NZ Documents: Making Sense

I think it would be safer to seek answers to your questions from the Embassy of New Zealand (or their website), the official country tourism website, New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Office (or whichever office governs their tourism and immigration issues), NZ public health office and/or website, and/or Air New Zealand. They are the ones with the information you need. Our replies aren't going to do you any good if you have a problem later.

I would apply for your visa as soon as possible then you know you have it. There have been delays but mainly for visitors needing full visas. Air NZ doesn’t require anything else at present. You don’t need proof of vaccination at the moment but I would have it with you anyway. The Air NZ website is updated when any change happens so check back closer to travel. I can’t see anything else changing at the moment as we go into summer.

Here is the ETA info:

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta

It says to allow up to 72 hours for processing, but it may only take 10 minutes. It is valid for 2 years, so your plan to submit in November/December would be early, but fine.

Other than that, on Air NZ's own website, you can enter your departing country/arrival country, passport and nationality in the boxes on the bottom half the page and it will tell you any other requirements (there are no remaining health requirements if you meet standard criteria).

https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/travel-requirements-international

FYI - it is currently easier for US citizens to enter NZ, than for NZ citizens to enter the US. We still have to meet health/vaccination requirements as well as have a valid ESTA if travelling to the US.

Thank you all for your helpful advice. We will apply first week of December for our February trip.

Just flew home to NZ - I'm citizen so I will defer to the link above for immigration - but can confirm that no one cared about our vaccine or testing status. You can still collect test kits on arrival in early Nov - but they weren't actually given to us and I don't think those stocks will be replenished.

Also remember to check the USA requirements for your return in terms of documentation of testing etc

We are in New Zealand now and flew from SFO end of October.
At that time we only needed the nZeTa. We had already filled out the others but it was rescinded before we left so they were irrelevant . The only issue with the nZeTa is the photo required. Through a bit of trial and error we took individual selfies against a white wall and focused only on our faces. Looked a bit like a mug shut with no smile requirement. It uploaded fine after a few no go's. Each person needs a separate nZeTa but one can fill out the form for the other and upload a separate photo and give another email. Our confirmation was quick

The other thing to pay attention to is the bio security requirements as to what you can bring in and what you need to declare. We are hikers so they needed to check our boots for dirt etc. Also need to declare and food we brought along. There is a long list but we declared the few things we ha and all was fine. It seems intimidating but as long as you declare there is no problem Failure to declare can result in a steep fine. Declaration is on a landing card and verbal.
Good luck! You are going to love it here. We return in 2 weeks and are very impressed

Hi Folks,
If you use the iPhone (prob Android too) nZeta app- it takes the photo for you! Instantly- no settings! Visa issued in minutes … amazing. Also appears another traveler can be added too- what a breeze.

Too bad the NZ immigration site doesn’t mention the photo function on their website… I wasted hours figuring out how to get that photo right.

Cheers!