You can convert money into New Zealand dollars at airport currency counters, and specialist exchange outlets. Rates, fees, limits and opening hours vary, so it’s sensible to compare options and carry more than one payment method while travelling.
Most visitors don’t need to exchange all their spending money at once. New Zealand is card-friendly, and ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns. Cash is still useful for small purchases, laundries, markets, tips if you choose to give them, or places where card payment is unavailable.
Currency exchange options
Airports usually have currency exchange counters, which are convenient when you first arrive. The trade-off is that airport rates and fees may not be the most competitive, so many travellers exchange only a small amount there.
Specialist currency exchange outlets are found in major centres and some visitor areas. These can be useful if you want to exchange foreign cash during your trip, but branches are less common in small towns.
ATMs are often the easiest way to get New Zealand dollars from an overseas account. They’re common in cities, airports, shopping areas and larger towns, but less available in remote touring regions.
Planning around your itinerary
If your tour includes rural areas, national parks, the West Coast, Fiordland or smaller overnight stops, withdraw or exchange money before leaving a larger centre. You may not have many chances to find a bank or currency exchange outlet during a busy touring day.
On guided tours, your major costs may already be paid, so cash needs are usually modest. Independent coach tours may involve more self-managed meals and local transport, so access to spending money can matter more.
Fees and exchange rates
Exchange rates and fees can vary between airports, exchange outlets, ATMs and card providers. Your home bank may also charge international withdrawal or foreign transaction fees.
Before travelling, check your card fees, daily withdrawal limits and whether your bank needs a travel notification. Carry a backup card separately in case one card is lost, blocked or declined.