The NZeTA, the biosecurity line, and the "no" on the customs form

Visa-waiver visitors need the NZeTA, bought online before flying, which includes a tourism levy. Biosecurity is the strictest in the world: declare all food, hiking boots with soil, tents, and wooden items on the arrival card, and clean your gear before you come; undeclared items bring instant fines. The country is relaxed and informal, and Māori culture is part of daily life: a "kia ora" greeting is normal, and taking shoes off at a marae is expected.