How long you can stay depends on if you have a multiple journey or a single journey visa.
Multiple journey Visitor Visa
As a multiple journey visa holder you can visit New Zealand as a tourist for up to 6 months in a 12-month period.
The 12-month period is calculated backwards from the last day you intend to be in New Zealand.
If the last day you will be here is 1 December, then your 12-month period will begin on 1 December of the year before.
To be eligible, you must have been outside of New Zealand for at least 9 months in the 18-month period before you apply.
Single journey Visitor Visa
If you want to visit New Zealand for more than 6 months, or extend your current 6 month stay in New Zealand, we may consider granting you a single journey visa. This allows you to stay for up to 9 months in an 18-month period.
The 18-month period is calculated backwards from the last day you intend to be in New Zealand.
If the last day you will be here is 1 December, then your 18-month period will begin on 1 June of the year before.