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When traveling abroad, it’s important to know the location of your country’s embassy or consular office—in case of accidents, natural disasters, and other emergencies, they may be able to provide you with assistance and guidance.

Sometimes a traveler to New Zealand may need help or face a sudden emergency that impacts their return home. Embassies and consulates in New Zealand, which represent their home country, can often be a good resource.

Purposes of Embassies and Consulates

Embassies and consulates represent the interests of one country in a different country, serving as the official diplomatic representation of a foreign government in a host country. Essentially, it’s a small sanctuary in a foreign country where you have access to the laws and rights of your home country.

Not only do embassies and consulates promote friendly relationships between countries in everything from diplomatic matters to trade and business, but they also serve to provide assistance and support to their citizens living or traveling abroad. You can ask for assistance with legal issues, visas, and more.

Distinguishing Between Embassies and Consulates

There are some key differences between an embassy and a consulate. Embassies are typically located in the host country’s capital city and headed by the foreign country’s ambassador, who serves as the highest-ranking representative of the foreign government. Embassies also facilitate communication and foster relationships between both countries’ governments.

Headed by lower-ranking diplomats known as consuls, consulates can be found throughout the country. Consular services include getting visas, engaging with cultural and educational exchanges, and assistance in case of emergency.

Generally, embassies have multiple departments and sections than consulates, whose offices tend to be smaller. While most governments have established at least one embassy within a foreign country, such as New Zealand, they may not have consular offices in that country.

International Embassies and Consulates in New Zealand

Below is a list of some of the 152 countries with embassies and consulates in New Zealand, including addresses, contact details, and hours of operation.

Business hours are subject to change, so please call ahead to confirm availability.

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United States

Embassy

US Embassy in Wellington
29 Fitzherbert Terrace
Thorndon, Wellington 6011
Phone: +64-4-462-6000

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed on weekends and US and New Zealand public holidays.

Consulate

US Consulate in Auckland
CitiGroup Centre
23 Customs Street East
Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Phone: +64-9-303-2724
Email: aucklandacs@state.gov

Hours of Operation: Telephone inquiries, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. American Citizen Services Emergency Services are offered by appointment, from 8:00 to 11:45 am and 1:00 to 3:45 pm. Closed on weekends and US and New Zealand public holidays, and closed to the public on the last Friday of every month.

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United Kingdom

Embassy

British High Commission Wellington
44 Hill Street
Thorndon, Wellington 6011
Phone: +64-4-924-2888
Email: Enquiries.wellington@fcdo.gov.uk (for non-consular issues)

Hours of Operation: By appointment only. Closed on major UK and New Zealand holidays.

Consulate

British Consulate General Auckland
Level 17, 151 Queen Street
Auckland 1142
Phone: +64-9-303-2973

Hours of Operation: 24/7 consular support is available by telephone for all routine inquiries and emergencies.

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Australia

Embassy

Australian High Commission New Zealand
72-76 Hobson Street
Thorndon, Wellington 6011
Phone: +64-4-473-6411
Email: wltn.passports@dfat.gov.au; consular.wellington@dfat.gov.au

Hours of Operation: Passport-counter opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Closed on certain holidays.

Consulate

Australian Consulate-General
Level 7, HSBC Tower
188 Quay Street, Auckland 1010
Phone: +64-9-921-8800
Email: AucklandPassport@austrade.gov.au; AucklandConsular@austrade.gov.au

Hours of Operation: Passport-counter opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Closed on certain holidays.

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The Netherlands

Embassy

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Level 11, 10 Brandon Street
Thorndon, Wellington 6011
Phone: +64-4-471-6390
Email: wel@minbuza.nl

Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 to 5:00 pm; Friday, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. Closed on certain holidays.

Consulate

Consulate of the Netherlands, Auckland

Shortland Centre, Level 15

55 Shortland Street

Auckland 1010
Phone: +64-0800-388-243

Email: wel@minbuza.nl

Hours of Operation: By appointment

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Germany

Embassy

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
90-92 Hobson Street
Thorndon, Wellington 6011
Phone: +64-09-375-8718

Hours of Operation: Contact by phone Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday, 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. Closed on certain holidays.

Consulates

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany Auckland

HSBC Tower, Level 13

118 Quay Street, Auckland 1010

Phone: +64-9-375-8718

Email: auckland@hk-diplo.de

Hours of Operation: Monday to Wednesday, 9.30 am to 1.30 pm; on Thursday, reachable by email or phone only; closed Friday. Appointments must be booked online.

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany Christchurch

School of Law, University of Canterbury

Meremere Building, Level 3 Room 319

University Drive

Ilam, Christchurch 8041

Phone: +64-3-369-3473

Email: christchurch@hk-diplo.de

Hours of Operation: By appointment only; email to schedule. If contacting the consulate by phone, leave your name and phone number in your message.

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Singapore

Embassy

High Commission of the Republic of Singapore
17 Kabul Street
Khandallah, Wellington 6035
Phone: +64-4-470-0850
Email: singhc_wlg@mfa.sg

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed 1:00 to 1:45 pm)

Prepare for Your New Zealand Trip

Obtaining the proper visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a New Zealand visa. Start your visa application process.

Doing your research before traveling helps you avoid issues and be prepared in case of an emergency. For more information on other aspects of New Zealand travel, including local laws, health and safety, money and currency, and the possibility of extending your stay , visit our New Zealand content hub.