Time limit: 72 hours from exposure. Earlier is better — every hour counts. Cost: Free at public hospital emergency departments and sexual health clinics.
For the full clinical explanation of how PEP works, efficacy, and the 28-day course — see PEP: The Emergency Protocol first.
Where to Go
Scenario A: Sexual Health Clinic is Open
Go to the sexual health clinic. This is the preferred route when possible.
- Why: Specialist staff. Streamlined process. They understand PEP for sexual exposure and won't make you feel judged.
- What to say: "I've had a potential HIV exposure and I need PEP." Say the word "PEP." It signals urgency and gets you seen appropriately.
- What happens: Brief clinical assessment of the exposure event, HIV test (required before starting PEP), prescription issued, and follow-up scheduled.
- Be specific: "I had receptive anal sex without a condom with someone whose HIV status I don't know" is the kind of detail they need. Clarity helps them help you.
Sexual health clinics:
- Auckland: Auckland Sexual Health Service — contact via Auckland City Hospital, (09) 307 4949 (hospital main number)
- Wellington: Wellington Sexual Health Clinic — (04) 385 5999
- Christchurch: Canterbury Sexual Health — (03) 364 0530
- Other regions: Search "[region] sexual health clinic" or call the Burnett Foundation: (09) 303 3124
Scenario B: Sexual Health Clinic is Closed (Nights, Weekends, Public Holidays)
Go to the Emergency Department (ED) of your nearest public hospital.
- At triage: Tell the nurse immediately: "I've had a potential HIV exposure within the last [X] hours and I need PEP. The 72-hour window is critical."
- With the doctor: Be direct: "I had [receptive/insertive] anal sex without a condom with a partner of [unknown/positive] HIV status. I need PEP and I'm prepared to be tested for HIV now."
- If there's hesitation: Ask the doctor to contact the on-call infectious diseases doctor or physician. You are entitled to PEP following a credible sexual exposure within 72 hours.
Major public hospital EDs (24/7):
- Auckland City Hospital ED — 2 Park Road, Grafton
- Wellington Hospital ED — Riddiford Street, Newtown
- Christchurch Hospital ED — 2 Riccarton Avenue
- Waikato Hospital ED — Pembroke Street, Hamilton
The Starter Pack and Follow-Up
Following an ED presentation, you typically receive a starter pack of 5 days of PEP medication. Within those 5 days, you must attend a sexual health clinic to:
- Complete clinical assessment
- Receive the remaining 23 days of medication
- Get follow-up testing scheduled
Do not miss the follow-up — the starter pack is bridging, not the full course.
PEP for Visitors and Non-Residents
Public hospital emergency departments in New Zealand will generally provide PEP regardless of residency status, as HIV prevention is a public health priority. Visitors may face charges for the ED visit; PEP medication is unlikely to be withheld. Travel insurance may cover costs.
After the 28-Day Course
- HIV test at 45 days post-exposure (definitive with modern 4th-generation tests)
- Review whether starting PrEP is appropriate — see PrEP in New Zealand: The PHARMAC Route
- Debrief with your sexual health doctor about the experience and your options going forward
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