Briefing d'orientation en Nouvelle-Zélande

Les Polynésiens se sont installés en Nouvelle-Zélande entre la fin du XIIIe siècle et le milieu du XIVe siècle. Ils ont appelé le pays Aotearoa, nom qui, selon la légende, est celui de la pirogue avec laquelle Kupe, le premier Polynésien arrivé en Nouvelle-Zélande, aurait gagné le pays ; le nom Aotearoa est aujourd'hui largement utilisé comme nom maori local du pays. Au XVIe siècle, la concurrence pour la terre et les ressources a entraîné des affrontements intermittents entre différentes tribus maories, à mesure que les grands animaux disparaissaient. L'explorateur néerlandais Abel TASMAN fut le premier Européen à apercevoir les îles, en 1642, mais il repartit après une rencontre avec les Maoris locaux. Le capitaine de navire britannique James COOK arriva en 1769, suivi de baleiniers, chasseurs de phoques et commerçants. Le Royaume-Uni ne revendiqua la Nouvelle-Zélande que de façon nominale et l'intégra à la Nouvelle-Galles du Sud, en Australie. Inquiet de la montée de l'illégalisme, le Royaume-Uni nomma en 1832 son premier résident britannique en Nouvelle-Zélande, bien que ce poste disposât de peu de pouvoirs juridiques. En 1835, certaines tribus maories de l'île du Nord proclamèrent leur indépendance. Craignant une colonisation et une prise de contrôle imminentes par la France, la majorité des chefs maoris signèrent avec les Britanniques le traité de Waitangi en 1840. Les questions de régime foncier découlant du traité font toujours l'objet de négociations actives en Nouvelle-Zélande.

Le Royaume-Uni déclara la Nouvelle-Zélande colonie distincte en 1841 et accorda un gouvernement autonome limité en 1852. Des conceptions divergentes de l'autorité et de l'usage des terres conduisirent à une série de guerres opposant Européens et diverses tribus maories, des années 1840 aux années 1870. Avec les maladies, ces conflits réduisirent de moitié la population maorie. Dans les années 1890, la Nouvelle-Zélande manifesta d'abord son intérêt pour les négociations d'indépendance avec l'Australie, mais elle y renonça finalement et adopta en 1907 le statut de dominion indépendant. La Nouvelle-Zélande fournit plus de 100 000 soldats lors de chacune des deux guerres mondiales, dont beaucoup combattirent au sein du Corps d'armée australasien et néo-zélandais (ANZAC). La Nouvelle-Zélande réaffirma son indépendance en 1947 et signa en 1951 le traité ANZUS (Australie, Nouvelle-Zélande et États-Unis).

À partir de 1984, la Nouvelle-Zélande commença à adopter des politiques de dénucléarisation, ce qui contribua à un différend avec les États-Unis au sujet des visites de navires de guerre, différend qui conduisit les États-Unis à suspendre leurs obligations de défense envers la Nouvelle-Zélande en 1986. Toutefois, les relations bilatérales et les liens militaires ont été revitalisés depuis les années 2010 grâce à de nouveaux accords de sécurité. Un défi majeur pour Auckland, apparu au cours de la dernière décennie, consiste à concilier les préoccupations liées à l'influence croissante de la Chine dans la région Pacifique avec son rôle de première destination d'exportation de la Nouvelle-Zélande. La Nouvelle-Zélande entretient des liens étroits avec l'Australie, fondés en grande partie sur leurs origines communes en tant que colonies britanniques et sur leur histoire militaire partagée.

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.