Smoking and vaping are restricted in many New Zealand public places, especially indoor workplaces, restaurants, bars, schools and early childhood centres. On tour, expect coaches, accommodation interiors, restaurants and attractions to be smokefree, with smoking or vaping allowed only in designated outdoor areas where provided.
New Zealand has strong smokefree rules, and visitors usually find them easy to follow once they know the basics. The practical point is this: don’t smoke or vape indoors in public places, on coaches, inside hotels, in restaurants or at enclosed attractions unless a clearly marked area says it’s allowed.
Smokefree and vapefree places
Smoking and vaping are banned inside workplaces, licensed premises and some public enclosed areas. This includes places travellers commonly use, such as restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, transport facilities and many visitor attractions.
Schools and early childhood centres have stricter rules. They must be smokefree and vapefree indoors and outdoors, so avoid smoking or vaping anywhere on those grounds.
Many councils, airports, hotels and attractions also set their own rules for outdoor areas. You may see smokefree signs at parks, stadiums, entrances, walkways, wharves or public event spaces. These local rules can vary, so follow the signs on site.
What this means on tour
Coaches and touring vehicles are smokefree. If you smoke or vape, you’ll need to wait for scheduled comfort stops and use a permitted outdoor area away from the vehicle and other travellers.
Hotels usually require smoking and vaping outside, often in a marked area. Some properties may charge cleaning fees if guests smoke in rooms, on balconies or near open doors and windows, so check the hotel’s instructions when you arrive.
Restaurants, bars and cafes are smokefree indoors. Some venues have outdoor areas where smoking or vaping may be allowed, but this isn’t guaranteed. In busy town centres, it’s best to look for signage or ask staff before lighting up or vaping.
Buying tobacco or vaping products
Tobacco and vaping products are age restricted in New Zealand. Retail rules can change, and product availability may differ from what you’re used to at home. If you use a specific product, bring enough for your trip within customs and airline limits, and check current entry rules before travelling.