No, tipping is not expected in New Zealand. Unlike countries such as the United States and Canada, service staff in New Zealand are paid wages that do not rely on tips. Most locals do not routinely tip in restaurants, cafés, hotels, taxis or bars. If you receive exceptional service, you're welcome to leave a tip, but it is entirely optional.
Tipping can be one of the more confusing parts of international travel, especially if you're visiting from a country where gratuities are expected.
The good news is that New Zealand has a very relaxed approach to tipping.
For most travellers, there is no need to budget extra money for tips during a self-drive holiday.
Why isn't tipping expected in New Zealand?
New Zealand's hospitality and tourism industries operate differently from countries where tipping forms a significant part of workers' income.
Restaurant, café and hotel staff receive wages directly from their employer, so there is no expectation that customers will supplement their income through tips.
As a result, you'll rarely feel pressure to leave a gratuity when paying a bill.
Do people tip in restaurants?
Sometimes, but it's not common.
If you've enjoyed an outstanding meal or received particularly attentive service, you might choose to leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation.
That said, many New Zealanders never tip at restaurants, even after excellent service.
If you're dining in destinations such as Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown or Christchurch, you'll find that tipping remains optional regardless of the restaurant's quality or price point.
Do I tip tour guides?
Again, tipping is not expected.
Many visitors enjoy experiences such as wildlife encounters, Māori cultural experiences, food and wine tours or scenic cruises and fiords without ever being asked for a tip.
If a guide has gone above and beyond, some travellers choose to leave a gratuity, but there is no expectation that you do so.
Do hotels, taxis and cafés expect tips?
Generally no.
This includes:
- Hotel staff
- Taxi and rideshare drivers
- Café staff
- Bar staff
- Airport transfer drivers
Rounding up a fare or leaving a few dollars for exceptional service is always appreciated, but it's not something most New Zealanders do regularly.
Are service charges included in prices?
Yes.
Restaurant menu prices, accommodation rates and advertised tour prices already include labour costs.
New Zealand also includes Goods and Services Tax (GST) in displayed prices, so the amount you see is usually the amount you'll pay.
This makes budgeting much simpler for visitors.
How much should I tip if I want to?
There are no fixed rules.
If you'd like to leave a tip for exceptional service, many travellers choose to leave around 5% to 10%, although any amount is appreciated.
You should never feel obligated to tip if you don't want to.
Should I budget for tipping during my New Zealand holiday?
No.
Most visitors can safely assume tipping will not be a significant travel expense.
Instead, it's usually more useful to budget for accommodation, activities, food, fuel and optional experiences in destinations such as Rotorua, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Bay of Islands.