Logistics · Country Guide
Temperate reefs, epic wrecks, and fjord walls in a road-trip-friendly dive nation
Updated Mar 4, 2026 • 20 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most international visitors fly into Auckland (North Island) or Christchurch (South Island), then connect by domestic flight, rental car, or ferry depending on which coasts you want to dive. For Northland diving (Poor Knights and Bay of Islands), domestic flights into Whangarei or Kerikeri can save a full driving day. For the South Island, Queenstown is the common gateway for Fiordland, while Christchurch is a practical base for Kaikoura and the east coast.
New Zealand works well as an open-jaw trip: arrive in Auckland and depart from Christchurch or Queenstown after finishing the South Island.
Auckland International Airport
AKL • NZAA
20 km • 20 km drive
Primary international gateway. Best access for Auckland and Hauraki Gulf, plus driving routes north to Poor Knights Islands and Bay of Islands.
Transport: Airport taxis, Rideshare, Shuttle vans, Car rentals
Kerikeri Airport (Bay of Islands)
KKE • NZKK
20 km • 20 km drive
Fastest air access for Bay of Islands bases like Paihia and Russell.
Transport: Car rentals, Pre-booked shuttles, Taxis
Whangarei Airport
WRE • NZWR
30 km • 30 km drive
Convenient domestic gateway for Tutukaka and Poor Knights Islands operators.
Transport: Car rentals, Taxis
A rental car is the default for dive road trips, and it is the easiest way to connect Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel. In cities, you can combine public transport with dive shop pickups. Between islands, the Wellington-Picton ferry is a key link for anyone routing into the Marlborough Sounds by road. For the South Island, domestic flights can save long drives, but you still often need a car for Fiordland logistics (Te Anau and Milford Road).
Entry rules depend on your passport. Many travellers use the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead of a visa, and most visitors pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) during their NZeTA or visa process. Always check Immigration New Zealand for the latest requirements.
New Zealand has strict biosecurity controls at the border. If you are bringing dive gear, ensure wetsuits, booties, and any camping gear are visibly clean and dry to avoid delays or cleaning fees.
Major dive hubs (Auckland, Tutukaka, Paihia/Russell, Wellington, Picton/Waikawa, Kaikoura, Te Anau/Manapouri) have rental gear and air fills, but remote regions have fewer options and limited shop hours. Plan exposure protection carefully: many divers use 7mm wetsuits year-round outside Northland summer, and drysuits are common for the deep south. Bring adapters if you have strong valve preferences, and travel with your own computer and mask if fit matters. Pack a warm layer and wind shell for surface intervals, because boat decks can feel cold even when the water is manageable.
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Cards are widely accepted in cities and most coastal hubs. Cash is still useful for small-town cafes, honesty boxes, and some remote fuel stops, especially when you are road-tripping between dive regions.
ATMs are common in major towns and tourist centres. Expect fewer options in small coastal settlements and on remote islands, so withdraw before you leave larger hubs.
230V • 50Hz • I
New Zealand uses the same plug type as Australia. Boats and campervans may have limited outlets, so bring a small power strip if you are charging multiple devices.
Communications
Mobile coverage is strong in cities and along major highways, but it can be patchy in Fiordland, parts of the Sounds, and remote coastal valleys. Consider downloading offline maps and carrying a power bank. For offshore days, operators typically use marine VHF; do not assume your phone will work once you leave the harbour.
Language
English is the main language. Te reo Maori place names are used widely on signs and maps. Learning a few basic Maori words (hello, thanks, place pronunciation) is appreciated.
Insurance
Use travel insurance that explicitly covers scuba or freediving, boat activities, and medical evacuation. If you are doing deeper, repetitive, or technical diving, consider specialist dive insurance and confirm coverage for cold-water exposure and wreck diving.
Packing list