Here’s a comprehensive Delivery Driver Tip Guide for New Zealand, presented in table format. This guide explains typical tipping practices in New Zealand for delivery drivers, including recommended tip amounts, when to tip, and other important factors.
Delivery Driver Tip Guide for New Zealand
Service Type
Suggested Tip Amount
Example Tip Calculation
Notes on Tipping Practice
Standard Food Delivery
5% – 10% of the total bill
On a $40 NZD bill → Tip $2 – $4 NZD
Tipping is not mandatory in New Zealand but appreciated for good service.
Large/Complex Orders
10% – 15% of the total bill
On a $100 NZD bill → Tip $10 – $15 NZD
Larger orders or deliveries requiring extra effort often warrant a higher tip.
Exceptional Service
10% – 20% of the total bill or flat amount (e.g., $5 – $10 NZD)
On a $30 NZD bill → Tip $3 – $6 NZD
Tip more for faster delivery, extra care, or difficult weather conditions.
Grocery Delivery
Round up or $5 – $10 NZD depending on the size of the order
$150 grocery order → Tip $5 – $10 NZD
Tips are appreciated, especially if large orders are delivered with care.
No-Contact Delivery
Optional, tip via app or in cash on next order
Tip based on service, typically 5% – 10%
During no-contact deliveries, tips are often done via online payment.
Example Tip Calculations for Delivery Drivers in New Zealand:
Service Type
Example Scenario
Suggested Tip Amount
Notes on Calculation
Standard Food Delivery
$50 NZD food order
$2.50 – $5 NZD
5% – 10% is common, but tipping is optional in NZ.
Large/Complex Orders
$120 NZD order
$12 – $18 NZD
Higher tips for larger or more complex deliveries.
Exceptional Service
$30 NZD order, fast delivery
$3 – $6 NZD
Tip more if the delivery was exceptionally fast or courteous.
Grocery Delivery
$100 NZD grocery delivery
$5 NZD
Round up or leave a flat amount based on order size.
Difficult Conditions
$45 NZD delivery in bad weather
$5 – $10 NZD
Consider tipping higher in bad weather or for difficult deliveries.
Tipping Etiquette for Delivery Drivers in New Zealand:
Food Delivery: Tipping delivery drivers for food is not customary in New Zealand, but it is increasingly appreciated, especially in urban areas. A tip of 5% – 10% is a polite way to acknowledge fast or courteous service.
Large or Complex Orders: For larger orders or those requiring extra effort (e.g., multiple bags or complex delivery instructions), consider tipping 10% – 15% of the total bill.
Exceptional Service: If a delivery is particularly fast, professional, or done under difficult conditions (e.g., heavy rain or traffic), you may want to tip a bit more, around 10% – 20%.
Grocery Delivery: Tipping for grocery delivery is less common, but if you receive excellent service (e.g., careful handling of items, timely delivery), consider tipping $5 – $10 NZD, or round up the total.
No-Contact Delivery: During no-contact deliveries, tips are often made through the app or online payment systems. It’s still common to leave 5% – 10% as a tip, or round up the total bill.
Additional Considerations:
Cash Tips vs. App Tips: While cash tips are always appreciated, most apps used for food delivery in New Zealand allow for tipping directly through the platform. This is especially helpful for no-contact deliveries.
Tipping Culture in New Zealand: Tipping is not mandatory and is less common than in other countries like the USA. However, it is becoming more accepted in urban areas and among younger generations, particularly for delivery services.
Weather and Traffic Conditions: Consider tipping more generously during bad weather, such as heavy rain or extreme heat, or during high-demand periods (e.g., holidays or busy weekends).
Quick Tip Summary for Delivery Drivers in New Zealand:
Service Type
Suggested Tip Amount
Standard Food Delivery
5% – 10% of the bill
Large/Complex Orders
10% – 15% of the bill
Exceptional Service
10% – 20% of the bill or flat amount (e.g., $5 – $10 NZD)
Grocery Delivery
Round up or $5 – $10 NZD depending on order size
No-Contact Delivery
5% – 10% of the bill via app
Factors That Affect Tipping in New Zealand:
Factor
Impact on Tip Amount
Notes on Contribution
Service Quality
Higher tips for excellent, fast, or courteous service
Tip more for great customer service or special requests.
Order Size
Larger orders may require more effort to deliver, warranting a higher tip
Consider tipping more for complex or multi-item deliveries.
Weather Conditions
Delivery during poor weather often warrants a higher tip
A tip acknowledges the extra effort involved in tough conditions.
Delivery Distance
Longer distances may involve more effort or time, deserving a larger tip
While tipping is optional, long-distance deliveries may warrant extra.
Cash or Digital Tip
Cash is less common in New Zealand, but tipping via the app is increasingly popular
Tip through the app for convenience, especially in no-contact deliveries.
Tipping Etiquette During Special Circumstances:
Busy Periods: During holidays, weekends, or special events, demand for delivery services increases. If your delivery arrives on time despite high demand, consider tipping generously.
COVID-19 / Health Safety: During the pandemic, many deliveries became no-contact for safety reasons. Tipping digitally through the app became the standard during this period, and many customers still prefer this method.
Repeat Delivery: If you frequently order from the same restaurant or service and encounter the same delivery driver, tipping regularly helps build rapport. Over time, you may receive even better service.
Tipping in Different Delivery Situations:
Situation
Tipping Recommendation
Notes
Fast Food Delivery
5% – 10% of the total bill
For quick, convenient deliveries.
Full-Service Restaurant
10% – 15% of the total bill
For higher-end restaurants or exceptional service.
Grocery Delivery
Round up or $5 – $10 NZD
Tip more for large orders.
Alcohol Delivery
Round up or 5% – 10%
Typically smaller tips unless service is exceptional.
This table provides a full breakdown of tipping guidelines for delivery drivers in New Zealand, including suggested amounts for different types of delivery and other considerations that affect tipping behavior.