Buy New Zealand Dollars (NZD) Before Travelling to New Zealand
When preparing for your trip to New Zealand, it’s important to familiarise yourself with local customs and culture — but especially with the local currency. While you’ll often be able to pay with your bank cards, some situations will require you to have cash in New Zealand Dollars (NZD), which is the country’s official currency.
Before exchanging GBP to NZD, be sure to check the current exchange rate to get the best value, as rates can fluctuate daily. Start by estimating your recommended daily travel budget, so you know how much NZD to exchange in advance. Then check the current GBP to NZD exchange rate.
Practical tips for planning your budget
Plan for an average daily budget of 143 NZD, which should comfortably cover a stay in a mid-range hotel, two restaurant meals, and public transport costs.
If you’d like to sample New Zealand’s culinary specialities at a restaurant, expect to spend around 22 NZD per meal.
8 NZD
Average cost of a one-night stay (basic accommodation)
42 NZD
Average daily food budget per person
Good to know
Some typical prices in New Zealand
2.72 NZD
A public transport ticket
3.40 NZD
The price of a cup of coffee
29 NZD
Entry to the Auckland Museum
4.20 NZD
A meat pie
3 NZD/km
A taxi ride
FREE
Entry to the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum in Wellington
Travel Ideas for Your Stay in New Zealand
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Mount Cook offers spectacular landscapes, including glaciers and turquoise lakes — perfect for a breath of fresh air.
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Abel Tasman National Park, located at the northern tip of the South Island, is a dream for hikers and kayakers.
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A cruise through Milford Sound promises some of the most breathtaking views in the country.
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Cathedral Cove, considered New Zealand’s most beautiful beach and a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia, is well worth a visit.
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In the Bay of Islands, you’ll find 144 islands, stunning coves with turquoise waters, soft sand — and the chance to swim with dolphins. A truly exceptional spot.
When do you need cash in New Zealand?
New Zealand is a country where card and contactless payments are widely accepted. However, it is still useful to have some NZD in cash during your stay in certain situations.
You’ll find small local farmers’ markets or roadside stalls all over the country, and cash payments are often preferred there.
In some remote parts of New Zealand, network coverage can be poor, making card terminals unusable. Carrying cash ensures you can make purchases without relying on the internet.
Finally, planning to have New Zealand dollars in cash is a very good way to keep control of your budget while avoiding unnecessary expenses. Paying exclusively by card makes it harder to keep track of your total spending, so opting for cash is a sensible habit to adopt. Don’t forget to exchange your pounds to NZD before you leave to benefit from the best exchange rates!
About the New Zealand Dollar
Denominations of the New Zealand Dollar
- NZD Banknotes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
- NZD Coins: 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2
Before the introduction of the NZD, alternative names such as "kiwi" or "zeal" were considered to avoid confusion with the US dollar.
On 10 July 1967, the New Zealand Dollar officially replaced the New Zealand Pound.
Why Buy NZD with ChangeGroup?
By choosing ChangeGroup for your NZD exchange, you’ll benefit from over 30 years of currency exchange expertise, competitive online exchange rates, and 0% commission on your order.
Not only is it a cost-effective way to get your travel money, but we also offer a range of extra services to support your travel planning, including BuyBack guarantee, international transfers, eSIM cards, and more.
Don’t wait & order your NZD now and enjoy every moment of your adventure in New Zealand!
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need & enjoy our best price deals online
2. Select branch pick-up
Choose branch pick-up & create an account and finalise your order.
3. Receive travel money
Pick-up your currency from one of our branches the next day & enjoy your trip!
FAQ about exchanging GBP to NZD
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in GBP/NZDexchange rates. At ChangeGroup, we update our exchange rates daily to reflect market conditions as accurately as possible and offer you the most competitive rates. By planning your exchange from pounds to New Zealand dollars in advance, you can compare market trends, choose the most favourable moment, and get your NZD at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your NZD from the bureau de change of your choice. For added convenience, we can also deliver your order directly to your home within 24 hours for just £6.95.
By ordering your NZD online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees and commissions from your transaction, so you know exactly how many New Zealand dollars you will receive.
Thanks to our home delivery service, we can exchange your GBP to NZD wherever you are in the United Kingdom.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs


