The list below contains tipping guides for (at the moment) three countries in the Oceania region and is based on over twelve sources, including TripAdvisor forums, Business Insider, Conde Nast Traveler and the websites of the official tourism boards. If you do feel something is off for a certain country, let me know and I’ll make a note of it for a future update.
For what concerns tipping hotel staff, the tips mostly apply top mid-range to higher end hotels. No need to tip a bellboy if there isn’t one :-)
Pick a country or simply scroll down to see them all.
(Not tipping etiquette in Oceania you’re looking for? Check out tipping etiquette around the world for the continent of your choice.)
Tipping etiquette in Oceania/Australia
Australia
Basically, there’s no need to tip in Australia but that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to. Service workers are paid adequately so they don’t depend on gratuities. Tip only when it’s deserved.
Tipping at restaurants and bars: With many US tourists in the country, tipping in Australian restaurants is becoming more commonplace. For good service, the suggested tip is no more than 10%. Some establishments already include gratuity in the bill, but you can choose not to pay this if the service is not worthy of recognition. In Australian bars, you’ll rarely see customers tipping. If you order a large round or receive attentive service, offer a few dollars to your bartender.
Tipping tour guides: Tour guides don’t expect tips, but you’re free to tip a couple of dollars if you’re happy with their service.
Tipping taxi drivers: Cabbies don’t expect tips. Most locals just round up the fare to the nearest $5 for convenience.
Tipping hotel staff: Tip bellhops $2 per piece of luggage and chambermaids $2 per day at the end of your stay. No need to tip the concierge.
Good to know: Always remember that you’re tipping for service, not the quality of food. If you’re served a subpar dish, don’t take it out on the waiters especially if they served you well.
Fiji
In a nutshell, tipping is non-existent and not encouraged in Fiji. Service personnel are not accustomed to receiving tips and may even find it odd.
Tipping at restaurants and bars: Fiji is one of the few countries in the world where tipping in restaurants is uncommon. As a visitor, you may not be used to it but it’s the way of life there. If you feel that tipping is warranted, 1-2 FJD should suffice. The same can be said for bars.
Tipping tour guides: Tipping tour guides, as with any other service staff in Fiji, is not customary. You may rather express gratitude at the end of the tour by saying ‘vinaka’ (thank you).
Tipping taxi drivers: No need to tip taxi drivers in Fiji.
Tipping hotel staff: Bellhops and hotel maids don’t expect any tip.
Good to know: Sharing is an integral part of Fijian culture. In many all-inclusive resorts, you will see a “Staff Christmas Fund” box where guests can place their tips for the entire resort staff. The amount collected is divided equally among staff members, including those who only work in the background (maintenance, gardeners, cooks).
New Zealand
Tipping is not a major preoccupation in New Zealand. Locals only leave tips for outstanding service, and the amount given is discretionary.
Tipping at restaurants and bars: In upmarket restaurants, you can acknowledge sterling service by tipping 10% of the bill. In mid-range diners, most people will just leave loose change. If there’s a tip jar available, place your tip there. Otherwise, just give a little extra when you hand your payment. Bartenders are not usually tipped.
Tipping tour guides: Because tours mostly cater visitors, guides often expect a small tip. Proper tipping etiquette dictates around 5% of the tour cost.
Tipping taxi drivers: When it comes to tipping cab drivers, it’s common courtesy to round up the fare to the nearest NZ$5.
Tipping hotel staff: Tipping hotel staff is not expected. If you wish to do so, a good idea is NZ$1-$2 for porters and NZ$3-$5 for a helpful concierge.
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