Anyone have any first hand experience with this with any pointers?

It's only for about a 10-14 holiday for myeslf and wife ( thai wife ).

Looking at flights seems most transit through Australia, is there a transit visa required for that?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

ive had a few nz visa for thai partner ,you need visa for australia as there is no real transit in perth ,we were collected in person at the plane and put directly in departure longe as we had no visa . they were helpfull .fly thai its a good service. as for nz visa they required proof of relation and financial situation etc,much the same as for schengen .we have had now 3 nz tourist visa .its vfs in bangkok dealing with visa and they have been helpfull .

Your wife won't need a transit visa to travel to NZ via AU as long as the onward flight departs within 8hrs.

http://www.immi.gov.au/faqs/pages/do-i-need-a-visa-to-transit-through-australia.aspx

Direct option via Thai is also available but probably not the cheapest...

ive had a few nz visa for thai partner ,you need visa for australia as there is no real transit in perth ,we were collected in person at the plane and put directly in departure longe as we had no visa . they were helpfull .fly thai its a good service. as for nz visa they required proof of relation and financial situation etc,much the same as for schengen .we have had now 3 nz tourist visa .its vfs in bangkok dealing with visa and they have been helpfull .

Thanks for the feedback.

How long did the visa process take? What did you show them for evidence of finance, bank statements / house deeds etc etc?

I'll be using a British PP for myself which i believe all i need to do is basically just turn up and will get stamped on arrival much the same as Thailand?

Thanks.

Hi JaiLai,

It is currently the off-peak season at the NZ Embassy for visas, so it shouldn't take too long at all.

As you are a third national-supporting partner, it will be important that you show the strength of your relationship, as well as the economic/social ties of your partner that will encourage her return. You will not be able to formally sponsor your partner, however evidence of your funds will assist.

Wishing you all the best.

Liam