
The New Zealand currency symbol is the NZD, and it's represented by the dollar sign ($). This is the same symbol used in many other countries, including the United States.
You can exchange your money for New Zealand dollars at banks, currency exchange offices, or some hotels. This is a good idea if you're traveling to New Zealand.
New Zealand dollars come in a range of denominations, from $5 to $100 notes, and coins ranging from 10 cents to $2.
New Zealand Currency
The New Zealand dollar is the official currency of New Zealand, and it's comprised of banknotes in various denominations.
The most recent series of banknotes, released in 2015 and 2016, features notable New Zealanders and iconic scenes.
The $5 banknote, for example, features Edmund Hillary and Aoraki / Mount Cook, while the $10 banknote features Kate Sheppard and a river scene.
Here's a breakdown of the dimensions and main colors of the banknotes:
What is NZD?
The New Zealand dollar, or NZD, is the official currency of New Zealand. It's made up of 100 cents and is often represented by the symbol $ or NZ$ to distinguish it from other currencies based on dollars.
You might have noticed that the NZD is used not just in New Zealand, but also in a few other Pacific Island nations. These include the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the Pitcairn Islands.
One of the most recognizable features of the NZD is the "Kiwi" nickname, which comes from the flightless bird that's pictured on one side of the country's $1 coin.
Explore further: Aud Nzd Outlook
New Zealand's Currency
New Zealand's currency is a vibrant and unique reflection of the country's rich history and culture.
Each banknote and coin features a bird on one side, a nod to New Zealand's iconic avifauna. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has a long history of designing currency that showcases the country's natural beauty.
The currency comes in a variety of bright colors, making it easy to spot and distinguish from other denominations. The bright colors also add an extra layer of security, making it harder to counterfeit.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has a wealth of information on its website about the history of New Zealand's currency, including the introduction of decimal currency in 1967. This marked a significant change for the country, as it transitioned from a pound-based system to a dollar-based system.
Here are the different denominations of New Zealand banknotes in circulation:
Each note features an important historical figure of New Zealand on the back side, adding an extra layer of depth and context to the currency.
Currency Types
New Zealand currency symbol is the New Zealand dollar, denoted by the symbol $NZ or NZ$.
The New Zealand dollar is subdivided into 100 cents.
You can find coins in denominations of 10c, 20c, and 50c, as well as $1 and $2 coins.
Banknotes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is responsible for issuing and managing the country's currency.
Consider reading: Costa Rican Colon Denominations
Current Circulation
As of 2021, Series 6 and 7 notes are currently legal tender in New Zealand.
The Reserve Bank has stated that it will exhaust its existing stocks of $20 notes before introducing new notes featuring King Charles III, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
Series 7 notes were issued in 2015-16, which refreshed the note design and improved security features.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Zim Dollar Notes
Banknotes
New Zealand's banknotes have undergone several changes over the years. The $50 note was introduced in 1983 to fill the gap between the $20 and the $100 notes.
In 1991, $1 and $2 notes were discontinued after being replaced with coins. This change marked a significant shift in the country's currency.
Series 5 notes were introduced in 1992, featuring a notable New Zealander on the obverse. Each note included a native New Zealand bird and scenery on the reverse.
The Queen remained on the $20 note in Series 5. The Series 6 polymer notes, introduced in 1999, replaced the paper notes with new security features.
As of 2021, Series 6 and 7 notes are currently legal tender. These notes feature refreshed designs and improved security features.
Following Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022, the Reserve Bank announced it would exhaust its existing stocks of $20 notes before introducing new notes featuring King Charles III.
Related reading: Mexican Gold Coins 20 Pesos
Current Circulating Banknotes

New Zealand's current circulating banknotes are part of the seventh series, which was first released in 2015 and 2016.
These banknotes are designed to be secure and durable, with dimensions ranging from 135 to 155 mm in width and 66 to 74 mm in height.
One of the notable features of these banknotes is their main colors, which are orange, blue, green, purple, and red, each representing a different denomination.
The $5 note, for example, has an orange background and features Edmund Hillary and a scene of Aoraki / Mount Cook on the obverse side.
The $10 note, on the other hand, has a blue background and features Kate Sheppard and a river scene on the reverse side.
The $20, $50, and $100 notes have green, purple, and red backgrounds, respectively, each with unique features and designs.
Here's a breakdown of the current circulating banknotes:
These banknotes were released in different years, with the $20, $50, and $100 notes being released in May 2016, and the $5 and $10 notes being released in October 2015.
Readers also liked: Zimbabwean Bond Notes
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_dollar
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/forex/n/nzd-new-zealand-dollar.asp
- https://finseta.com/knowledge-hub/currencies/new-zealand-dollar/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banknotes_of_the_New_Zealand_dollar
- https://wise.com/us/currency-converter/currencies/nzd-new-zealand-dollar
Featured Images: pexels.com