Otago and Southland

If you are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency, but cannot wait to see your doctor or usual healthcare provider (or you do not have one) go to an after hours or urgent medical centre. They can help with  most medical problems and accident care including:

• bad cuts that may need stitching
• sprains or minor bone breaks as many have x-ray available onsite
• minor head injuries

You do not need an appointment but might have to wait.

Find your nearest accident and urgent medical centre — Healthpointexternal link

Healthline provides a 24 hour, 7 days a week, free over-the-phone health service you can call for trusted health advice, information and treatment from professional healthcare providers.

Call Healthline: 0800 611 116external link

If you are enrolled with a general practice (GP), their doctors, nurses and other team members can look after most of your healthcare. Same-day appointments may be available.

If you cannot wait to see your doctor or usual healthcare provider (or you do not have one) you can book a same-day appointment through Online GP Care.

These appointments usually take place through a video app or a phone call. They can prescribe medicine and send prescriptions to your nearest pharmacy. 

Online GP Care

If you are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency, but cannot wait to see your doctor or usual healthcare provider (or you do not have one) go to an after hours or urgent medical centre. They can help with  most medical problems and accident care including:

• bad cuts that may need stitching
• sprains or minor  bone breaks as many have x-ray available on-site
• minor head injuries

You do not need an appointment but might have to wait.

Find your nearest accident and urgent medical centre — Healthpointexternal link

Get advice on medicines and common issues like:

• coughs and colds
• bladder or eye infections
• minor cuts and grazes
• emergency birth control.

They can suggest over-the-counter treatment, fill prescriptions, and some give immunisations. You do not need an appointment.

Find your nearest pharmacy — Healthpointexternal link

What you can go to the pharmacy for

You can get the emergency contraceptive pill over the counter at most pharmacies, from your usual GP or healthcare provider, or from Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa.

If you are 22 or under it will be free from a Sexual Wellbeing clinic. It is most effective if you take it within 24 hours after unprotected sex, but it can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 3 days after.

Find a pharmacy that provides the emergency contraceptive pill — Healthpointexternal link

Find a clinic — Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoaexternal link

Healthline provides a 24 hour, 7 days a week, free over-the-phone health service you can call for trusted health advice, information and treatment from professional healthcare providers.

Call Healthline: 0800 611 116

Get advice on medicines and common issues like:

• coughs and colds
• bladder or eye infections
• minor cuts and grazes
• emergency birth control.

They can suggest over-the-counter treatment, fill prescriptions, and some give immunisations. You do not need an appointment.

What you can go to the pharmacy for

Find your nearest pharmacy — Healthpointexternal link

If you are enrolled with a general practice (GP), their doctors, nurses and other team members can look after most of your healthcare. Call to get advice or make an appointment.

If you cannot wait to see your doctor or usual healthcare provider (or you do not have one) you can book an appointment through Online GP Care.

These appointments usually take place through a video app or a phone call. They can prescribe medicine and send prescriptions to your nearest pharmacy. 

Online GP Care

Find a GP taking enrolments — Healthpointexternal link

There are lots of New Zealand health websites that can help with generic health concerns such as symptoms and treatments.


Search this website

Visit KidsHealth

Book an appointment with your usual GP or healthcare provider, or talk to a trusted healthcare professional. They can help you through next steps, including referrals to mental health services.

Māori, Pacific People and 12 to 24-year-olds can access free mental health services with no referral. Visit the Access and Choice website to find out how. 

Access and Choiceexternal link

Free call or text 1737 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk with a trained counsellor. This service is free and confidential.

Call or text 1737external link

depression.org.nz provides information, validation and practical advice for those navigating depression and anxiety.

depression.org.nzexternal link

The Mental Health Foundation has lots of advice on how to find support for different circumstances as well as information about different mental health conditions.

Mental Health Foundationexternal link

Talk to your midwife or doctor if you have any concerns or questions. If you do not have a midwife, you can search for one on the Find your midwife website. The New Zealand College of Midwives website also has lots of information and resources.

Find your midwifeexternal link

New Zealand College of Midwivesexternal link

If you do not have a midwife or doctor, you can call Healthline. Healthline provides a 24 hour, 7 days a week, free over-the-phone health service you can call for trusted health advice, information and treatment from professional healthcare providers.

Call Healthline: 0800 611 116external link

You can get the emergency contraceptive pill over the counter at most pharmacies or from your usual GP or healthcare provider. If you are 22 or under, you can get it free from a Sexual Wellbeing Aoteroa clinic. It is is most effective if you take it within 24 hours after unprotected sex, but it can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 3 days after.

Find a pharmacy that provides the emergency contraceptive pill — Healthpointexternal link

Find a clinic — Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoaexternal link

If you are thinking about having an abortion, DECIDE has the information you need about abortion services, abortion care, and how to find a provider near you. 

DECIDEexternal link

Call Healthline for free

Healthline is a free service you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will speak with trained health professionals who can give trusted advice, information, or help you decide what to do next.

Call Healthline: 0800 611 116

National Poisons Centre helpline

Call 0800 764 766 (0800 POISON) for free, 24/7 advice about:  

• medicines
• chemicals
• bites and stings
• plants and fungi. 

Call: 0800 764 766

Go to a pharmacy

Some rural pharmacies can offer a wide range of services — not just dispensing medicine. They may also help with:

• minor infections (like bladder or eye infections)
• coughs, colds, and sore throats
• cuts, grazes, or minor burns
• mole removals and minor procedures
• emergency contraception.

Many pharmacies can also give immunisations and offer over-the-counter advice with no appointment needed. 

Find your nearest pharmacy — Healthpointexternal link

Ka Ora Telecare for rural communities

Ka Ora Telecare is a free after-hours video and phone health service for those who live in or are visiting a rural location. It is free to speak to a nurse, and all appointments are free for tamariki under 14 years old. 

Online GP Care

If you cannot wait to see your usual healthcare provider (such as you GP) or you do not have one, you can book a same-day video or phone appointment with an online doctor.

They can prescribe medicine and send prescriptions to your local pharmacy.

Online GP Care

Rural Support Trust

Rural Support Trust (RST) are a nationwide network, run by local people, to help farming families and rural communities. Talk with someone who understands rural life and can provide support, advice, or practical help.

Call: 0800 787 254

Rural Support Trustexternal link

1737 — Need to talk?

Call or text 1737 any time, day or night, to talk with a trained counsellor. It is free and confidential.

Call or text: 1737