New Zealand
Travel Destination – New Zealand
New Zealand is renowned for its snow-capped mountains, fjords, geothermal wonders, and cosmopolitan waterfront cities. Travellers can hike through Fiordland National Park, explore Māori cultural heritage in Rotorua, enjoy world-class food and wine in Marlborough, or experience the dynamic urban energy of Auckland and Wellington. Adventure tourism is a major drawcard, with skiing, hiking, bungee jumping, and water sports popular year-round.
As a highly developed country with modern infrastructure and a strong public health system, New Zealand offers reliable healthcare services similar to Australia. However, travellers should still prepare appropriately, particularly for outdoor activities, seasonal illnesses, and other travel considerations.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to New Zealand, it is recommended to book an appointment with a travel doctor. A pre-travel consultation allows your doctor to review your vaccination history, ensure routine immunisations are up to date, and provide personalised advice based on your itinerary and planned activities.
While New Zealand is a low-risk destination for infectious diseases, health preparation remains important, particularly when planning to hike, ski, travel rurally, or take part in adventure sports. Your doctor can also advise on managing existing medical conditions while overseas and ensure you carry adequate supplies of prescription medications.
Ideally, schedule your appointment six to eight weeks before departure to allow time for any required vaccinations or boosters. However, if travel is imminent, a last-minute consultation can still confirm essential protection and provide practical health advice.
Food and water hygiene
New Zealand maintains high standards of food safety and water quality. Tap water is safe to drink in most towns and cities. However, food-related gastroenteritis can still occur due to food contamination, causing symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fatigue.
To reduce risk of food-related illness, wash or sanitise hands regularly, eat freshly prepared food, and take care with untreated water when hiking or camping.
Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days. Oral rehydration and fluid replacement are the main treatments. Seek medical care if symptoms are severe, persistent, or atypical.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for New Zealand?
Measles
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Measles is a virus that is highly contagious, spread through respiratory droplets which can last up to two hours in the air and on surfaces. Measles outbreaks continue to occur globally, including in developed countries like New Zealand. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash.
Crowded locations increase risk of transmission, including airports, public transport and large events. Measles transmission is very low in Australia due to widespread vaccination coverage, however all travellers should ensure they are fully vaccinated for measles before departing. Travellers born during or after 1966 should have documentation of two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MMR). Two doses provide approximately 99% protection.
Influenza
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Influenza circulates annually in New Zealand, particularly during the winter months (June to September). Enclosed or prolonged exposure to Influenza, particularly in air travel, can increase the risk of traveller contracting the virus. Influenza can cause fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and body aches, and may lead to further complications. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for travellers older than six months, especially those with other health complications, pregnant women, and older adults.
COVID-19
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COVID‑19 remains present in New Zealand, with cases continuing to appear in communities and occasional spikes during seasonal surges. Travellers face an increased risk of exposure in busy airports, on long-haul flights, and in crowded indoor spaces such as public transport, restaurants, and events.
It is strongly recommended that all travellers are fully up to date with COVID‑19 vaccinations in line with current Australian guidance before departure. Adults 75 years and older should receive booster doses every six months, while those aged 65 to 74 are advised to get annual boosters. Individuals with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems may need additional doses for optimal protection. Consulting a travel health professional can help tailor vaccination timing and ensure maximum safety while visiting New Zealand.
Routine vaccinations
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Before travelling to New Zealand, confirm routine vaccinations are up to date, such as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Sometimes boosters may be advised, depending on age, medical history, occupation or travel plans.
A travel health consultation can help travellers confirm vaccinations are current, and advise whether vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or meningococcal disease are recommended for those at increased risk. A travel health doctor can tailor vaccination advice based on itinerary, high-risk activities, and length of stay.
New Zealand
Other health risks in New Zealand
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis, sometimes referred to as travellers’ diarrhoea, is relatively uncommon in New Zealand due to high standards of food and water safety. However, it can still occur, particularly after eating unfamiliar foods or in casual dining settings. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, usually appearing within 24 to 72 hours.
Staying hydrated is essential for treatment, particularly with oral rehydration solutions to replace fluid and electrolytes. Most cases resolve within a few days, however, seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persistent, or unusual. Practising good hand hygiene and choosing freshly prepared foods can reduce the risk.
Non-infectious conditions
Safety on the roads and hiking
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Road travel in New Zealand is generally safe, but drivers should remain alert for narrow, winding roads, variable weather, and occasional wildlife on rural routes.
New Zealand’s landscapes are breathtaking but can present hazards, especially in remote or alpine regions. Weather can change rapidly, check local weather and track conditions, and stick to marked trails. Before you depart for hiking, inform someone of your route and expected return time, and carry appropriate gear including maps, layers, and emergency supplies.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care and emergency evacuation is recommended. Travellers should check Smartraveller for the latest safety advice and updates before and during their trip.
Altitude sickness
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New Zealand’s mountains, including the Southern Alps, can reach elevations where acute mountain sickness (AMS) occurs, though serious cases are rare. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite, typically improving within 12–48 hours with rest or slower ascent. To prevent illness, ascend gradually, avoid rapid elevation gain, and be aware of early warning signs. Travellers tackling high-altitude hikes should consider guidance from experienced local guides and a travel health consultation.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Flights to New Zealand and extended periods of road travel within the country, can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a condition where blood clots form, usually in the legs, due to slow blood flow from reduced leg movement.
To lower the risk, move around frequently during travel, perform leg stretches, and stay well hydrated. Travellers with additional risk factors may benefit from wearing compression stockings and discussing personalised precautions with a travel doctor before departure.