Arriving in New Zealand

On arrival in NZ you will get a visitor visa for three months, which can be extended for another three months, giving you a total of six months. (Visitors from the UK receive six months straight away).  For those that arrive too early and for those that have boat problems or weather problems and cannot leave before the six months come to an end, you will need to apply for an extension.

To start the process, you will need to create a “RealMe” identity.  This is a secure online ID that allows you to login to a wide range of New Zealand Government services using a single username and password.  However,  note that:

• You do not need to verify your physical address
• You do not need to verify your identity on “RealMe”
• You do not need to go to the Post office

Applying for a Visa Extension online

1. Go to the Immigration NZ web site.
2. Click on “Log In” on the top right. This takes you to a drop down menu and,
3. Select “Visitor Visa” from the list.
4. Click on “Log In or Create an Account”.
5. On the right click on “Create a RealMe” log in.
6. Fill out the form which includes your name and contact details, along with a password, security questions and a PIN.   You will also have to prove you are human and agree to the terms of use.
7. You will be asked to create a profile. Don’t panic. Just do it. You will then be sent an email which is valid for two weeks
8. In the email you will receive the following:

“You have registered with Immigration Online. Verify your Immigration ONLINE account by clicking the link below:

Verification Link “

9. You will get an email message that says that your verification has been successful. It says “view my account”. Click on that. (You also get your login details on a separate email).
10. Click on “visitor visa”. Now, while you already have a visa and just want to extend it,  in the eyes of the Immigration Department, you are creating a new visa. Just go with the flow!

I could not go further than this on the web site without having a problem as I am a citizen and don’t have an existing visa. You may have to log in again with your Realme account which has been verified and the details are on the second email you will have received. You may be asked if you are applying for yourself or someone else. Now the policy is that anyone who wants to stay one day more than six months will have to upload proof of having passed an XRay. Instead of this, upload a covering letter that explains why you are asking for an extension – weather related etc. It is up to the discretion of the officer handling the application whether this will be granted. More often than not you may be on your way before you hear!

Contacting NZ Immigration

If you do need to phone the Immigration department, there is often a lengthy waiting period. Their toll free number is 0508 558 855 but you cannot use a cell/mobile phone to call this number.  However, you can request a “call back” which can be done from the Contact Us section of the Immigration Department’s website.

The NZ Immigration Contact Centre is open from 06:00 Monday to midnight on Saturday (NZT).

• Contact Centre (Toll-free from NZ landlines only): 0508 558 855
• Auckland: 09 914 4100
• Wellington: 04 910 9915
• Rest of the world: +64 9 914 4100

Good luck!

Patricia

Gulf Harbour Radio

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.