How much to tip in New Zealand 🇳🇿

Like Australia, New Zealand has no tipping custom; staff are paid a living wage and tips are a rare bonus.

Country

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Bill amount

🇳🇿New Zealand · Not expected

Tipping is not part of the culture and can even cause confusion. A polite thank you is enough.

Restaurant: Not expected; tip only for exceptional service

Café & bar: Not expected

Taxi: Not expected

Hotel: Not expected

Tour guide: Optional

Amounts are in local currency. Tipping is a custom, not a rule, so use these as a friendly guide.

New Zealand tipping FAQ

How much should I tip in New Zealand?

Like Australia, New Zealand has no tipping custom; staff are paid a living wage and tips are a rare bonus. In restaurants: not expected; tip only for exceptional service.

Do you tip taxis and hotels in New Zealand?

Taxis: not expected. Hotels: not expected. Tour guides: optional.

Is tipping expected in New Zealand?

Tipping not expected. Tipping is not part of the culture and can even cause confusion. A polite thank you is enough.

Last reviewed 2026-06-03. Tipping is a custom that varies by region and venue, so use this as a guide. Sources: Fodor’s & Rick Steves travel etiquette guides, Wikipedia: list of tipping customs by country, national tourism boards.