Australian Dollar to NZ Dollar Exchange Rate Guide

Anyone planning a trip across the Tasman has probably noticed the exchange rate shifting. Right now, one Australian dollar buys you just over NZ$1.20, giving Australian travellers more buying power than they’ve had in years.

Mid-market rate (AUD to NZD), 18:22 UTC: $1 AUD = $1.1951 NZD (XE) ·
Popular amount: 100 AUD to NZD: $100 AUD ≈ $119.51 NZD (mid-market) ·
Yearly floor (13-year low): NZD plunged to ~$0.5380 AUD in 2022 (RNZ) ·
Exchange rate volatility: AUD/NZD 5-year range approx 1.00–1.20 (Wise)

One quick look at the numbers shows the range of rates you can get — and the hidden costs that eat into your transfer.

How much is 100 Australian dollars in New Zealand dollars?

Live mid-market rate

As of late 2024, the mid-market rate for AUD to NZD sits around 1.1951, according to XE. That means one Australian dollar buys roughly NZ$1.20. Another major provider, Wise, quotes a similar rate of 1.199 NZD per AUD. The difference is small but matters when you’re moving larger amounts.

Current conversion for 100 AUD

Using the mid-market rate, 100 Australian dollars convert to 119.51 New Zealand dollars before fees. But if you exchange through a bank, the rate you receive will be lower. Commonwealth Bank of Australia charges a transfer fee of up to AUD 11.00 per transfer and an overseas bank fee of NZD 17 for some NZD payments. That can swallow a big chunk of your conversion.

Conversion table 50–500 AUD

Seven common amounts, one pattern: the more you transfer, the more you lose to percentage-based fees if you use a bank.

The implication: for amounts under 200 AUD, the absolute fee difference is small, but for 500 AUD or more, you could be losing NZ$24+ by using a traditional bank.

Is the New Zealand dollar getting stronger against the Australian dollar?

Recent trend: NZD weakening

Over the past year, the New Zealand dollar has softened against the Australian dollar. According to MoneyHub NZ, one NZD has hovered between 0.85 and 0.95 AUD, and since 2020 the range has been 0.85 to 0.99 AUD. That puts the current rate near the weaker end of the historical band.

Key drivers: interest rates, exports, risk sentiment

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has held its official cash rate at 5.50% while the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has held at 4.35%. The higher NZ rate might normally attract capital, but markets are pricing in a rate cut from the RBNZ in 2025, which has weakened the NZD. Meanwhile, dairy export prices — a major earner for New Zealand — have fallen 17% year-on-year, according to an ANZ commodity report, reducing demand for NZD.

The pattern: the NZD is likely to remain weak unless the RBA cuts rates before the RBNZ.

What is the best currency to take to New Zealand?

Recommendation: NZD cash for small purchases, card for large

The official currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (Crown Currency). Australian dollars are not accepted as legal tender. For small purchases — snacks, parking, markets — carry some NZD cash. For larger payments, use a card that offers the mid-market rate.

Avoid Australian dollars (not accepted)

Most merchants in New Zealand will refuse Australian dollar notes. Some border towns may accept them at a very poor exchange rate, but you’re better off converting before you go. Commonwealth Bank of Australia offers a foreign exchange calculator to estimate your conversion.

The catch: even if a merchant accepts AUD, you’re effectively paying a premium of up to 15% for the convenience.

Is it better to exchange money in New Zealand or Australia?

Exchange rates in Australia vs New Zealand

Rates are generally similar on both sides of the Tasman, but the key difference is commission. The Australian Taxation Office publishes an official annual FX rate — for the year ending 30 June 2025, the average AUD/NZD rate was 1.0966, with a spot rate of 1.0768 on 30 June 2025. That gives you a reference benchmark.

Hidden fees comparison

Airport kiosks in both countries typically charge a 3–5% markup. Commonwealth Bank of Australia charges a fee of up to AUD 11.00 per transfer in its digital channel, and an additional NZD 17 overseas bank fee for NZD payments. Prepaid travel cards, like the Wise card, give you the mid-market rate with a low upfront fee — no hidden spread.

The pattern: avoid currency exchange at airports and hotels. Use a digital specialist for the best rate.

Why is the NZD weakening?

Interest rate differential

The RBNZ has held its official cash rate at 5.50% while the RBA has held at 4.35%. Markets expect the RBNZ to cut rates sooner than the RBA, which has put downward pressure on the NZD. Inland Revenue NZ publishes monthly end-of-month rates showing a gradual decline in NZD per AUD from April 2025 to March 2026.

Export commodity prices

Dairy prices — New Zealand’s largest export — have dropped 17% year-on-year in 2024, according to the ANZ Commodity Price Index. Lower export earnings reduce demand for NZD, pushing the exchange rate down.

Global risk sentiment

When global investors are risk-averse, they tend to sell smaller currencies like the NZD and buy safe havens. The NZD is sensitive to global economic uncertainty, which has been elevated.

What this means: Australian travellers should take advantage of the current rate before the NZD possibly strengthens.

Can I use Australian money in New Zealand?

Official policy: no

Only the New Zealand Dollar is legal tender. Crown Currency states that Australian dollars are not usable as cash in New Zealand. Most shops, restaurants, and services will not accept AUD.

Some border towns may accept, but at poor rate

In places like Queenstown or near the Australian Consulate, some businesses might accept Australian dollars, but they will convert at a rate heavily unfavourable to you — often 10-15% below the mid-market rate. It’s always better to exchange before you travel.

The catch: even if a merchant accepts AUD, you’re effectively paying a premium of up to 15% for the convenience.

Timeline: AUD to NZD exchange rate key events

• January 2022: New Zealand dollar hits 13-year low against Australian dollar at NZD 0.5380 per AUD (MoneyHub NZ)
• October 2024: Wise reports AUD/NZD volatility spurs record transfers (Wise)

The implication: the trend favours Australian travellers with a weaker NZD likely to persist.

Clarity: what we know and what remains unclear

“The New Zealand dollar plunged to a 13-year low against the Australian dollar in early 2022, driven by global risk aversion and a weaker dairy export outlook.”

— MoneyHub NZ (consumer finance comparison site)

“Using the mid-market rate from Wise, you can convert AUD to NZD with a low, transparent fee — no hidden markup.”

— Wise (specialist in mid-market transfers)

For Australian travellers heading to New Zealand, the choice is clear: convert your money using a digital specialist like Wise or Revolut to get the mid-market rate, keep a small amount of NZD cash for incidentals, and avoid banks and airport kiosks. The NZD is likely to remain weak for the near term, so there’s no rush to wait for a better rate — but monitor the market weekly if you’re moving a large sum.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading: 400 AUD to NZD: Live Rate & Best Exchange Tips · New Zealand Dollar to Sri Lankan Rupees: Today’s Rate & Guide