🇳🇿 Tipping in New Zealand
Tipping appreciatedNew Zealand, like its neighbour, pays a living wage in hospitality, so a tip is never required to be polite. In Auckland and Wellington, 10% for an outstanding evening out is increasingly offered, and card readers may offer a line—say no with ease if you prefer. Outdoors, adventure, and wine tourism sometimes see a small thank-you for a guide, but it is a bonus. The default remains: the price covers good service.
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand
Like Australia, New Zealand pays hospitality workers a proper living wage, so tipping is genuinely optional. That said, 10% for excellent service is appreciated and increasingly common in Auckland and Wellington.
When to tip
Only when you want to reward excellence—e.g. a city dinner or a long guided activity—not as a baseline everywhere.
Where & how much
| Venue / service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Optional — appreciated in cities. |
| Cafés | Round up | Use the tip prompt on the terminal. |
| Taxis / Uber | Round up | Not expected. |
| Hotels | Optional | Not standard. |
| Tour guides | NZ$10–20 | For adventure or guided tours. |
Work out a tip in New Zealand dollars
Enter the bill in NZ$ — the local currency for New Zealand.
Service quality
People
Each person pays
NZ$0.00
- Tip amount
- NZ$0.00
- Tip per person
- NZ$0.00
- Total bill
- NZ$0.00
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Get Wise free →Frequently asked questions about tipping in New Zealand
Is tipping expected in New Zealand?
No — like Australia, New Zealand pays hospitality workers a living wage and tipping is genuinely optional. You will never cause offence by not tipping. That said, 10% for excellent service at a city restaurant is increasingly appreciated.
Should I tip at a New Zealand winery or cellar door?
Not expected — wine tastings and cellar door visits are paid experiences. If a host has been exceptionally knowledgeable and generous with their time on a private tour, a small tip is a nice gesture but entirely optional.
Do New Zealand tour guides expect tips?
For adventure activities (bungy, skydiving, rafting), a NZ$10–20 tip for an excellent guide is appreciated but not expected. For multi-day guided tours, NZ$10–15 per person per day is a generous gesture.