Travel insurance for New Zealand
Kia Ora! Travel to the land of the long white cloud, “Aeoteroa.”
- As featured in:
As featured in:
New Zealand is renowned for its rich Māori culture, picturesque landscapes and legendary ski scene. Whether hiring a campervan to road-trip the length of land of the long white cloud, or if have your sights set on an adventure holiday, no matter how incredible New Zealand is, the unexpected can occur, which is why you need to consider travel insurance.
- What’s covered?
- What should I look out for when travelling to New Zealand?
- What’s not covered?
- Tips for travelling from Australia to New Zealand
- FAQs for Aussies travelling to New Zealand
What’s Covered?
Planning a trip to a safe and laidback country like New Zealand has a way of rubbing off on you - you can feel impervious to the unruly. The truth is accidents, theft, and medical emergencies can happen.
With two levels of travel insurance cover to choose from, Standard and Explorer, our plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:
- Loss or theft of baggage and personal effects
- Overseas medical emergencies
- Unexpected cancellations, interruptions and delays
- Over 100 sports, activities, and experiences.
- Cover for COVID-19-related events
- And many more.
You should always consider your specific travel insurance needs and choose the best plan for you. If you need to make a claim, extend your policy, or get a quote (even while travelling), World Nomads is here to help.
What should I look out for when travelling to New Zealand?
Kiwis love the outdoors, and when travellers set foot on Aotearoa it's clear why. From sailing the Bay of Islands to exploring the magic of Fjordland National Park or coming face-to-face with the waters of Kawarau River on a bungy jump, there's no doubt you'll do something adventurous on your trip to New Zealand.
Depending on the policy you choose our policies may cover you (up to the policy limits) for the following:
Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover
If your luggage or personal items are accidentally damaged or stolen on the way to or during your holiday, you may be able to claim your unexpected costs. In addition, if your luggage is delayed more than 24 hours, you may be entitled to replacement costs. Check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully as terms and conditions apply.
Overseas medical insurance
If you become ill or you’re involved in a serious accident that requires emergency treatment or medical evacuation, your policy may cover you for medical and surgical treatment, hospital fees, and in some cases, specialist counselling. If required, you can get transported to a medical facility suited for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. Benefit limits apply, so check the PDS for details.
Cover for COVID-19-related events
World Nomads offers cover for some COVID-19-related events to help if your trip is derailed by COVID-19. For all the details including benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions under our COVID-19 cover, check out our COVID-19 cover article.
Access to the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team
When you have World Nomads travel insurance you have access to the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. If something goes awry our team can help, whether that’s finding a local medical facility, assisting with consular details, or getting you home for the medical help you need via repatriation.
Sports and activities covered when in New Zealand
Adventure is New Zealand’s middle name. World Nomads policies cover a wide variety of sports and activities, but before you strap on that bungy cord or slay the slopes in Queenstown, paddle down rushing rapids, or zorb down a grassy knoll, confirm which activities are covered as part of your travel insurance policy.
What’s not covered?
Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything. These are some circumstances where you won’t be covered:
- Cancellation costs because you’ve changed your mind.
- Travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to an Australian Government ‘Do Not Travel’ warning (see www.smartraveller.gov.au).
- Participation in a sport or activity that is not listed in the PDS (or agreed by World Nomads where you haven’t paid an additional premium)
- Mishaps because of reckless behaviour, for example, riding a motorbike without a licence or under the influence of alcohol.
- Costs arising from refusal to be repatriated once declared medically unfit to continue a trip but fit for repatriation.
- Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home (it's not health insurance, it's travel insurance for medical emergencies).
- Expenses you have not made every reasonable attempt to recover from the carrier, accommodation provider, booking or travel agents, any compensation scheme, or other source.
Tips for travelling from Australia to New Zealand
- Australians are advised not to walk alone at night and avoid visiting areas that are unlit.
- Don’t carry lots of cash, valuables or expensive jewellery with you.
- As friendly as Kiwis are, travellers should never accept drinks from strangers and never leave a drink unattended.
- Check Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the right visa for your stay, including any work or extended travel plans.
- New Zealand drives on the left-hand side of the road, so be prepared if you plan to rent a car.
- New Zealand experiences different seasons than Australia. Pack accordingly, especially if you're visiting during winter.
- Familiarize yourself with New Zealand's laws and cultural norms to ensure a smooth and respectful trip.
- Tourists should be aware of people around them, particularly when using ATMs (cash machines) and try not to show their PIN.
- Hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers is not recommended.
- Make sure there is always someone who knows where you are going and when you should arrive at your destination.
- Don’t leave valuables, maps, luggage, GPS devices or visitor brochures visible in parked cars or campervans. Don’t leave bags, backpacks, wallets, mobile phones or cameras unattended.
Secure your New Zealand adventure – Get World Nomads Travel Insurance anytime, anywhere!
Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your PDS for a full description of coverage. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Get a quote 24/7
With World Nomads you can buy travel insurance before you land in New Zealand, or while you're already traveling around. Fill out the quick quote form below and get an instant quote today.
FAQs for Aussies travelling to New Zealand
Here are our most frequently asked questions. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
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What is the best/cheapest time to travel to New Zealand?
Typically, the shoulder seasons (Mar-May / Sept-Nov) are best if you’re looking to save some money and secure accommodation deals. These times of year are great for summer/spring activities, like hiking and camping.
Low season (Jun-Sept) is the cheapest time to visit New Zealand. It's worth noting some of the most popular resorts do maintain their high rates during this period.
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Do Australians need a passport to travel to New Zealand?
Do Australians need a passport to travel to New Zealand?
If you are an Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport you do not need a visa when visiting New Zealand. Australians with a current Australian permanent residency visa or a current resident return visa will need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NzeTA).
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Do I need extra travel insurance cover if I’m planning a winter and ski trip to New Zealand?
If you are planning a ski trip, you have the choice of adding Snow Sports cover as an optional upgrade when you purchase your policy. This will give you additional cover available for injuries, equipment and time lost (24 continuous hours). For more info on snow sports cover check out
Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your PDS for a full description of coverage. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Overseas
Take the pain out of medical costs.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transport
We'll get you to hospital lickety-split
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Overseas Medical Expenses
- Emergency dental treatment
- 24 hour assistance
- Emergency medical transport & repatriation
- Cancellation costs
- Trip interruption costs
- Compassionate emergency visit home
- Resumption of trip
- Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
- Baggage delay over 12 hours
- Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
- Personal liability
24/7 emergency assistance
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)
Contact the teamBefore your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.