International

Airport arrival

1. Complete Your New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)
   Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration NZTD online or via the NZTD app before you arrive. You can also complete this in paper form at the airport https://nzpocketguide.com/passenger-arrival-card/ 
   If you need help, ask the airline staff.
2. Passport Control
   When you arrive in New Zealand, you’ll be greeted at Passport Control where a border officer will check your passport, student visa, and New Zealand Traveller Declaration. They may ask a few friendly questions about your study plans and where you’ll be staying. If eligible, you can use an eGate for quicker processing. Once everything is cleared, you’ll head to baggage claim and continue your journey.
3. Collect Your Bags
   Follow signs to the Baggage Reclaim Area. TV screens will show your flight’s carousel number. You can use free trolleys to move your luggage. Biosecurity dogs may inspect your bags for items like fruit or meat.
4. Customs and Biosecurity
   At Customs and Biosecurity, you’ll hand in your Traveller Declaration and may have your bags inspected. Friendly staff and biosecurity dogs help ensure nothing harmful enters New Zealand. If you’re unsure about any item, just declare it—staff are there to help make your arrival smooth and safe.
5. Domestic Transfer
   Once you have collected your luggage and gone through Customs, you will need to go to the domestic terminal if you are catching a domestic flight to your final destination (e.g. Dunedin or Queenstown). There are lots of signs pointing you in the right direction, and you can always ask airport staff for help. Allow at least 2–3 hours between flights to complete all procedures.

Free airport pickup

When you have booked your flights, email your travel itinerary to international@op.ac.nz so we can book an airport shuttle to take you to your accommodation. Please let us know at least five (5) working days in advance.

To book:

• Email your flight itinerary to international@op.ac.nz
• Send details at least 5 working days before arrival

Delayed arrival?

If your flights are delayed and you will be arriving late, please let Otago Polytechnic know as soon as possible so we can update arrangements for airport pickup. Email us on international@op.ac.nz or call us on the numbers below.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm 
Phone: (New Zealand freephone) 0800 762 786
Phone: (From outside New Zealand) +64 3 477 3014

Currency exchange

You can exchange money at Travelex offices in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch airports, or use ATMs to withdraw New Zealand dollars with your international card. Major currencies can also be exchanged at local banks. Before you travel, check with your bank to make sure your currency is accepted in New Zealand.

Mobile Networks

New Zealand has reliable mobile networks including Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees. These providers offer prepaid SIM cards with data, calls, and texts.

You can purchase SIM cards at major airports, mobile stores, or convenience shops. Plans are flexible and affordable, and eSIMs are available for compatible phones.

Before you travel, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with New Zealand networks. Staying connected will help you navigate, stay safe, and keep in touch with friends and family.

Contact your family

Make sure you contact your family/friends when you arrive to let them know you have reached your destination safely.

Tip: you can use the free Wi-Fi at the airport when you arrive or the internet at your accommodation to avoid the cost of an international phone call.