Tipping in New Zealand: how much should you tip?
Not customaryOceaniaNew Zealand dollar (NZD)
Tipping in New Zealand is Not customary
Restaurants: not expected.
Restaurants: not expected.
Tipping isNot customary
Restaurantsnot expected
Local currencyNew Zealand dollar (NZD)
RegionOceania
Like Australia, tipping is not part of the culture thanks to fair wages.
Customary tips in New Zealand
| Where | Customary tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | not expected |
| Cafes & bars | not expected |
| Taxis & rideshare | not expected |
| Hotels | optional |
New Zealand tip calculator (NZD)
Work out a tip in New Zealand dollar (NZD) using the local default of about 5%. Switch to By total to round your bill to a convenient amount.
Tip calculator for New Zealand
NZ$0.00Tip
NZ$0.00Total
NZ$0.00Per person
Effective rate: 5%
Do you tip in New Zealand?
Tipping in New Zealand is not customary. Like Australia, tipping is not part of the culture thanks to fair wages. As a visitor, the safest approach is to check the bill for an included service charge, then decide whether a small extra amount is appropriate for the service you received.
How to tip like a local in New Zealand
- Pay tips in New Zealand dollar (NZD) where possible — cash is almost always welcome.
- Restaurants: not expected.
- Taxis and rideshare: not expected.
- Hotels: optional.
Quick tips for travelers to New Zealand
- Check your bill for a service charge before adding a tip.
- Cash in New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the safest way to tip.
- When unsure, rounding up the bill is always polite.
FAQ
Do you tip in New Zealand?
No - tipping is not expected, though appreciated for standout service.
Nearby country guides
Reviewed 2026-08-10. Customs can vary by venue and region.