Are you thinking about working as a General Practitioner in New Zealand? Well, here’s something that’ll catch your eye- GPs in NZ are making anywhere from about NZD 188k to NZD 360k a year in 2025. That’s roughly ₹7 to ₹13.3 lakhs per month when converted to Indian Rupees.
It’s not just a decent salary. For many, it’s a serious step up, especially when you factor in the better hours, less stress, and long-term residency options New Zealand offers.
Demand for doctors continues to grow across the country, and GPs. Especially in rural areas, they are being offered competitive pay, added incentives, and a better quality of life.
This blog takes you through exactly what you can expect to earn as a GP in New Zealand today, with real numbers broken down by experience, specialty, location, and sector. We’ve also included INR equivalents and tips on how your income can grow over time.
Average General Practitioner Salary in New Zealand 2025
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (NZD) | Monthly Salary (INR) | Notes |
| Entry-Level (1-3 years) | NZD 188k | ₹6,95L / month | Starting salary for new GPs |
| Mid-Career (4-7 years) | NZD 200k - 250k | ₹7,41L - ₹9,26L / month | Growing experience & responsibilities |
| Senior-Level (8+ years) | Up to NZD 360k | Up to ₹13,33L / month | Includes private practice bonuses |
Specialty-Wise Salary Comparison for GPs
| Specialty | Average Annual Salary (NZD) | Monthly Salary (INR) | Notes |
| General Practitioner (General) | NZD 188,000 - 300,000 | ₹6,95L - ₹10,78L | Base range |
| Emergency Medicine | NZD 250,000 - 360,000 | ₹9,26L - ₹13,33L | High demand specialty |
| Psychiatry | NZD 220,000 - 340,000 | ₹8,14L - ₹12,14L | Growing mental health focus |
| Pediatrics | NZD 210,000 - 320,000 | ₹7,77L - ₹11,85L | Specialized GP work |
Region-Wise Salary Breakdown
| Region | Average Annual Salary (NZD) | Monthly Salary (INR) | Notes |
| Auckland | NZD 220k - 360k | ₹8,14L - ₹13,33L | Highest pay due to demand |
| Wellington | NZD 210k - 350k | ₹7,77L - ₹12,58L | Capital city, competitive pay |
| Christchurch | NZD 190k - 300k | ₹7,04L - ₹10,78L | Growing healthcare sector |
| Rural Areas | NZD 180k - 280k | ₹6,67L - ₹10,37L | Incentives and bonuses offered |
New Zealand GP Salary vs Other Countries (2025)
| Country | Annual Salary (Local) | Approx. Monthly Salary (INR) | Notes |
| New Zealand | NZD 188,000 - 360,000 | ₹6.95L - ₹13.33L | Balanced pay and lifestyle |
| Australia | AUD 150,000 - 280,000 | ₹7.05L - ₹13.17L | Similar healthcare market |
| United Kingdom | GBP 68,000 - 110,000 | ₹7.93L - ₹12.82L | NHS structured salaries |
| United States | USD 180,000 - 250,000 | ₹13.32L - ₹18.50L | Highest pay, longer hours |
How to Become a General Practitioner in New Zealand (If You’re an IMG)
So, you’ve got your MBBS or medical degree from outside New Zealand and now you’re wondering how to get started as a GP in NZ. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: See if You’re Eligible
First things first, you need to pass the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX). But to even sit for that, your medical school has to be recognized (check if it’s listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools). Also, you’ll need to have cleared at least one of these exams in the past five years:
- AMC Part 1 (Australia)
- USMLE Step 1 & 2 (USA)
- PLAB Part 1 (UK)
- MCCQE Part 1 (Canada)
If you want to pass the NZREX on the first attempt, it is wise to enroll in the best NZREX Preparation Course. You will get live and recorded sessions, Adaptive AI-driven NZREX clinical exam mock tests, role plays with tutors and much more, To get the best and pass the exam on first attempt.
Step 2: Prove Your English Proficiency
You’ll have to show your English skills are solid. That means taking either:
- IELTS with at least a 7.0 in every section, or
- OET with a minimum score of 350 in each part
Step 3: Apply for Provisional Registration
Once you’ve passed the exams and got good scores in your English test, you can apply for provisional registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
Step 4: Do Some Supervised Practice
You’ll spend 6 to 12 months working under supervision, usually at a hospital or community clinic. They’ll check how you perform before giving you full registration.
Step 5: Join the GP Training Program (GPEP)
After you’re fully registered, you’ll apply to the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and join GPEP. It’s a 3-year training course that gets you ready to work independently as a GP.
Step 6: Become a Fellow and Start Practicing
Pass the assessments at the end of GPEP and you’ll become a Fellow of RNZCGP. Then, you can work as a full-fledged GP anywhere in New Zealand.
Also Read: New Zealand Surgeon Salary
Parting Thoughts
If you’re thinking about working as a GP in New Zealand in 2025, it’s definitely worth it. The pay is solid and the lifestyle here is pretty balanced, better hours, less stress, and good opportunities for growth.
Keep learning, keep growing, and you could build a rewarding career here.
For any doubts or questions, you can reach out to the experts at Academically. They will help you figure your career pathway in an easy way.