Thinking about spending a few months living in Aotearoa – New Zealand? Whether you’re dreaming of road-tripping by campervan, soaking in the laid-back lifestyle or simply taking time out to reconnect with nature, this guide is for you.
Designed especially for travellers aged 40 and up, we’ll walk you through how to legally stay in New Zealand for 3 to 12 months without needing to immigrate or work full-time. You’ll discover the main visa pathways, practical long-stay tips, seasonal stay options and what daily life actually looks like. And if you do fall in love with Aotearoa (spoiler: it happens!), we’ll also share a few next steps for exploring longer-term options.
Why Stay in Aotearoa – NZ for 3 to 12 Months?
- A chance to slow down, reconnect and explore deeply
- Incredible diversity — mountains, beaches, lakes and native forest
- Friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life
- Safe, English-speaking, and ideal for campervan travel
- Perfect for sabbaticals, gap years, early retirement breaks or lifestyle resets
Table of Contents
🛂 Visa Options for Longer Stays
Visitor Visa (Standard Option)
- Allows stays up to 9 months in an 18-month period.
- Perfect for travellers who don’t want to work but want plenty of time to explore.
- You’ll need proof of funds, return flights (or funds for onward travel) and travel insurance.
Multiple Entry Visitor Visa
- Useful if you plan to leave and return during your stay (for example, side trips to Australia or the Pacific Islands).
Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
- Available to certain nationalities, usually up to 12 months.
- Age limits vary (often 18–30, but some extend to 35).
- Allows short-term work to top up funds while you travel.
Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa
- For travellers aged 66 and over.
- Allows a stay of up to 2 years.
- Requires higher proof of funds and acceptable investment in NZ.
- Ideal if you want a taste of retirement life here without fully immigrating.
🗓 Seasonal Stays — When to Come
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Best for road trips, beachesand long daylight hours.
- Autumn (Mar–May): Stunning colours in Central Otago, mild weather, fewer crowds.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Skiing in Queenstown, Wānaka and Ruapehu — plus cheaper campervan hires.
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Blossoms, waterfalls and shoulder-season pricing.
💡 Tip: If you’re planning 6–12 months, consider arriving in spring or autumn. That way, you’ll experience all seasons without the peak-summer crowds.
🚐 Life on the Ground
- Campervanning: Perfect for long-stay travellers — freedom camping and DOC campgrounds keep costs down.
- Groceries & Eating Out: Supermarkets like Woolworths and New World are everywhere. Eating out can add up but local cafés and farmers’ markets are great value.
- Connectivity: Grab a local SIM or an eSIM (like Airalo) and a mobile router for life on the road.
- Healthcare: Visitors must pay for healthcare. Travel insurance is essential. Some pharmacies can help with minor needs without a doctor’s visit.
- Everyday Pace: Expect slower, more relaxed living. Small towns often close early — stock up before heading into rural areas.
🧳 Long-Stay Tips
- Pack for layers — NZ’s weather changes quickly.
- Consider a camping membership (Top 10) if using campgrounds.
- Budget for fuel — distances are longer than they look on a map.
- Learn a few te reo Māori greetings — locals will appreciate the effort.
- Embrace the kiwi lifestyle: casual, outdoorsy and friendly.
💡 Thinking About Staying Longer?
If you find yourself falling for Aotearoa’s landscapes and lifestyle, you’re not alone. Many travellers extend their visas or look into longer-term options:
- Partner visas (if you’ve met someone special)
- Work-to-residence visas (for skilled professionals)
- Investor or entrepreneur visas (if you’re financially positioned)
Even if permanent migration isn’t your goal, New Zealand is a country that welcomes returning travellers. Many people come back year after year for extended stays.
✈️ Best Way to Get Here
- Flights: Major international hubs include Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Auckland is the most common entry point.
- By Sea: Cruise ships call into several ports but not a common entry method for long stays.
- Domestic Travel: Once here, buses, trains and ferries connect the islands. Campervans are the most flexible choice for long-term explorers.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Spending 3–12 months in New Zealand is about more than just sightseeing — it’s a lifestyle reset. With the right visa, a sense of adventure and a willingness to embrace local rhythms, you’ll find the months slipping by faster than you imagined.
Take your time, travel with respect and let the magic of Aotearoa work its way into your heart. Chances are, you’ll be planning your return before you’ve even left.
🔗 Further Research & Helpful Links
Official Visa & Immigration
- Immigration New Zealand – Visitor Visa
- Immigration New Zealand – Working Holiday Visa
- Immigration New Zealand – Retirement Visitor Visa
- Immigration New Zealand – Student Visa
- Immigration New Zealand – Skilled Migrant & Residence Pathways
Long-Stay & Lifestyle Planning
- NZMCA – New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (for affordable campgrounds and road-travel perks)
- WWOOF New Zealand and HelpX (for cultural exchange and volunteering)
🧭 Related Reads to Help Plan Your Stay
👉 Journey Planner
Map out your stay with our booking tools, campervan hire options and trusted accommodation platforms.
👉 Campervan Series
Get inspired with long-stay itineraries, freedom camping tips and everything you need to enjoy life on the road.
👉 Safety for Travellers
Stay confident on your journey with practical advice on travel safety, cultural respect and everyday wellbeing.
He haerenga roa ka tīmata i te wāhi kotahi.
A long journey starts with a single step.