For the full clinical picture — what to test for, window periods, and how often — see The Testing Protocol first. This guide covers New Zealand-specific options: where to go and what to ask for.

The Right Test Panel

For gay and bisexual men, a correct STI screen means three-site testing:

  • Throat swab — gonorrhoea and chlamydia (pharyngeal infection is common and asymptomatic)
  • Rectal swab — gonorrhoea and chlamydia
  • Urethral swab or first-catch urine — gonorrhoea and chlamydia
  • Blood tests — HIV (4th generation Ag/Ab test), syphilis (RPR + TPPA), hepatitis A, B, and C serology

A urine-only test misses rectal and throat infections. If a doctor offers only urine, ask explicitly for all three sites plus the full blood panel — or attend a sexual health clinic where this is the default.

Option 1: Public Sexual Health Clinics

Free to attend. No referral needed. The right place for a full panel, PrEP initiation, PEP, and vaccines.

Auckland: Auckland Sexual Health Service — Multiple sites including Auckland City Hospital and community locations. Also: Burnett Foundation Aotearoa (burnettfoundation.org.nz) — community-based testing tailored to gay and bisexual men.

Wellington: Wellington Sexual Health Clinic — Wellington Hospital campus. Tel: (04) 385 5999 (check current number via Wellington Hospital switchboard)

Christchurch: Canterbury Sexual Health — Christchurch Hospital campus and community sites. Tel: (03) 364 0530

Hamilton: Waikato Sexual Health Clinic — Waikato Hospital campus.

Other regions: Search "[your city/region] sexual health clinic" or contact the Burnett Foundation for a referral to your nearest service.

Option 2: Burnett Foundation Aotearoa — Community Testing

The Burnett Foundation runs rapid HIV testing and STI services specifically oriented toward gay and bisexual men. Their Auckland service is the primary community testing option and is staffed by people who understand gay men's health in detail.

  • Walk-in and appointment testing
  • Rapid HIV testing — results in 20–30 minutes
  • Full STI panels — including three-site testing
  • Referral to treatment and support if results require it

Website: burnettfoundation.org.nz Auckland: (09) 303 3124

Option 3: Online / Remote Testing

New Zealand's online testing infrastructure is less developed than Australia's, but some options exist.

GetCheckedOnline (getcheckedonline.co.nz): An online STI testing service for New Zealand residents. Order a kit, self-collect samples, post to the lab, receive results online. Tests for gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis.

  • Coverage and availability can vary — check the website for current service regions.
  • Not a substitute for clinic attendance if you have symptoms.

Telehealth + Local Pathology: Some GPs and telehealth providers can order STI pathology remotely, with you attending a local blood and swab collection service. This works for routine testing in regions without easy clinic access.

GP Testing

Your GP can order the full three-site panel plus blood tests. Consultation fees apply (reduced with Community Services Card). The key is requesting the right tests explicitly.

Ask for:

  • "I'd like a three-site STI screen — throat, rectal, and urethral — for gonorrhoea and chlamydia."
  • "I'd also like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis A, B, and C serology."

Not all GPs routinely offer rectal swabs. If your GP seems uncertain or resistant, the sexual health clinic is the better option.

How Often Should You Test?

  • On PrEP: every 3 months (this matches the monitoring requirement).
  • Not on PrEP, multiple partners: every 3 months.
  • Not on PrEP, lower activity: at least every 6 months.
  • After an unprotected exposure: within 2 weeks for most STIs, then again at 45 days for a definitive HIV result.

See The Testing Protocol for window period detail.

Symptoms

If you have symptoms — discharge, pain, sores, rash — do not wait for an online test or a routine appointment. Go to a sexual health clinic or your GP urgently. Symptoms require clinical assessment.

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