Briefing de orientación en Nueva Zelanda

Los polinesios se asentaron en Nueva Zelanda entre finales del siglo XIII y mediados del siglo XIV. Llamaron a la tierra Aotearoa, nombre que, según la leyenda, es el de la canoa en la que Kupe, el primer polinesio en Nueva Zelanda, navegó hasta el país; el nombre Aotearoa se usa hoy ampliamente como nombre maorí local del país. Hacia el siglo XVI, la competencia por la tierra y los recursos provocó enfrentamientos intermitentes entre distintas tribus maoríes, a medida que se extinguían los grandes animales de caza. El explorador neerlandés Abel TASMAN fue el primer europeo en avistar las islas, en 1642, pero se marchó tras un encuentro con los maoríes locales. El capitán de navío británico James COOK llegó en 1769, seguido de balleneros, cazadores de focas y comerciantes. El Reino Unido solo reclamó nominalmente Nueva Zelanda y la incluyó como parte de Nueva Gales del Sur, en Australia. La preocupación por el aumento de la ilegalidad llevó al Reino Unido a nombrar en 1832 su primer residente británico en Nueva Zelanda, aunque el cargo tenía pocas facultades legales. En 1835, algunas tribus maoríes de la isla Norte declararon su independencia. Temiendo un inminente asentamiento y toma de control franceses, la mayoría de los jefes maoríes firmaron con los británicos el Tratado de Waitangi en 1840. Las cuestiones de tenencia de la tierra derivadas del tratado siguen siendo objeto de negociaciones activas en Nueva Zelanda.

El Reino Unido declaró Nueva Zelanda colonia separada en 1841 y concedió un autogobierno limitado en 1852. Las diferentes tradiciones de autoridad y de uso de la tierra provocaron una serie de guerras entre europeos y diversas tribus maoríes entre las décadas de 1840 y 1870. Junto con las enfermedades, estos conflictos redujeron a la mitad la población maorí. En la década de 1890, Nueva Zelanda mostró inicialmente interés en sumarse a las conversaciones sobre la independencia con Australia, pero finalmente optó por no hacerlo y cambió su estatus a dominio independiente en 1907. Nueva Zelanda aportó más de 100.000 soldados en cada una de las guerras mundiales, muchos de los cuales combatieron como parte del Cuerpo de Ejército Australiano y Neozelandés (ANZAC). Nueva Zelanda reafirmó su independencia en 1947 y firmó el Tratado de Australia, Nueva Zelanda y Estados Unidos (ANZUS) en 1951.

A partir de 1984, Nueva Zelanda empezó a adoptar políticas libres de armas nucleares, lo que contribuyó a una disputa con Estados Unidos por las visitas de buques de guerra. Esta disputa llevó a Estados Unidos a suspender sus obligaciones de defensa con Nueva Zelanda en 1986; sin embargo, las relaciones bilaterales y los lazos militares se han revitalizado desde la década de 2010 con nuevos acuerdos de seguridad. Un desafío clave para Auckland que ha surgido en la última década es equilibrar la preocupación por la creciente influencia de China en la región del Pacífico con su papel como principal destino de las exportaciones de Nueva Zelanda. Nueva Zelanda mantiene estrechos vínculos con Australia, basados en gran medida en el origen común de ambas naciones como colonias británicas y en su historia militar compartida.

This travel advice page covers New Zealand. See separate travel advice for Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. 

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: 

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator  
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in New Zealand

Terrorist attacks in New Zealand cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Crime levels are generally low, but street crime happens in major towns and cities. Thieves may target unattended vehicles, especially hire cars and camper vans in major tourist areas.

You should:

• avoid leaving possessions in unattended vehicles even if out of sight
• not leave valuables in hotel rooms
• use the hotel safe if possible
• keep passports, travellers cheques and credit cards separate

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Importing illegal drugs could result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years.

LGBT+ travellers

New Zealand has an established tradition of tolerance towards same-sex relations, but there are still isolated incidents of homophobia-related crimes. LGBT+ travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Extreme sports

British nationals have been involved in tragic accidents while doing extreme sports activities. If you’re taking part in extreme sports, check that:

• the company is well established
• your insurance covers you

Visiting remote areas

If you are planning to visit a remote area, check with the local tourist authorities for advice. To find out more information about being prepared, check:

• New Zealand’s Department of Conservation
• AdventureSmart which is managed by the New Zealand Search and Rescue Council (NZSAR)

Leave details of your itinerary with family or friends. Weather conditions can quickly become dangerous in some coastal and exposed areas. Monitor regional weather forecasts.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in New Zealand, see information on driving abroad and read the Road Code. It lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months. You can exchange an old-style paper licence if you need to.

Highways can be narrow, winding and hilly. Car rental companies should provide you with information, or read what’s different about driving in New Zealand.

Motor vehicle insurance

Hire car companies will arrange your insurance, but if you are driving a private vehicle you must get insurance, including accident cover. Accident victims do not have a legal right to sue a third party. The Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) helps pay for local care if you’re injured.  However, delayed travel or loss of income in a third country is not covered.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Natural disasters can happen in New Zealand. If there is a disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities and the National Emergency Management Agency. For more information, see the government’s Get Ready website.

Earthquakes

New Zealand is in a major earthquake zone. Tsunamis can happen along the coastlines. You should:

• familiarise yourself with safety procedures. In New Zealand advice in the event of an earthquake is to ‘Drop, Cover, Hold’
• take note of instructions in hotel rooms and public areas
• find and check your local emergency services social media pages
• monitor any warnings or updates from the National Emergency Management Agency

For more information about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the New Zealand government’s Get Ready advice for earthquakes.

If there is a tsunami warning, the Local Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups will have tsunami evacuation zone maps and advice. Familiarise yourself with local arrangements from New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency.

Flooding

Flooding and landslides can happen, resulting in road closures and infrastructure damage.

Volcanic eruptions

There are several active volcanoes on the North Island of New Zealand. Get local advice about where there might be volcanic activity.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 111 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for New Zealand
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in New Zealand

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

You must declare any prescription medicines on your passenger arrival card. All products containing codeine are classified as prescription-only medication (a controlled drug). You can import controlled drugs for personal use, but you must declare them on arrival to the Customs Service and provide evidence that they are for personal use.

See New Zealand Customs for more information on restrictions on medication.

Healthcare in New Zealand

British nationals who live in the UK and who are on a short-term visit to New Zealand are eligible for urgent healthcare treatment. See the reciprocal health agreement with New Zealand for more details. This agreement does not extend to routine, non-emergency medical treatment including prescriptions.

You can call Healthline for free medical advice (24 hours).

FCDO has a list of medical providers in New Zealand.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in New Zealand.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.