Briefing de orientação Nova Zelândia

Os polinésios colonizaram a Nova Zelândia entre o final do século XIII e meados do século XIV. Chamaram à terra Aotearoa, nome que, segundo a lenda, corresponde ao da canoa com que Kupe, o primeiro polinésio a chegar à Nova Zelândia, navegou até ao país; o nome Aotearoa está hoje muito difundido como designação maori local do país. No século XVI, a concorrência por terras e recursos deu origem a combates intermitentes entre diferentes tribos maori, à medida que a caça de grande porte se extinguia. O explorador neerlandês Abel TASMAN foi o primeiro europeu a avistar as ilhas, em 1642, mas partiu após um confronto com os maori locais. O capitão de navio britânico James COOK chegou em 1769, seguido de baleeiros, caçadores de focas e comerciantes. O Reino Unido reclamou a Nova Zelândia apenas nominalmente e incluiu-a como parte da Nova Gales do Sul, na Austrália. A preocupação com o aumento da ilegalidade levou o Reino Unido a nomear o seu primeiro Residente britânico na Nova Zelândia, em 1832, embora este cargo tivesse poucos poderes legais. Em 1835, algumas tribos maori da Ilha do Norte declararam a independência. Receando uma iminente colonização e tomada de controlo francesas, a maioria dos chefes maori assinou com os britânicos o Tratado de Waitangi, em 1840. As questões de posse da terra decorrentes do tratado continuam a ser objeto de negociação ativa na Nova Zelândia.

O Reino Unido declarou a Nova Zelândia uma colónia separada em 1841 e concedeu-lhe um autogoverno limitado em 1852. As diferentes tradições de autoridade e de utilização da terra deram origem a uma série de guerras entre europeus e várias tribos maori, entre as décadas de 1840 e de 1870. Juntamente com as doenças, estes conflitos reduziram para metade a população maori. Na década de 1890, a Nova Zelândia manifestou inicialmente interesse em participar nas negociações sobre a independência com a Austrália, mas acabou por recusar essa opção e, em 1907, passou a ser um domínio independente. A Nova Zelândia forneceu mais de 100 000 militares em cada uma das Guerras Mundiais, muitos dos quais combateram no âmbito do Corpo do Exército da Austrália e da Nova Zelândia (ANZAC). A Nova Zelândia reafirmou a sua independência em 1947 e assinou o Tratado ANZUS (Austrália, Nova Zelândia e EUA) em 1951.

A partir de 1984, a Nova Zelândia começou a adotar políticas de não nuclearização, o que contribuiu para um diferendo com os Estados Unidos sobre as visitas de navios de guerra. Esse diferendo levou os EUA a suspender as suas obrigações de defesa para com a Nova Zelândia em 1986. Contudo, as relações bilaterais e os laços militares foram revitalizados desde a década de 2010, com novos acordos de segurança. Um dos principais desafios que se têm colocado a Auckland na última década é conciliar as preocupações com a crescente influência da China na região do Pacífico com o seu papel de principal destino das exportações da Nova Zelândia. A Nova Zelândia mantém laços estreitos com a Austrália, baseados em larga medida na origem comum de ambas as nações como colónias britânicas e na sua história militar partilhada.

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.