Starting on October 1, 2019, visitors to New Zealand will be required to have an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before entering the country. You need an NZeTA if you are traveling from a visa waiver country, or in transit from a visa waiver country and using Auckland International Airport’s transit lounge en route to your final destination. Cruise ship passengers from visa waiver countries must also hold an NZeTA.
Although it should only take about 72 hours to process and approve an NZeTA, you should apply as far in advance of your trip as possible. To request your NZeTA, you have to complete an online form or apply via the Essential New Zealand mobile app. Online applications cost around $8, while applications via the app cost $6. Note that you will also have to pay an International Tourism Levy (IVL) of $23, which will be put toward maintaining the country’s infrastructure that supports visitors and helping conserve the natural environment.
The NZeTA application process will go live on July 1 and you can register to be notified when the system is available. 
This article was updated on June 25, 2019.