ACCOMMODATION AND VENUE

Photo Credit: He Ara Kotahi at night by Alexander Robertson, for PNCC

PROGRAMME & FIELD TRIPS

CONFERENCE HOMEPAGE

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

International Visitors Information

Travel to New Zealand: Visas, NZeTA

If you are travelling from overseas to attend the NZGS/IAG Conference 2026 in Palmerston North (7-10 December), please check your immigration requirements well before you book flights. If you do not have the correct visa or travel authority when you check-in for your flight to New Zealand, you may not be able to board, or you may be refused entry on arrival in New Zealand. It is each traveller’s responsibility to make sure you hold the correct visa or travel authority. Most delegates will need either a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to board their flight to Aotearoa New Zealand.

We strongly encourage anyone who requires a visa to submit their application as soon as possible to Immigration New Zealand.

The visa type you apply for, and the requirements for that visa will vary depending on your participation in the event or visit, as well as the type of passport you hold and will enter New Zealand on.  If you are travelling in on a passport from a visa waiver country, you can travel to New Zealand on a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), but if you hold a passport from a non-visa waiver country, you will need to apply for an appropriate visa.

If you are transiting via another country (such as Australia), please ensure you check their visa requirements as you may require additional visas.

Traveller Declaration

Everyone travelling to New Zealand by air must complete a declaration, and receive a Traveller Pass, before they travel. Review the details required and link to the form here. The NZTD asks questions about your travel, including customs, immigration, and biosecurity information.

Australian Citizens

For those travelling from Australia please visit here for immigration pathway information for Australian citizens and permanent residents travelling to New Zealand.

This factsheet will also be useful for any conference delegates travelling on Chinese passports from Australia.

We encourage people to continue to monitor the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website for any changes to the visa requirements for entering New Zealand, and updated information on any travel requirements for New Zealand.

Visitor Visa (Non-Australian and Non-Visa waiver countries)

All visitors will need to apply for a visa and provide evidence of your ability to meet the criteria for entry. Applications can take up to 3 months to process, so please ensure you apply for your visa well in advance of your travel. You can view visa options and apply on the New Zealand Immigration visa page.

Visa Waiver Countries (less than 3 month stay)

If you are a citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand and meet the criteria below, you do not need a visa, but you do need a NZeTA to enter New Zealand and must:

hold a valid ticket from New Zealand to a country where you have the right of entry

have sufficient money to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand

hold a passport valid for 3 months beyond the date you intend leaving New Zealand

remain in New Zealand only for the time granted on your arrival

View more information about the visa waiver eligibility.

You will need to apply online for an NZeTA prior to travelling. Please allow up to 72 hours for your NZeTA to be processed. View information about applying for your NZeTA here.

Note: If you intend to remain in New Zealand longer than three months or intend to be in New Zealand to undertake work, you will need to apply for a visitor visa or an appropriate work visa before you come to New Zealand. You should also apply for a visa before you travel if you have any character convictions that may affect your eligibility to be issued an NZeTA. This is to avoid being denied entry to New Zealand on character grounds.

Visa Waiver Countries (longer than 3 month stay)

If you intend to stay in New Zealand for longer than three months, you will need to apply for a visitor visa at least 30 days before travelling. Visa applications can be made online at the New Zealand Immigration visa site.

Apply in Good Time

Please ensure that visa applications are submitted well before your intended travel date. It is recommended you apply at least four weeks in advance. Please also ensure that you check whether your proposed travel route will require any transit visas and allow sufficient time to obtain these.

HEALTH MEASURES FOR COVID-19

We will strictly follow the health measures that are in place at the time of the conference. Stay home if you are sick and contact us to let us know.

ACCOMMODATION

Copthorne Hotel

110 Fitzherbert Avenue, Palmerston North, 4410

T +64 6 356 8059

F +64 6 356 8604

W: www.millenniumhotels.com

Room rates from $178.00 with average of $188 per room per night. Variety of room configurations. Need to state code NZGS26. This rate is available until early bird cut off.