Switzerland has good, but not particularly intensive, relations with New Zealand. Trade between New Zealand and Switzerland is marginal.

Bilateral political contacts are rare, but the two countries have established close relations at the multilateral level, for example within the United Nations framework, as well as on issues such as human rights, peace and the environment.

Neither in New Zealand nor in Switzerland is there a joint chamber of commerce. In 2011, Switzerland imported goods worth approximately 87 million CHF, representing 0.05% of its total volume of imports. In contrast, Swiss exports amounted to 199 million CHF, corresponding to 0.1% of Switzerland's total volume of exports. Switzerland consistently has a positive trade balance with New Zealand.

Scholars and artists from New Zealand can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.

A trainee agreement enables young people from New Zealand to spend a limited period of time in Switzerland in order to acquire additional professional experience and to hone their language skills.

At the end of 2011, there were 6732 Swiss nationals resident in New Zealand, of whom 4907 have dual citizenship.

In the mid-19th century, the first Swiss nationals emigrated to New Zealand, and sought their fortune as gold prospectors in the 1860s.

Switzerland established diplomatic relations with New Zealand in 1962. In 1972, it sent an ambassador to Wellington. A year later, New Zealand accredited an ambassador in Bonn, and subsequently in Berlin, who is also responsible for Switzerland.