What is the currency in New Zealand and can you pay by card?
The official currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but cash is essential for small towns and remote campsites.
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD) as its official currency. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, and coins in 10, 20, 50 cents as well as 1 and 2 dollars.
Payment by Bank Card
Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted in almost all shops, restaurants, hotels and service stations in major cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Contactless payment is very widespread.
When to Plan for Cash
- Small rural towns: some local shops only accept cash
- Campsites and isolated accommodation: especially on hiking trails
- Local markets and street vendors
- Public transport in some cities
Local Agency Advice
Withdraw cash from ATMs in major cities before heading out on a road trip. ATMs are less frequent in remote areas of the Southern Alps or the west coast.