Tipping is not a routine expectation. A voluntary round-up or extra for especially good restaurant, taxi or other service is appreciated.
Not expectedDining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
FIND YOUR SITUATION
New Zealand tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsNot expected
Tipping is not a routine expectation. A voluntary round-up or extra for especially good restaurant, taxi or other service is appreciated.
Before paying: Check for an included service charge or gratuity. If adding a card tip, confirm the total before completing payment; with cash, make clear what is a tip and what change you need.
Bars & cafésAdvice & exceptionsNot obligatory
You can pay for drinks without adding a tip. An extra thank-you is your choice.
Taxis & ride-hailingAdvice & exceptionsOptional extra
Drivers welcome a voluntary thank-you, but a tip is not a routine requirement.
Hotels & resortsAdvice & exceptionsOptional
Tourism New Zealand describes tipping as discretionary and says hotel bills do not routinely add service charges.
FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT
Your journey
Arriving & getting around
Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. If you choose to tip, use the venue’s available payment method; there is no required percentage.
If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.
For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.
