An expensive few hours in New Zealand

[Bruin Steve]

We are booked on the Anthem of the Seas, April 14, 2026.  Transpacific--Sydney to Honolulu, 18 nights (We're also staying on for the following cruise--Honolulu to Vancouver).

We've discovered that we are required to get what they call an "eTA" for both Australia and for New Zealand )takes the place of the visa).

Australia was no big deal.  Took about 5 minutes on their app.  Cost $13.25 US per person.  And we'll be in Sydney 5 nights pre-cruise...so, the cost is relatively minor.

For New Zealand, OTOH, they charge $17 NZ pp for the NZeTA...but they tack on another $100 NZ pp in the way of a tourism tax called the "IVL".  It's nonrefundable, even if they turn you down for the eTA.  It's required even if you don't get off the ship.  So, as a couple, it will cost $234 NZ (at today's exchange rates, that is about $140 US). (I know a family of six that's on this cruise--these fees will cost them $420 US!)

BTW, when I first contacted Royal on this, the representative with whom I spoke told me they knew all about this...but not to worry, it was a SMALL fee of $35 NZ pp.  Of course, RCCL's info was WAY out of date.  The fee WAS $35...but it was increased on October 1, 2024--a little less than a year ago.

Now, here's the rub:  Our itinerary has only ONE stop in New Zealand--in Bay of Islands.  We arrive at 10:30 am.   We have a shore excursion--a 3 and a half hour boat ride around the bay that leaves at 11:00 am...so, we'll be back on the ship at 2:30 pm.

Most of the passengers on this cruise have not yet looked into this.  When they do, they probably won't be happy.  Of course, Royal never even mentioned it...so, all of those passengers who are happily ignorant of this requirement are really going to be shocked when they are not allowed to board in Sydney.  That embarkation day could be a nightmare.

I really don't know WHY Royal Caribbean would even schedule a short stop in New Zealand.  It isn't a New Zealand cruise--say 10-14 nights which could justify the added cost.  And, for this route, they would have had several possible alternatives for ports between Sydney and Tahiti (the next scheduled port)--Tonga?  Fiji?  Samoa?

[FOB]

We were on Ovation doing Honolulu to Sydney last October and while NZ charged us for the eTA we were not charged any tourism tax
This is because you are on a cruise you are classed as being "In transit" and so you are exempt
So if you haven't already got it and paid then use the in transit and you just pay the $17 pp (edited to remove after checking the website)

I would suggest phoning the NZ embassy for the country that you are a citizen of and asking if you need to pay the IVL as you are on a cruise. 

The websites are not that clear about whether you have to pay or not.

Edited September 10 by FOB
updated following further research

[CruiseGus]

New Zealand = well run country

Just look into requirements to emigrate there sometime

Personally I don't blame these countries trying to capitalize on tourism.  Look to Mexico as an example.

[ChessE4]

A good travel agent helps in matters like these. Ours helped us get visas, when we traveled in 2018, Auckland to Sydney. We never book a cruise without an agent due to the growing complexity of international travel. PS. We missed Bay of Islands due to heavy fog, so I hope you enjoy it.

[Bruin Steve]

We've been to the Bay of Islands before, It's pretty and pleasant...but not exactly a "highlight" port.  I've read the website through a couple of times...and it's pretty clear.  Only "in transit" exception is for those not leaving Auckland Airport.

As to "capitalizong on tourism", there are other ways to do it.  Hotel taxes are an example.  As to this eTA thing, the US actually now does it to foreign tourists...(I don't particularly like it).  As part of the current administration's "trade war" environment, the US is raising its fee from $21 to $40 as of the end of the month.  My fear is that this will just spur another round of escalations.   Many Australians on this cruise have noted the hike in the US fees and are rushing to apply before the hike goes into effect.

And, again, it doesn't feel as bad when one is spending significant time in the country.  But NZ's fees are almost double the new US fees....and we are only spending 3 and a half hours in the country!

[twangster]

Plus just before arriving there is another requirement to use yet another NZ app (or a website) for customs purposes to report your arrival.  It can only be done something like 48 hours before arriving.   The "Traveler Declaration". 

This is one from the Quantum TP in April:

At least there is no fee for this one.

[FOB]

9 hours ago, twangster said:

Plus just before arriving there is another requirement to use yet another NZ app (or a website) for customs purposes to report your arrival.  It can only be done something like 48 hours before arriving.   The "Traveler Declaration". 

This is one from the Quantum TP in April:

At least there is no fee for this one.

And if you dont have the app and internet access on the ship then RC will expand their internet access for 24 hours so you can fill it in on the website without needing full voom access

 

[F1guynz]

23 hours ago, twangster said:

The "Traveler Declaration". 

The app is only for expediency. You can also fill out the paper arrival instead.

[Dad2Cue]

When will Royal inform us of these requirements?  We just did the Australian eTA which I learned about here. To my knowledge, Royal hasn't informed us of anything yet.  Will we find out when we try to board Anthem in a couple of weeks?  Can anyone verify if the NZ eTA and  IVL are both required?  Does anything else need to happen before we board the ship in about 4 weeks?  We board in Honolulu so it won't be easy to go home and get something to satisfy all the requirements.

At least we will have 11 hours in NZ with a 4 hour excursion.  Maybe we will cancel our excursion to pay for the tourist fees.  I would be just as happy to walk around and not do the excursion.

Do any other port stops do this?  Our only stops are Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea in French Polynesia and Tauranga, NZ.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Can @KristiZ help out ?

[Dad2Cue]

2 hours ago, Dad2Cue said:

Can anyone verify if the NZ eTA and  IVL are both required?

If you can trust artificial intelligence then I guess it is true.  For artificial intelligence to be able to answer the question,  Royal needs to make people aware that an IVL exists for NZ.  It isn't something you would expect at a port stop that isn't your destination.

Yes, United States citizens stopping at a New Zealand cruise port must have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).  The NZeTA is a mandatory clearance for most visitors, including cruise passengers, and the IVL is a tourist tax that funds conservation and tourism projects. You can apply for both together on the Immigration New Zealand website. 

[ChessE4]

We were in French Polynesia in early 24 and there weren't any special hoops, but I don't know now. For excursions, Raiatea is a few miles from a tremendous snorkeling site. You can book ashore there or in Bora Bora, which you aren't visiting. Or use Royal, etc. At Morea the drive around the island is interesting due to picturesque mountains. We booked that ashore, but we were on a smaller vessel. In Papeete you can walk around downtown, which has a covered market. It's not cheap, though. Pearls are sold every stop in FP. People are very friendly!

[Ray]

On 9/11/2025 at 2:18 AM, Bruin Steve said:

 As to this eTA thing, the US actually now does it to foreign tourists...(I don't particularly like it).  

Now? 

The US introduced the ESTA for tourists in 2008

[Bruin Steve]

8 hours ago, Ray said:

Now? 

The US introduced the ESTA for tourists in 2008

The US ESTA costs $21 pp...but the current administration is upping it to $40 at the end of this month....Still just a little more than half what the NZ thing costs...and very few people on a cruise spend less than a day in the US.  It's the cost versus the length of time spent in the country that makes this one so crazy.

MOST places don't do this.  It is largely a bad idea since it may deter tourism rather than promote it...whereas most places have learned to make money off tourism by hidden costs that corelate more to the am,ount of time spent--like hotel taxes that apply per night.  Since you're usually paying for a hotel anyway, youy are accustomed to paying a nightly rate.  The "per entry" tax stands out like a sore thumb.   And, when it's discovered as an "afterthought" when booking a cruise, most cruisers resent it.  After all, our cruise fares already include "port taxes and fees".  This is just an additional undixclosed fee.

[Ray]

3 hours ago, Bruin Steve said:

The US ESTA costs $21 pp...but the current administration is upping it to $40 at the end of this month....Still just a little more than half what the NZ thing costs...and very few people on a cruise spend less than a day in the US.  It's the cost versus the length of time spent in the country that makes this one so crazy.

MOST places don't do this.  It is largely a bad idea since it may deter tourism rather than promote it...whereas most places have learned to make money off tourism by hidden costs that corelate more to the am,ount of time spent--like hotel taxes that apply per night.  Since you're usually paying for a hotel anyway, youy are accustomed to paying a nightly rate.  The "per entry" tax stands out like a sore thumb.   And, when it's discovered as an "afterthought" when booking a cruise, most cruisers resent it.  After all, our cruise fares already include "port taxes and fees".  This is just an additional undixclosed fee.

Im not disagreeing with the above

I was purely pointing out that you said the US was NOW doing it to tourists when it has in fact been on the go for 17 yrs. 

[KristiZ]

21 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Can @KristiZ help out ?

Yes, US citizens need an NZeTA, even on a cruise. This is in lieu of a visa.

[WAAAYTOOO]

10 minutes ago, KristiZ said:

Yes, US citizens need an NZeTA, even on a cruise. This is in lieu of a visa.

Thank you, Kristi !!  

[twangster]

I've paid it twice now for two different cruises with stops in NZ.

I see it as NZ's way of tapping into the cruise industry.  It's a money grab for sure, but it's their country, so their rules.

In my case both cruises had multiple stops in NZ so that softened the blow.  I can see why people are upset who have just one stop for a few hours. Most cruises to NZ have multiple stops so it's likely not a scenario that NZ considered when implementing the fees.

Greece is also ramping up their fees, especially in peak season.  Mexico too.  Why should just foreign companies reap massive revenue from cruises?  I can see why some countries also seek to make something from the travel industry.  

23 hours ago, Dad2Cue said:

When will Royal inform us of these requirements? 

My personal take is that it's not Royal's job to inform us of entry requirements and fees for any cruise ports of call.  Cruisers are always required to make sure they are eligible and have the proper VISA, or travel authorizations to enter every country along the voyage.  I do the research ahead of time so I know before I book.  Sometimes I avoid certain itineraries particularly when cruising a little farther from home.    

[Dad2Cue]

9 hours ago, twangster said:

My personal take is that it's not Royal's job to inform us of entry requirements and fees for any cruise ports of call.  Cruisers are always required to make sure they are eligible and have the proper VISA, or travel authorizations to enter every country along the voyage.  I do the research ahead of time so I know before I book.  Sometimes I avoid certain itineraries particularly when cruising a little farther from home.    

I think it is Royal's job to inform us what is required to board their ship.  I assume some of this needs to be done before we are allowed onboard.  It is fine if it is "common knowledge" but some of this doesn't really fall into that category.  I'm somewhat aware of the nuances of international travel and cruising. What about the people who have never cruised or traveled outside the United States?

 

21 hours ago, Bruin Steve said:

MOST places don't do this.

In the case of the IVL,  I would agree.  Apparently Royal was aware although their information was outdated.  My first resource would be to ask Royal what is required for this itinerary. I'm not upset with NZ except it is a money grab. 

[Dad2Cue]

Just today on Sept 19th, 2025. we received an e-mail  from Royal  with details pertaining to the documents that are required to board Anthem for our trans Pacific cruise to Australia with a single 12 hour stop in New Zealand.  In case anyone is interested ... Royal informed us 24 days before our cruise that departs Honolulu on October 13th, 2025. 

We received our NZeTA approval in less than 48 hours but it can take up to 4 weeks according to Royal.  Our Australian eTA was instantly approved.

----------------------

All international guests entering Australia and New Zealand, regardless of age, must check their visa requirements. Most international guests (excluding Australian and New Zealand citizens) will require both an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Please see the updated ETA link below. Kindly note, the processing time for the ETA can take up to four (4) weeks – so if you haven’t yet applied, please do so as soon as possible! These forms must be completed prior to boarding – guests who arrive to the port without them completed risk being denied boarding. Learn more by clicking the links below:

• ETA
• NZeTA

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We can’t wait to embark on this unforgettable journey together!

Sincerely,

Royal Caribbean International

[twangster]

A number of fellow guests have already figured out what we all need to enter Namibia this fall. This is largely because people who travel internationally know they must comply with entry requirements for the countries visited.  The cruise line, nor airline if arriving by air, is responsible to hold our hand and tell us what we all need to do.  That is just not the way it happens.

Claiming your carrier should have told you is not the way international travel happens.  If that was your previous expectation... lesson learned.  

The fees for a few hours in New Zealand suck.  That's between you and New Zealand.  

[Bruin Steve]

3 hours ago, twangster said:

A number of fellow guests have already figured out what we all need to enter Namibia this fall. This is largely because people who travel internationally know they must comply with entry requirements for the countries visited.  The cruise line, nor airline if arriving by air, is responsible to hold our hand and tell us what we all need to do.  That is just not the way is happens.

Claiming your carrier should have told you is not the way international travel happens.  If that was your previous expectation... lesson learned.  

The fees for a few hours in New Zealand suck.  That's between you and New Zealand.  

It very well be that the cruise line has no obligation here...HOWEVER...A large number of travelers tend to be a bit clueless on this subject.  AND the cruiseline has an interest in NOT having a mess to deal with at embarkation.  Picture what happens if 4,000 people show up at the cruise terminal on embarkation day...and any sizable number of them don't have the neccessary documents to board the ship.  You could have a total zoo that becomes the cruise line's problem.  If I am running a cruise line...and it would be simple enough for ME to send out an email to every booked party (And that IS simple), then I am going to do that...FOR MY OWN SAKE...and to help out all of my employees and the port employees that would have to deal with all of the questions, the complaints, the logjam at check-in, the angry passengers, etc.

It's easy to look down your nose at people and tell them it's their problem...but, IN REALITY, it becomes the cruise line's problem.

[Dad2Cue]

15 hours ago, Bruin Steve said:

It's easy to look down your nose at people and tell them it's their problem...but, IN REALITY, it becomes the cruise line's problem.

Plus ... a cruise line could be liable for fines and penalties for violating immigration laws by transporting passengers who don't have the required documentation for the ports that they visit.  The cruise line is responsible for verifying that all their passengers meet the requirements so they have to know the requirements too.  At the very least .. there is a shared responsibility.  I'm glad Royal eventually sent the e-mail to me.

Thank-you for posting this topic.  I didn't know about NZeTA. I could have gone to Honolulu and have been blissfully ignorant.  I assumed a cruise port stop that wasn't our final destination to be transient in nature.  It was confusing when I did the NZeTA because it asked if my visit was only in transit to another destination.  You were right -- that was only for the airport.

A tourist tax is something relatively new.  It might be at the state and local level too and never mind travelling internationally.  Cruising might get very complicated AND more expensive going forward.

https://cruisington.com/more-ports-charging-daily-fees-for-cruise-visitors/

[Dad2Cue]

Update:  We are currently on our Trans Pacific cruise to Sydney, Australia.  The short stop in Tauranga, New Zealand just got shorter.  We are in the harbor but we won't be going ashore.  The captain just announced that because of the predicted weather conditions later today a decision was made to not dock the ship and continue the cruise to Sydney.  I guess we paid the $140 for the ETA/tourist tax to see New Zealand from a few miles away.We will wave goodbye when we resume the cruise to Sydney.

I'm just wondering if something like this is a reimbursable claim on our travel insurance? For all the time and effort and money to comply with these requirements ... do we want to file  a claim or should we just forget about it?

[AshleyDillo]

32 minutes ago, Dad2Cue said:

I'm just wondering if something like this is a reimbursable claim on our travel insurance? For all the time and effort and money to comply with these requirements ... do we want to file  a claim or should we just forget about it?

Some travel insurance policies do include a missed or skip port coverage where they pay a flat amount for any port that gets changed or missed from the original itinerary. 

Most policies would cover any non-reimbursable costs you incurred in missing a port. In this case if you have a letter about the missed port you could file a claim for the tourist tax. I would include the explanation that this port is the only one that would have required it when making the claim. 

[Dad2Cue]

7 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

Most policies would cover any non-reimbursable costs you incurred in missing a port.

Technically ... we didn't miss the port stop.  We were in New Zealand waters and we were stopped for 5-6 hours.  However, we weren't docked and we didn't get off the ship.  According to New Zealand rules, we would still need the NZeTA and non-refundable tourist tax even if we didn't get off the ship.