Can I stay longer as a visitor?

Generally, once you’ve stayed nine months you’ll have to leave New Zealand and remain away for nine months or more before you can again return as a visitor.

But you may be eligible to extend your nine-month stay by a further three months.  In applying for an extension, you’ll have to show that during your stay:

• you’ve supported yourself financially, and have enough money to continue supporting yourself
  and
• you’ve not worked, been sponsored, or held a Student Permit.

 

If you gain this extension you’ll have to leave New Zealand at the end of the 12 months and remain away for 12 months or more before you can again return as a visitor.