Things go wrong!

When they do, find the right care at the right place. Over the summer, medical centres and emergency departments in tourism hot spots can get busy. Plan ahead - get repeat prescriptions before you go, update your first aid kit, keep hydrated and be sun smart. When things go wrong, call 111 for emergencies, or Healthline for advice on where to seek more help. Find out more below. 

Call 111 in an emergency

If you do need to go to ED, the following hospitals have emergency departments. Remember, Healthline is a good first option to check if you should go to ED, or if there is an urgent after hours doctor closer to you. 

  • Lakes District Hospital, Queenstown

  • Oamaru Hospital

  • Southland Hospital, Invercargill

  • Dunedin Hospital

  • Gore Hospital

I'm not sure who I should talk to...

Healthline is free 24/7 medical helpline at 0800 611 116, where clinical staff will help you find the right care and tell you what the next steps are, for example seeing a nurse, doctor or pharmacist. 

I've been told to seek care, but it's after hours...

Contact your enrolled general practice, even if you are not in the same area. They will have an after-hours message which will take you through to a telehealth service, such as Ka Ora.

You can also call Ka Ora directly for a same-day phone or video consultation and are available from 5pm to 8.30am on weekdays and round the clock on weekends and public holidays. 

Book online or call on 0800 2 KA ORA (0800 252 672).

I need to see a doctor or nurse

Find nearby practices on www.healthpoint.co.nz. Always call first to book, find out opening hours and fees.

You will not be eligible for subsidised care at a general practice you are not enrolled at.

Many centres don’t offer walk-in appointments; please call first.

Get help on the phone - Telehealth/telecare

There are various telehealth providers that offer phone or video consults. Costs vary. Go to www.healthify.nz and search for “telehealth”.

If you’re in a rural area at the time of the call, you can have a free Ka Ora telecare consultation (charges may apply for consults with a GP) from 5pm to 8am. Book online or call us 0800 2 KA ORA (0800 252 672). 

You can get a lot at a pharmacy

Find your nearest pharmacy at www.healthpoint.co.nz and search for “pharmacy”. You can get a lot at your pharmacy before and while on holiday.

  • A first aid kit

  • Painkillers

  • Sunscreen and a hat

  • Hydration solutions

  • Anti-septic lotions

  • Insect repellent

  • Hay fever remedies

  • The morning after pill

  • Urgent repeat prescriptions

Need to talk?

  • Free call or text 1737 for support.

  • Youthline: 0800 376 633, free text 234, or email talk@youthline.co.nz

  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

  • Visit Are You OK? www.areyouok.org.nz/

Physiotherapy

Back pain, strain, sprain or other joint injury? No referral is needed.

Locate your nearest physio at www.healthpoint.co.nz and search for “physiotherapy.

Sore teeth?

Find your nearest urgent dentist at www.healthpoint.co.nz and search for “urgent dental”.

Then click on “Dental Emergency?”.

Find useful information about common conditions at Home | Healthify.

To find local healthcare providers, go to Healthpoint.