Don't tip in New Zealand — it's not customary even in restaurants and bars. At most, leave 5–10% for truly outstanding service and round up the odd taxi fare; nobody expects a thing.
Tipping rates in New Zealand
| Service | What to tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants 'Tipping in New Zealand is not customary — even in restaurants and bars,' says Tourism New Zealand. A 5–10% tip is a generous gesture for truly outstanding service (via HuffPost/BuzzFeed; Crown Currency Exchange). |
0% — not expected; 5–10% optional for outstanding service |
| Bars No tipping at bars or cafés; rounding up for exceptional service is the extent of the local custom (Crown Currency Exchange). |
0% — not customary |
| Hotels Hotel tipping is not expected; NZ$1–2 per bag for porters or per day for housekeeping is acceptable but uncommon (Crown Currency Exchange). |
0% — NZ$1–2 per bag/day if you wish |
| Taxis Drivers don't expect tips; rounding up — e.g., a $27.50 fare to $30 — is the easy way to show appreciation (Crown Currency Exchange). |
0% — round up to the nearest dollar |
| Tour guides Guides don't expect tips, but a small cash gratuity at the end of a great tour is always appreciated (per Tourism New Zealand's guidance that tipping is at the visitor's discretion). |
0% — small discretionary gratuity appreciated |
Example
Your NZ$150 dinner bill is exactly what you pay — no tip is expected, and adding one won't earn you better service. If the evening was truly outstanding, a NZ$7–15 (5–10%) cash thank-you is a generous gesture that's always appreciated but never required.
Why tipping works this way in New Zealand
New Zealand's egalitarian streak plus a relatively high minimum wage means service workers don't depend on tips, and many Kiwis view tipping as creating an awkward obligation or hierarchy between server and customer. Tips are appreciated but never expected — and service stays excellent without them (Crown Currency Exchange; Tourism New Zealand).
Tipping mistakes tourists make in New Zealand
- Tipping a US-style 15–20% at restaurants — tipping isn't customary even in restaurants and bars, says Tourism New Zealand; big tips just mark you as a tourist (BuzzFeed/HuffPost quoting Tourism NZ's Sarah Handley).
- Stacking a tip on top of a public-holiday service charge — some restaurants add a surcharge on public holidays, so check the bill first (BuzzFeed/HuffPost).
- Tipping supermarket, petrol station, or public transport staff — it's never expected for retail or routine services (Crown Currency Exchange).
- Assuming a card tip reaches your server — cash is preferred so the tip goes directly to the person who helped you (Crown Currency Exchange).
New Zealand tipping FAQs
Do you tip in New Zealand?
No — it's not customary or expected, even in restaurants and bars. 'Tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor,' says Tourism New Zealand's Sarah Handley (via HuffPost/BuzzFeed).
How much do you tip at restaurants in New Zealand?
Most Kiwis leave nothing. If service was truly outstanding, 5–10% is a generous, appropriate gesture (Crown Currency Exchange).
Is there a service charge in New Zealand restaurants?
Only on public holidays, when some restaurants add a surcharge to the bill. Otherwise prices include everything and no gratuity is expected (BuzzFeed/HuffPost).
Should I tip taxi drivers in New Zealand?
Drivers don't expect tips. Round up to the nearest dollar for a smooth ride or extra help with luggage — e.g., a $27.50 fare to $30 (Crown Currency Exchange).
Do you tip tour guides in New Zealand?
Guides don't expect tips, but a small discretionary gratuity in cash at the end of a great tour is always appreciated (per Tourism New Zealand's guidance).
Do you tip hotel staff in New Zealand?
Not expected. NZ$1–2 per bag for porters or per day for housekeeping is acceptable if you want to (Crown Currency Exchange).
Sources
See all tipping guides for Oceania
Traveling beyond New Zealand? Calculate your tip for other destinations with our free tipping calculator.
Tipping customs verified September 2026.
