The general visitor visa is the most common visitor visa. It is intended for people who wish to visit New Zealand for a “lawful purpose”. A lawful purpose includes (but is not limited to):
- holidaying;
- sightseeing;
- family and social visits;
- amateur sport;
- business consultation;
- medical treatment;
- guest of government visits;
- entry to New Zealand for the purpose of marriage.
A general visitor visa may be granted for a maximum of 9 months however this may be extended to 12 months in some circumstances.
Aside from a general visitor visa, there are many specific situations that have their own special category of visitor visa instructions and requirements that should be met such as guardian of a student, business visitors and partners of New Zealand citizens/residents.