Minimum wages in New Zealand are $10.25 an hour for a worker over 18 and $8.20 for under 18, so they are not dependent on tips to subsidize their income, as is the case in the United States.

Most New Zealanders would not like tipping to become the normal procedure. This could factor into your wages when negotiating for a job. With a non-tipping society it also gives a better feeling when you have finished your transaction. You do not feel guilty about leaving the right tip, and do not feel like being held captive at a restaurant or cafe until the tip is paid.

One of the more common New Zealand tipping practices in New Zealand is to round up taxi fares to the nearest couple of dollars. Restaurants, hotels or bars do charge an extra service charge on public holidays around 10%-20%. This is now a common public holiday levy. If you get great service feel free to leave a tip, $5 would be a good tip and a nice way of saying thanks for going out of your way. It will be much appreciated, it is not expected. Do not feel "cheap" if you don't leave a tip, think "when in Rome".