Zealand |
| NZeTA via website | NZ$23 | The Immigration New Zealand site |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy | NZ$100 | Collected with the NZeTA; funds conservation and tourism |
So the total is NZ$117 through the app and NZ$123 through the website. The difference is purely the channel — the authority issued is identical either way.
- ・Covers Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and the main touring routes
- ・No SIM swap: install before you fly, then switch on data roaming on arrival
- ・Refund guaranteed if the signal is unstable or the plan goes completely unused
How to apply for an NZeTA, and how long it takes
An NZeTA lasts up to two years with multiple entries; renewing your passport means applying again.
Three things travellers overlook about the NZeTA
- Budgeting without the IVL. Many people remember the NZ$17 or NZ$23 and are surprised by the extra NZ$100 at checkout.
- Applying the day before departure. The authority allows itself up to 72 hours — there is no reason to cut it that fine.
- Downloading the wrong app. App stores carry similarly named agency apps that charge more; check that the publisher is Immigration New Zealand.
Staying connected in New Zealand: what a road trip actually needs
| Option | Suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Cities and the main touring routes; working on landing | Handset must support eSIM; install before departure |
| Local physical SIM | Longer stays needing a New Zealand number | Airport queue, and keeping your original SIM safe |
| International roaming | Short business trips | Higher rates; confirm the daily cap first |
| Offline maps | Essential backup on remote South Island roads | A supplement to data, not a replacement for it |
Most New Zealand itineraries involve long drives, and some South Island stretches genuinely thin out. That is terrain, not a plan problem. The practical answer is an eSIM as the primary connection with the day's route saved offline as backup. Plan comparisons are in our New Zealand eSIM guide; if Australia is on the same trip, see the Australia eSIM guide.
NZeTA: frequently asked questions
How much does an NZeTA cost?
NZ$17 through the official mobile app, or NZ$23 through the Immigration New Zealand website. On top of that, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZ$100 is charged at the same time. These rates have applied since 1 October 2024 (checked October 2026).
What is the IVL, and can I opt out?
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy funds conservation and tourism infrastructure. It is collected alongside the NZeTA or visa fee and is not something a traveller can decline separately.
How long does an NZeTA take to come through?
Immigration New Zealand states that an NZeTA is issued within 72 hours. Most are faster, but applying once your trip is confirmed removes any risk of a late decision.
How long is an NZeTA valid?
Up to two years for travellers, with multiple visits allowed in that period (crew authorities run to five years). A new passport means a new application.
Is the app really cheaper than the website?
Yes — NZ$17 versus NZ$23 on the official fee schedule, a NZ$6 difference. The official app is called NZeTA and is published by Immigration New Zealand; check the publisher before downloading.
How should I plan data for a New Zealand road trip?
Coverage thins out on some South Island routes, so download offline maps for the day's drive and pair them with an eSIM that works the moment you land. The Peanutmo New Zealand eSIM runs on TNZ and covers Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and the main touring routes.
- ・QR code emailed within about 10 minutes, so you can install before you leave
- ・Refund guaranteed if the signal is unstable or the plan goes completely unused
- ・LINE support at @peanutmo, 10:00–17:00 (UTC+8)
Installation takes about three minutes with our step-by-step setup guide.
Related reading
TNZ coverage, how the touring routes perform, and picking the right duration.
The Australian half of a combined trans-Tasman trip.
What to check first when coverage drops on a remote road.
Navigation usage over a long self-drive itinerary.
