Buying New Zealand dollars (NZD)

Crossing the ditch for a New Zealand adventure is one of the most common trips for Australians. Every year, droves of travellers seek the country’s natural beauty, adventure sports, and vibrant food and wine scene, making for an enchanting travel experience.

For the most seamless journey, packing a small amount of foreign cash alongside your hiking boots and passport might be worthwhile and a prepaid travel money card could be even more convenient. Here, we explore how to get New Zealand dollars for your holiday.

What currency is used in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s official currency is the New Zealand dollar, which uses the currency code NZD and the currency symbol, $. With the country’s beloved Kiwi bird featured on the one-dollar coin, NZD is often referred to affectionately as the ‘Kiwi dollar’. Despite New Zealand’s small size, its currency is also one of the most traded in the world thanks to the nation’s political stability.

Where can you buy New Zealand dollars (NZD)? 

As our closest neighbour, getting the cash you need to visit New Zealand is usually straightforward. Bank branches, currency exchange businesses and online services like Australia Post are ready to assist travellers with their money needs. However, remember that each service has different fees and exchange rates, so research is key to getting the best value for money.

How to buy New Zealand dollars in Australia

While you likely have several nearby options for ordering foreign cash, the process for international money transfers can differ slightly depending on the business. In most cases, following these basic steps will help you get New Zealand dollars:

1. Have a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a passport
2. Fund your purchase with cash, a debit card or a credit card
3. Specify the amount you need in New Zealand dollars and review how much it costs in Australian dollars (AUD)
4. Pay for the NZD in Australian dollars and receive your money

How to buy NZD online

If getting to a physical store is too much hassle, you can always order foreign cash online with Australia Post. Just follow these simple steps to place your NZD order today.

1. Review our exchange rates, place your order online and choose a participating Post Office to collect your cash.
2. After you’ve placed an order, make payment via BPAY, Pay ID or credit card within 24 hours.
3. We'll confirm when your cash is ready. You'll have a week to collect it from your chosen Post Office. Remember to bring your receipt and photo ID.

Where can I exchange AUD for NZD?

Most Australians won’t have to travel too far to exchange AUD for NZD. Across bank branches, currency exchange businesses and online services, placing an order for foreign cash is generally simple. In fact, Australia Post has 3,200+ participating Post Offices around the country ready to process your NZD order.

Why choose a travel money card instead of cash?

Carrying cash in New Zealand is still handy when visiting remote towns or safeguarding against emergencies, but you’ll find card payments accepted in most situations. This sees many travellers choose prepaid travel money cards when they want the most convenient solution for overseas spending. Check out these benefits before you depart:

Enhanced security: Using a prepaid travel money card means you have a separate account for spending overseas. This means you won't have to stress about your everyday bank account if your card goes missing. You can also find cards with built-in protections against unauthorised transactions.

Smarter budgeting: As you choose how much money to load onto your travel money card, you know precisely how much you have to spend. If you're heading to New Zealand on a tight budget, this process can help you avoid unnecessary spending.

Locked-in exchange rates: Withdrawing cash overseas several times means encountering various exchange rates and fees. If you load money onto your travel money card a single time, you won't have to worry about shifting expenses during your journey.

Reviewable transactions: Alongside a convenient app for loading funds to your prepaid travel money card, you can also keep tabs on your purchase history. This way, you can see where your money has gone and get a clearer picture of your holiday budget.

What is the cheapest way to buy New Zealand dollars in Australia?

New Zealand has many similarities to Australia, but you'll still need to figure out your foreign cash before you depart. Remember, each foreign exchange service has varying exchange rates and fees that could affect your travel budget.

 The cheapest option for you will depend on what’s available in your community. However, many people find online services like Australia Post great for ordering foreign currency. Explore our handy currency converter to view our exchange rates and place your order.

What is the best time to buy NZD in Australian dollars? 

As the rate of every currency is always changing, predicting the best time to order or exchange money is challenging. If your trip is still a few months away, watch for a moment when exchange rates work to your advantage. Alternatively, prepaid travel money cards allow users to lock the exchange rate ahead of their journey.

Helpful money tips for New Zealand adventures

Ready to explore the best of New Zealand? These money-saving tips will help you make the most of the country’s pristine nature and upbeat cities.

Book early: You might get lucky with a last-minute sale, but it’s usually best to book flights, accommodation and activities as far ahead of your trip as possible. You’ll also benefit from many more options to create your ideal holiday.

Split your costs: Getting around New Zealand is tricky when travelling on a budget. Many cost-conscious travellers will split rental car and fuel costs with a group of travellers they meet on the road, making this expense far more affordable.

Bring some cash: You won’t have a problem paying with your cards in most businesses across New Zealand. However, it’s still wise to carry cash for an emergency or when exploring the country’s more remote locations.

Get NZD at Australia Post to fund your adventure

Handle your foreign currency needs with ease at Australia Post by ordering foreign cash online or in-store at a participating Post Office. Alternatively, load a prepaid travel money card with all the currency you need to make your New Zealand adventure a breeze.

FAQs - Buying New Zealand dollars