Travel Info
Visa Requirements
Any visitor travelling to New Zealand needs to ensure they have the correct travel documents. Some people can use an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand, and others need to get a visa. For more information see the official Immigration New Zealand website. Please do this well ahead of your travel
Everyone entering New Zealand needs to submit a traveller declaration. The New Zealand Traveller Declaration collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information. It aims to improve the safety and security of New Zealand. Go to the New Zealand Traveller Declaration where information and application can be found.
Biosecurity
New Zealand is a beautiful island nation with a unique ecosystem. Native species once thrived without any native predators. Many introduced predators and pests arrived with humans, and threaten the survival of our native species. If harmful pests and diseases get into New Zealand, they can cause damage to our agriculture and biodiversity. Biosecurity in New Zealand guards against these threats with strict border control measures. Please carefully read more on what you can and cannot bring into the country and what you have to declare on your arrival card here. There are strict penalties for false declarations.
COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders
Travel by air to NZ and Palmerston North
From outside New Zealand we recommend flying into one of these three international airports: Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch
- https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/ (AKL)
- https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/ (WLG)
- https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/ (CHC)
- and to book a connecting flight to Palmerston North
- https://pnairport.co.nz/ (PMR).
Most international travellers fly into Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city. The Auckland International Terminal is a 10-minute walk or bus ride away from the Auckland Domestic Terminal. Shuttle buses are free and are scheduled every 10 minutes. The walk is well signposted and on a good day is a wonderful way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs after a long-haul flight.
In Christchurch and Wellington the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal are in the same complex, but in different parts of the building
Upon arrival in New Zealand, you will first be taken through Immigration. Then, even if your luggage is checked through to Palmerston North, you will have to uplift your bags at the airport where you enter the country. You will then go through Customs and Biosecurity before you proceed to the Domestic Terminal.
Please allow two hours minimum between your arrival in New Zealand and the departure of your connecting domestic flight.
For your domestic flight to Palmerston North you may have to check in again, check in your luggage and receive an updated boarding pass.
Travel by bus to Palmerston North
InterCity operates a bus service from Wellington - Central to Palmerston North three times a day. Tickets cost $29 - $55 and the journey takes 2h 5m.
Travel by train to Palmerston North
KiwiRail - Capital Connection operates a train from Wellington to Palmerston North five times a week. Tickets cost $29 - $40 and the journey takes 2h 5m. KiwiRail - Northern Explorer also services this route three times a week. More information is available at the Capital Connection.
As the train station is located on the outskirts of town, you will need to book a taxi to go into town or to Massey University.
Travel from Palmerston North airport or Palmerston North train station to the city centre and Massey University
Palmerston North is a compact city. The airport and the train station are only 10 minutes away from the city centre and 20-25 minutes from Massey University.
There are taxi stands at the airport, but if your flight arrives late in the evening, or you arrive by train, you may prefer to book a taxi in advance.
Taxis
You have the choice of Palmerston North Taxis or Gold and Black Taxis. A taxi ride from the airport into town is around NZ$35, but could cost more during peak hours.
Shuttle
If you arrive as a group and you are going to the same accommodation, a shuttle service may be a more economical way to travel to the city. You can pre-book your shuttle at SuperShuttle
Travel by car to Palmerston North
Directions from Wellington Airport via State Highway 1 (SH 1) Take Great Harbour Way / Te Aranui o Pōneke, Onepu Rd and Crawford Rd to SH 1 in Mount Cook. Continue to Ōtaki. At Ohau, turn right onto State Hwy 57/ Kimberley Road. Remain on State Hwy 57, driving through Shannon and continue towards Woodville/Palmerston North. After 29 km, just before Palmerston North city, you’ll see Massey University signposted. Turn right at the main entrance onto Main Drive to enter the campus or continue straight on Tennent Drive to head into the city.