Getting a tourist visa for New Zealand can feel challenging. Many travelers struggle with writing the right cover letter that shows their honest travel plans. A strong cover letter makes your application stand out and helps immigration officers understand why you want to visit this beautiful country.
Ready to boost your chances of approval? Check out these sample cover letters that have helped many travelers get their New Zealand tourist visas with ease.
Sample Cover Letters for New Zealand Tourist Visa
These letters show different approaches to explaining your travel goals clearly to immigration officials.
1. Family Visit Cover Letter
*123 Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90001
United States
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
New Zealand Immigration
Auckland, New Zealand
Subject: Application for Tourist Visa – Family Visit
Dear Visa Officer,
This letter supports my application for a tourist visa to New Zealand for 21 days from June 15 to July 5, 2025. My brother David Smith has lived in Auckland for the past 8 years with his wife and two children, and I wish to visit them.
During my stay, I plan to stay at my brother’s home at 45 Beach Road, Auckland. My activities will include family gatherings, sightseeing around Auckland, and a short trip to Queenstown. I have booked return flights, as shown in the attached documents.
I work as a software engineer at Tech Solutions Inc. and have gotten approval for this vacation. I will return to my job after my trip, and my strong family and job ties show my deep connections to my home country.
Please find all required documents attached to this application. Thank you for looking at my request. You can contact me at john.smith@email.com or +1-555-123-4567 if you need any extra details.
Sincerely,
John Smith
John Smith
Attachment: Passport, Flight Tickets, Proof of Employment, Bank Statements*
2. Tourism-Focused Cover Letter
*456 Oak Avenue
Toronto, ON M5V 2H1
Canada
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
New Zealand Immigration
Auckland, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application for Exploring New Zealand
Dear Visa Officer,
My name is Sarah Johnson, a Canadian citizen applying for a tourist visa to visit New Zealand from August 10 to September 7, 2025 (28 days). As a nature photographer and hiking fan, New Zealand has always been at the top of my travel wish list.
My trip will focus on exploring both North and South Islands, with planned stays in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. I have booked all accommodations through Booking.com and have purchased round-trip tickets with Air New Zealand.
As a full-time graphic designer at Creative Solutions Ltd. for the past 5 years, I have saved specifically for this trip. My employer has approved my leave, and I will return to my position after this vacation. I have strong ties to Canada through my job, home ownership, and family connections.
All supporting documents, including my bank statements showing adequate funds for my stay, are attached to this application. Should you need any additional details, please contact me at sarah.j@email.com or +1-416-555-7890.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Sarah Johnson
Sarah Johnson
Attachments: Passport Copy, Flight Itinerary, Hotel Bookings, Bank Statements, Employment Letter*
3. Group Travel Cover Letter
*789 Pine Street
Singapore 238863
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
Immigration New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application – Group Travel
Dear Visa Officer,
This letter supports my tourist visa application to New Zealand for a trip from October 5 to October 19, 2025 (14 days). I will be traveling with three friends who are also applying separately: Michael Tan, Lisa Wong, and David Lim.
We have planned a group tour of the South Island, focusing on adventure activities and natural attractions. Our itinerary includes stays in Christchurch, Queenstown, Te Anau, and Milford Sound. All our accommodations and internal travel are booked through NZ Travel Group, as shown in the attached confirmation.
I have worked as a bank officer at Singapore Banking Corporation for 8 years and have taken approved leave for this trip. My stable employment, property ownership, and family ties guarantee my return to Singapore after this vacation.
Please find attached all required documents including proof of group bookings. If you need any additional details, please contact me at james.lee@email.com or +65-9123-4567.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
James Lee
James Lee
Attachments: Passport, Flight Bookings, Tour Package Details, Bank Statements, Employment Certificate*
4. Retired Traveler Cover Letter
*101 Sunset Boulevard
Miami, FL 33101
United States
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
New Zealand Immigration
Auckland, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application for Retired Traveler
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to apply for a tourist visa to New Zealand for a 35-day trip from September 15 to October 20, 2025. As a recently retired teacher, I am finally fulfilling my dream of visiting your beautiful country.
My planned itinerary includes stays in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, and Queenstown. I have booked a combination of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts for my accommodations. A particular focus of my trip will be visiting cultural sites and natural wonders, including Waitomo Caves and Milford Sound.
As a retired person, I receive a stable monthly pension from the Florida State Teachers’ Retirement System, as well as social security benefits. These provide me with adequate funds for travel and living expenses during my stay in New Zealand, as shown in my attached financial statements.
All supporting documents, including my planned itinerary, accommodation bookings, and proof of financial stability, are attached to this application. Please contact me at barbara.white@email.com or +1-305-555-8901 if you need any additional details.
Thank you for your consideration.
With appreciation,
Barbara White
Barbara White
Attachments: Passport Copy, Retirement Proof, Pension Statements, Flight Itinerary, Accommodation Bookings*
5. Business-Related Tourism Cover Letter
*202 Corporate Lane
London, EC2N 1HN
United Kingdom
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
Immigration New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application with Business Networking
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a tourist visa to visit New Zealand from November 10 to November 28, 2025 (18 days). While my primary purpose is tourism, I also plan to attend the International Technology Conference in Auckland on November 15-17 as a participant.
My itinerary includes staying in Auckland for the first week (including the conference days), followed by visits to Rotorua and Queenstown. All my accommodations have been booked through Expedia, and I have confirmed my flight tickets with British Airways.
I am the Marketing Director at Digital Solutions UK Ltd., where I have worked for the past 6 years. My company has approved this trip, and I will return to my position immediately after. My substantial ties to the UK include my permanent job, property ownership, and family responsibilities.
All required documents, including my conference registration, are attached. Should you need any further details, please contact me at richard.parker@email.com or +44-7700-900123.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Richard Parker
Richard Parker
Attachments: Passport, Flight Bookings, Hotel Reservations, Conference Registration, Employment Verification, Bank Statements*
6. Student Holiday Cover Letter
*303 University Ave
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Australia
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
New Zealand Immigration
Auckland, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application – Student Holiday
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to apply for a tourist visa to visit New Zealand from July 1 to July 21, 2025 (20 days), during my university winter break. As a final-year student at Melbourne University studying Environmental Science, I am keen to explore New Zealand’s unique ecosystems.
My trip will include stays in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, with planned visits to conservation areas and national parks. I have booked hostels for accommodation and purchased return flights with Qantas Airlines.
My status as a student returning for my final semester guarantees my return to Australia. My educational commitments, part-time job, and family ties all bind me to Australia. My parents are supporting part of this educational trip, and I have also saved from my part-time work as shown in my bank statements.
All supporting documents are attached to this application. If you require any additional details, please contact me at emma.yang@email.com or +61-4-1234-5678.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Emma Yang
Emma Yang
Attachments: Passport, University Enrollment Certificate, Flight Tickets, Hostel Bookings, Bank Statements, Parental Support Letter*
7. Honeymoon Cover Letter
*404 Lovers Lane
Paris, 75007
France
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
Immigration New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application for Honeymoon Trip
Dear Visa Officer,
My wife Marie and I are applying for tourist visas to visit New Zealand from February 5 to February 25, 2026 (20 days) for our honeymoon. We are getting married on January 15, 2026, and have chosen New Zealand for its stunning landscapes and romantic settings.
Our honeymoon itinerary includes stays in Auckland, Waiheke Island, Rotorua, and Queenstown. We have booked luxury accommodations and special experiences including a wine tour, hot air balloon ride, and cruise in Milford Sound. All bookings are confirmed through New Zealand Honeymoon Specialists, as per the attached documents.
I work as an architect at Design Studio Paris, and my wife is a marketing manager at Fashion Brands Group. We both have approved leave for this trip and will return to our respective positions. Our strong ties to France include our jobs, newly purchased apartment, and family connections.
All supporting documents, including our wedding invitation, honeymoon package details, and financial statements, are attached. For any further details, please contact us at pierre.dubois@email.com or +33-6-12-34-56-78.
Thank you for your consideration.
Warmly,
Pierre Dubois
Pierre Dubois
Marie (soon-to-be) Dubois
Attachments: Passports, Wedding Invitation, Honeymoon Package, Flight Tickets, Employment Certificates, Bank Statements*
8. Multi-Country Tour Cover Letter
*505 Travel Street
Berlin, 10117
Germany
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
New Zealand Immigration
Auckland, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application – Multi-Country Pacific Tour
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a tourist visa to visit New Zealand from March 10 to March 25, 2026 (15 days) as part of my three-month Pacific region tour. My complete travel plan includes Australia (February 10-March 8), New Zealand, and then Fiji (March 27-April 10).
While in New Zealand, I plan to visit Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, and Queenstown. I have booked mid-range hotels in each location and arranged domestic flights between cities. My particular interests include Maori culture, natural hot springs, and Lord of the Rings filming locations.
I am a civil engineer with Schmidt Construction GmbH, where I have worked for 12 years. I have taken a sabbatical for this long-planned trip and will return to my position in April 2026. My permanent job, home ownership in Berlin, and aging parents all guarantee my return to Germany.
Please find attached all supporting documents, including my complete Pacific itinerary and financial proof. For any questions, you can reach me at thomas.mueller@email.com or +49-170-1234567.
Thank you for reviewing my application.
Best regards,
Thomas Mueller
Thomas Mueller
Attachments: Passport, Complete Travel Itinerary, Australia Visa, Fiji Visa Application, Flight Bookings, Hotel Reservations, Sabbatical Approval, Bank Statements*
9. Adventure Tourism Cover Letter
*606 Mountain View
Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8
Canada
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
Immigration New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa for Adventure Activities
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to request a tourist visa for New Zealand from December 1 to December 23, 2025 (22 days). As an adventure sports enthusiast, I am drawn to New Zealand’s reputation as the adventure capital of the world.
My planned itinerary focuses on adventure activities, including bungee jumping in Queenstown, skydiving in Wanaka, hiking the Tongariro Crossing, and white-water rafting in Rotorua. I have booked adventure packages through Extreme NZ Tours and will be staying in a mix of hotels and adventure lodges.
I have been employed as a physical therapist at Vancouver Health Clinic for the past 7 years and have arranged approved leave for this trip. My stable career, apartment ownership, and family in Canada ensure my return after this adventure holiday.
All required documents, including my adventure tour bookings and travel insurance with adventure sports coverage, are attached. Should you need any additional details, please contact me at alex.thompson@email.com or +1-604-555-2345.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Alex Thompson
Alex Thompson
Attachments: Passport, Adventure Tour Packages, Comprehensive Travel Insurance, Flight Bookings, Employment Letter, Bank Statements*
10. Senior Couple Cover Letter
*707 Retirement Road
Stockholm, 11460
Sweden
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
New Zealand Immigration
Auckland, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application for Senior Couple
Dear Visa Officer,
My husband Sven and I are applying for tourist visas to visit New Zealand from April 3 to May 1, 2026 (28 days). As retired travelers aged 68 and 70, we are finally fulfilling our dream of exploring your beautiful country at a relaxed pace.
We have arranged a comfortable tour package with Senior Travels NZ, which includes stays in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, and Queenstown. The package includes senior-friendly activities such as scenic train journeys, winery tours, gentle nature walks, and cultural experiences. All accommodations are 4-star hotels with appropriate facilities for seniors.
As retired professionals (I was a pediatrician and my husband was a university professor), we receive stable monthly pensions that provide ample funds for travel, as shown in our financial statements. We have travel health insurance with comprehensive coverage for seniors, including medical evacuation if needed.
All supporting documents, including our tour package, medical insurance, and proof of financial means, are attached. For any additional details, please contact us at ingrid.andersson@email.com or +46-70-123-4567.
Thank you for considering our application.
Warm regards,
Ingrid Andersson
Ingrid Andersson
Sven Andersson
Attachments: Passports, Senior Tour Package, Travel Health Insurance, Pension Statements, Flight Itinerary*
11. Cultural Exchange Cover Letter
*808 Arts Avenue
Tokyo, 150-0043
Japan
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
Immigration New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application with Cultural Interest
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a tourist visa to visit New Zealand from September 10 to October 5, 2025 (25 days). As a traditional Japanese arts teacher, I am particularly interested in learning about Maori culture and creating cultural bridges between our traditions.
My itinerary includes stays in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, and Christchurch, with a focus on cultural sites, museums, and arts centers. I have arranged to attend several cultural workshops, including a traditional weaving class in Rotorua and a carving demonstration in Wellington. All my accommodations are booked through cultural homestay networks.
I have been teaching traditional Japanese arts at Tokyo Cultural Center for 15 years and will return to my position after this educational trip. My employment, family responsibilities, and home ownership in Tokyo guarantee my ties to Japan.
All supporting documentation, including my cultural workshop registrations and return flight booking, are attached. For any questions, please contact me at yuki.tanaka@email.com or +81-90-1234-5678.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Yuki Tanaka
Yuki Tanaka
Attachments: Passport, Cultural Workshop Registrations, Flight Tickets, Homestay Bookings, Employment Certificate, Bank Statements*
12. Film Tourism Cover Letter
*909 Cinema Boulevard
Madrid, 28001
Spain
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
New Zealand Immigration
Auckland, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa for Film Location Tour
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to apply for a tourist visa to New Zealand from January 7 to January 28, 2026 (21 days). As a film studies professor and cinema enthusiast, my trip focuses on visiting famous filming locations, particularly those featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
My itinerary includes stays in Wellington to visit Weta Workshop, Matamata to see Hobbiton, and various locations around Queenstown and Canterbury that served as Middle Earth settings. I have booked the “Ultimate Film Location Tour” package with Cinema Tours NZ, which includes specialized guided tours and themed accommodations.
I am employed as a Film Studies professor at Madrid University, where I have taught for 9 years. I have arranged this trip during our semester break and will return to teaching immediately after. My academic career, apartment in Madrid, and family all constitute strong ties to Spain.
All supporting documents, including my film location tour package and university ID, are attached to this application. For any additional details, please contact me at carlos.rodriguez@email.com or +34-612-345-678.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Carlos Rodriguez
Carlos Rodriguez
Attachments: Passport, Film Location Tour Package, University ID, Employment Letter, Flight Tickets, Bank Statements*
13. Photography Tour Cover Letter
*10 Camera Lane
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
Immigration New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa for Photography Tour
Dear Visa Officer,
I am requesting a tourist visa to visit New Zealand from November 3 to November 24, 2025 (21 days). As a freelance nature photographer, I am planning a dedicated photography tour of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.
My photography itinerary focuses on capturing iconic locations such as Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Lake Wanaka, and the Moeraki Boulders. I have booked the Photography Masters NZ tour, which provides specialized transport to optimal shooting locations at ideal times of day, along with professional guides. Accommodations are arranged through the tour company.
I have been working as a freelance photographer for magazines and online publications for 8 years. My ongoing work contracts (which will continue after my return), home ownership in Cape Town, and family responsibilities all guarantee my ties to South Africa.
All supporting documents, including my photography tour booking, portfolio website details, and recent client contracts, are attached. For any questions, please contact me at zoe.nkosi@email.com or +27-82-123-4567.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards,
Zoe Nkosi
Zoe Nkosi
Attachments: Passport, Photography Tour Booking, Portfolio Website Details, Client Contracts, Return Flight Confirmation, Bank Statements*
14. Sports Tourism Cover Letter
*11 Athletic Avenue
Dublin, D02 RD39
Ireland
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
New Zealand Immigration
Auckland, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application to Attend Rugby World Cup
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a tourist visa to visit New Zealand from July 15 to August 3, 2025 (19 days). My primary purpose is to attend several Rugby World Cup matches as a fan, supporting the Irish national team.
My itinerary includes stays in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, coinciding with Ireland’s group matches and potential knockout games. I have purchased official match tickets through the Rugby World Cup website and booked accommodations near the stadiums. Besides attending matches, I plan to explore local attractions in each city.
I have been employed as a physical education teacher at Dublin Secondary School for 11 years and have arranged this trip during our summer holidays. My stable career, mortgage in Dublin, and close family all ensure my return to Ireland after the tournament.
All supporting documentation, including my match tickets, accommodation bookings, and Supporters Club membership, are attached. For any additional details, please contact me at patrick.murphy@email.com or +353-87-123-4567.
Thank you for reviewing my application.
Best regards,
Patrick Murphy
Patrick Murphy
Attachments: Passport, Rugby World Cup Tickets, Irish Supporters Club Membership, Hotel Reservations, Flight Bookings, Employment Certificate, Bank Statements*
15. Visiting Friends Cover Letter
*12 Friendship Street
São Paulo, 01310-200
Brazil
May 1, 2025
Visa Officer
Immigration New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand
Subject: Tourist Visa Application – Visiting Friends
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to apply for a tourist visa to New Zealand from February 10 to March 1, 2026 (20 days). My main purpose is to visit my close friends Ana and Paulo Silva, who moved from Brazil to Wellington two years ago for work.
During my stay, I will be hosted at my friends’ home at 25 Harbor View Road, Wellington. While my primary purpose is to spend time with them, we also plan to explore attractions around Wellington and take a week-long trip to Queenstown together. My friends will be on holiday during my stay and will accompany me on these excursions.
I have been working as a dentist at São Paulo Dental Clinic for 9 years and have arranged approved leave for this trip. My established dental practice, apartment ownership, and elderly parents who depend on me all constitute strong reasons for my return to Brazil.
All supporting documents, including an invitation letter from my friends and proof of their legal residency in New Zealand, are attached. Should you need any additional details, please contact me at gabriela.santos@email.com or +55-11-91234-5678.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Gabriela Santos
Gabriela Santos
Attachments: Passport, Invitation Letter, Friends’ Residency Proof, Flight Bookings, Employment Certificate, Bank Statements*
Wrap-up: Cover Letters for Your NZ Tourist Visa
The right cover letter can make a big difference in your New Zealand tourist visa application. These samples show how to clearly explain your travel plans, prove your ties to your home country, and address key visa requirements.
Choose the sample that best matches your situation, then adjust it with your personal details. Make sure to include all the supporting documents mentioned in your letter.
A well-written cover letter shows you are a genuine tourist with clear travel plans and strong reasons to return home. This helps immigration officials process your application faster and increases your chances of approval.
Good luck with your application, and enjoy your future trip to beautiful New Zealand!