Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. Tipping is not part of everyday life in New Zealand and is never expected. A small tip for excellent service is welcome, but nobody will think you rude for leaving nothing.
Is service included?
Most restaurants do not add a service charge. Some cafes and restaurants add a public holiday surcharge, which covers higher wages on those days and is not a tip.
How much to tip in New Zealand
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | Optional, 5 to 10% | Only for excellent service; not expected. |
| Cafes and bars | Not expected | Round up or leave coins in a tip jar if you like. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up | Not common; rounding up the fare is optional. |
| Hotel housekeeping | Optional | NZD 2 to 5 per day for thoughtful service, if you wish. |
| Hotel porters | Optional | NZD 2 to 5 per bag, if you wish. |
| Tour guides | Optional | Not expected on guided activities; NZD 10 to 20 for a great day tour is appreciated. |
| Hairdressers and spas | Not expected | Optional 5 to 10% for great service. |
| Food delivery | Optional | Small tip or round up if you like; no firm custom. |
Amounts are in the local currency (NZD). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
New Zealand is very card friendly, and some payment machines offer an 'add tip' option you can skip. Cash is handy for tip jars at cafes and for market stalls.
What to avoid
Do not mistake a public holiday surcharge for a tip, and do not feel you must tip on top of it.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to New Zealand and the local currency: enter the bill, pick a percentage and split it between the table.
Tipping with no cash
When you have no local cash, ask whether a tip can go on the card. More and more guides, drivers and performers show a QR code instead: point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay without installing anything.
Street performers
Tipping a busker is always optional. If you enjoy the show, a coin or a note in the case is the custom, and more performers now show a QR code so you can tip by card. Rules for buskers by city:
- Busking in Auckland
- Busking in Christchurch
- Busking in Dunedin
- Busking in Hamilton
- Busking in Nelson
- Busking in Queenstown
- Busking in Rotorua
- Busking in Tauranga
Sources
- Discover New Zealand: Tipping in New Zealand
- Go New Zealand: What is the tipping culture like in New Zealand restaurants?
- Go New Zealand: Is it expected to tip during guided outdoor activities?
- SmarterTravel: Tipping in New Zealand
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in New Zealand?
Appreciated, not expected. Tipping is not part of everyday life in New Zealand and is never expected. A small tip for excellent service is welcome, but nobody will think you rude for leaving nothing.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in New Zealand?
Optional, 5 to 10%. Only for excellent service; not expected.
Is a service charge added to the bill in New Zealand?
Most restaurants do not add a service charge. Some cafes and restaurants add a public holiday surcharge, which covers higher wages on those days and is not a tip.
Do you tip taxi drivers in New Zealand?
Round up.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in New Zealand?
Optional.
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