Regular testing is one of the most effective ways to prevent new HIV and STI transmissions in Aotearoa.
Most new HIV transmissions happen when people are unaware of their status and are not on treatment. Many STIs also have no symptoms, making regular testing essential. Testing should be part of your regular sexual health schedule, not just something you do when something hurts or symptoms pop up.
On this page you'll find resources on where to test in person and online, what the different STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are that we test for and what a diagnosis means.
Use our Get Tested tool to see what the best local options are for you.
In-person peer testing: Confidential, but requires visiting a clinic.
Self-testing (online): Confidential and can be done in privacy at home. Test kit sent in discreet packaging.
How convenient is it?
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In-person peer testing: Requires an appointment or walk-in visit.
Self-testing (online): No need to travel, can be done at any time.
How fast are the results?
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In-person peer testing: Your appointment takes about 30 minutes to complete. HIV results at time of test.
Self-testing (online): The test takes about 15 minutes to complete, and results appear immediately.
What kind of support do I get to complete the testing?
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In-person peer testing: On-site support from trained staff to complete the test and swabs.
Self-testing (online): Step-by-step instruction booklets and videos are included to guide you.
Can I get sexual health advice?
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In-person peer testing: You can speak with your peer tester about all sexual health or prevention concerns.
Self-testing (online): Support available via email or phone.
What kind of test is it?
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In-person peer testing: Full HIV and STI testing.
Self-testing (online): Full HIV and STI testing.
How much does it cost?
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In-person peer testing: Free HIV and STI for all high-risk LGBTQIA+ clients. This is provided in partnership with the regional sexual health clinic.
Self-testing (online): HIV testing is free for all high-risk LGBTQIA+.
How accurate is the test?
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In-person peer testing: HIV + Syphilis: INSTI blood test. >99% accurate. Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing are completed at the Regional Sexual Health laboratory.
Self-testing (online): HIV: The Oraquick Saliva test and the INSTI finger prick test are both >99% accurate. Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing are completed through Awanui labs.
What about follow-up care?
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In-person peer testing: Immediate linkage to care if needed.
Self-testing (online): If you advise us of your result we will provide connection to care and support.
In-person Peer Testing
If you’re in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, you can access free testing at one of our community centres if you are at elevated risk of acquiring HIV. While all LGBTQIA+ people are eligible to access our services at no cost, testing is offered based on your sexual activity and behaviours. We welcome all clients, regardless of visa or immigration status.
If your test result is positive for HIV or an STI, we will provide immediate support and guide you through the next steps, including confirmatory testing and access to treatment.
Note: These options do not include treatment. If you’re worried you may have an STI, it’s best you contact your nearest sexual health clinic. If there isn’t one in your area, you can also visit a GP in person or online, or Family Planning.
What to expect when coming in for a test?
Pre-Appointment Questionnaire: When you arrive, you'll be asked to complete a questionnaire. This includes your personal details, risk factors, and helps the tester understand what you need or want to discuss.
Pre-Test Discussion: One of our peer testers will take you to a private testing room. Here, they will ask about your sexual health, risk factors, and answer any questions you have about HIV and testing. You can also ask for free condoms, information on PrEP, or sexual health advice. They will explain window periods and the detection limits of the test.
The Test Itself: The test is quick and takes only a few minutes. It is a rapid finger-prick blood test for HIV and syphilis, plus a swab or urine samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Receiving Results: Rapid tests provide results within minutes. Your peer tester will share your result with you straight away.
Post-Test Support: If your result is negative, you'll receive information on prevention and can sign up for a reminder to test again in a few months. If positive, the clinic will discuss the next steps, including confirmatory testing, treatment options, and support services.
When might Peer-Testing not be the right option?
If you have symptoms or a sexual partner has told you, they have an STI. Instead you need to see a medical clinician like your GP or a sexual health Clinic.
If you’ve had a recent exposure (past 72 hours), go see a Dr and consider PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
If you want to get on PrEP at the same time. PrEP is available via prescription, you need to see a clinician for this.
If you have a busy schedule and cant make an appointment slot, an online test via the mail will be better.
Te Toka Office (Christchurch) 275 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central 8011
Walk-in (dependent on staff availability – booked clients will be seen first)
Mon: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Tue: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Wed: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Thu: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Fri, Sat, Sun: Closed
Te Whare Kahukura (Lower Hutt, Wellington) 2/330 High Street, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 5010
Every second Thursday of the month: 10am – 2pm
Awhina Centre – Walk-in Testing (Wellington) 220 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Booked and walk-in clinic
Walk-ins available (dependent on staff availability – booked clients will be seen first)
Tue: 3:30pm – 5pm
Wed: 11:30am – 7pm
Fri: 9:30am – 4pm
Sat, Sun: Closed
Note: You may want to call in advance, in case there are any unforeseen changes to the usual schedule.
HIV Self-Testing Online
If getting tested at one of our centers is not convenient, or if you’d rather something more confidential you can order one of our self-test kits online.
HIV kits are FREE to all high risk LGBTQIA+ clients
STI kits are available for purchase when ordering an HIV test
Our online tests are sent out via courier anywhere in Aotearoa.
Order a Test Kit – You request a test online and it is shipped to your address in discreet packaging.
Collect Your Sample – Depending on the test you choose prick your finger for a blood sample or swab your gums following the provided instructions.
Complete the test – In each kit you will receive written instructions and links to videos on how to do the test.
Read your Results – Tests take up to 15 minutes and are then read. This is similar to a covid or pregnancy test.
Report your result - After completing the test, you can log your result in our online portal. Here, you'll also find information on support and next steps.
Which HIV self-test Kit is right for me?
You can choose between 2 test devices when making your order.
OraQuick: An Oral HIV test (tests your spit) which takes about 15 minutes
INSTIFinger Prick : A blood-based finger prick test that takes less than 3 minutes
These devices are both FDA approved options and give an equally accurate result. The only differences are blood vs saliva testing and how long the test takes to do.
No matter which self-test you choose all our tests are Delivered in discreet packaging and include simple instructions on how to do each test.
How does the test work?
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Fnger prick: Prick your finger with the lancet and mix a drop of your blood from your finger into a chemical solution. This liquid is them placed onto the test device and reacts with chemicals in the filter membrane. The result is shown as dots on the device.
Oral self-test: You swipe the test device across your gums and then place it to develop in a solution. It takes 15 minutes and then shows the results using lines, like a covid or pregnancy test.
Oral self-test: Watch the instructional video here.
Where can I see full instructions?
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Finger prick: Written instructions are included in the pack. You can also see a PDF version here.
Oral self-test: Written instructions are included in the pack. You can also see a PDF version here.
How long does the test take?
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Finger prick: It should take less than 3 minutes to complete this test.
Oral self-test: It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
How accurate is the test?
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Finger prick:
Sensitivity: > 99% Specificity: > 99%
Oral self-test:
Sensitivity: > 99% Specificity: > 99%
Sensitivity is the ability to detect HIV in a person who is positive. This is the likelihood of a false negative. Specificity is the accuracy of the test. So, the chance of a false positive.
How long after infection will the test detect HIV?
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Finger prick: 12 weeks.
Oral self-test: 12 weeks.
If you think you have been exposed, talk to your doctor immediately about PEP or lab testing.
Which test is better for me?
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Finger prick: You may prefer this test if...
You don’t mind pricking your finger and seeing blood
You want a faster test
You’ve used this test before and are comfortable with it already
This test isn’t right for you if...
You have poor circulation and have struggled with giving blood in the past
You have sensitive fingers, hand dexterity or blood clotting issues
Oral self-test: You may like this test if...
You don’t like blood, or it makes you nervous
You want a painless test or have sensitive fingers
You have poor circulation and struggle to get a blood sample
You’ve used this test before and are comfortable with it already
You can order or test kits via Grindr, at community events or in a vending machine.
If you prefer to see a doctor your local GP, community health center, or sexual health clinic can arrange testing which may involve going to a lab after a referral.
This is a very common question – and to be honest, there isn’t one answer to suit everyone as it really depends on how you’re having sex and how often.
To make things easier, we’ve developed an online tool that will give you an indication of recommended frequency based on your current circumstances.
A ‘window period’ is the period of time when HIV or another STI may be present in your system but not detectable by certain tests.
The length of the window period differs, depending on the virus or bacterial infection in question, and it may vary from person to person as everyone responds differently to HIV and other STIs. However, here is some guidance:
Symptoms of HIV and STIs vary. Itchiness, pain, bleeding, sores, and discharge around your genitals are common for STIs, whereas for HIV it can feel more like a flu.
It’s common for symptoms to not appear at all, or in the case of HIV, it can take years for symptoms to develop. That’s why it’s so important that you test regularly.
If you’re currently experiencing any symptoms, it’s best not to have sex until you’ve done your test and know your status.
Mpox:
Mpox is not technically an STI, however it behaves a lot like one. Unfortunately, mpox isn’t included in standard STI screenings, however you can find out more about mpox and how to treat and prevent it here.
Confidentiality
Anything you share with HIV and STI testers, or our organisation as a whole, is completely confidential; you don’t even need to tell us your real name! The only time we need to use a real name is if you are being referred on to a Sexual Health Service or specialist – and you would be asked permission to do so if this happens.
The first thing to remember is that it’s ok – it happens and is way more common that you think! Putting any judgment on yourself, or anyone you think might have given it to you, really won’t do you any good. The good news is that all common STIs in Aotearoa are easy to treat, so the earlier you know, the better prepared you can be.
If you’re with a peer tester, they will give you all the information about what to do and how to deal with the situation, including treatment.
If you’re taking a HIV self-test, the test instructions will tell you what to do in this instance. If you have completed testing for syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhoea (through Sexual Health 101 self-tests) you will be contacted if you have returned a reactive/positive result with instructions for next steps
In both cases, it’s important for you to let your recent sexual partners know (anyone within the last 3 months, to be safe), so they can also get tested. This can be a stressful process – we’ve developed an STI notification generator that you can use if you’re stuck finding the right words.
Everyone responds to a positive HIV test result in their own way - there is no right or wrong way to handle the news. The first thing that will happen is you will be referred on to specialist care who will run a test to confirm your result and give you your diagnosis.
It’s important to take a deep breath and remember these things that might help in this moment:
You are not going to die. In Aotearoa, you can be connected to free treatment as soon as possible – likely the same day (even if you’re not eligible for funded healthcare).
Today’s treatments mean that HIV is a manageable condition, and your life expectancy likely remains the same.
Starting HIV treatment as early as possible increases your chances of getting the most health benefits from your medication.
Most people on effective treatment get to what is called an undetectable viral load – which means that there is zero risk of passing on HIV.
There is plenty of support available to help you understand a positive result, answer any questions you have, as well as help you to navigate the health system. We are here to support you.
Prevention
If you’ve already explored our website, you’ll know that there are several ways that you can protect yourself from HIV and other STIs, all of which are even more effective when done in combination with another form of prevention. Your options are:
Condoms and lube: Condoms and lube are the most effective way to protect yourself from acquiring both HIV and STIs. Condoms provide a physical barrier that viruses and bacteria can't pass through. When used consistently and correctly, condoms are extremely reliable. Make sure you use lots of lube for anal sex – it’s absolutely essential for having a good time! We’ll send you as many free condoms are you need.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): This is a daily pill that is an extremely effective HIV prevention method. However, it doesn’t prevent any other STIs, like syphilis or gonorrhoea - so it’s a good idea to keep condoms in the mix to protect from these.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): This functions much like the morning-after pill, but for HIV. It’s a month-long course of medication you can take, starting within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure. While this shouldn’t be relied upon, it’s a very useful tool for emergency situations.
U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable): An undetectable viral load is when the amount of HIV in a person’s blood (their viral load) is no longer able to be detected by a standard viral load test for HIV. People living with HIV who are on antiretroviral treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load for at least six months cannot sexually transmit HIV, and the vast majority attain this.
DoxyPEP (doxycycline): This is a new tool to prevent syphilis and chlamydia (though importantly, not gonorrhoea). It involves taking 2 pills (or 200mg) of doxycycline within 72 hours after sexual activity, and has shown to reduce the chances of acquiring syphilis by 70-80% and chlamydia by 70-90%.
Featured FAQs
How long does an HIV test take and when can I get the test results? I had sex without a condom a few weeks ago and I'm really worried.
Or you can order a self-test and get your results at home in 20 minutes.
Keep in mind evidence of HIV can be detected by some tests as early as 2 weeks after exposure, but it may take up to 3 months. Everyone responds differently to the virus.
Is an HIV test done through a GP 100% accurate? What kind of test are they?
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GPs send people off to a lab and blood is taken there. People then have to wait a few days for results, but these tests are 100% accurate.
Our rapid HIV tests are 100% sensitive to HIV, they are FDA approved and 98.9% specific to antibodies, and you will get your result in a few minutes.
I don't want anyone to find out I'm testing for HIV & STIs
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If you test at a NZAF clinic anything you share is completely confidential. You don’t even need to tell us your real name. You can also order a self-test which will arrive in discreet packaging so you can test privately.
I’m afraid of the results of a HIV test
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We promise you, it’s better to know. If the result is positive, your life isn’t over. You will be connected to care and support and can live your life with the same dreams and goals. You’ll also likely get to an undetectable viral load and then HIV won’t be transmitted through sex – even without condoms.
Why should I test?
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Testing is one of the most important things you can do to help end HIV transmissions in New Zealand. Most new HIV transmissions occur when people don’t know they are living with HIV and aren’t on treatment.
I don’t have any symptoms, do I really need to test for HIV & STIs?
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Testing should be a part of a regular sexual-health schedule, not just something you do when things hurt or pustules pop up. Not having any symptoms is pretty common with HIV and a lot of other STIs – you should still be testing regularly.
What are the signs/symptoms of having HIV?
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Not everyone who gets HIV will experience any short-term symptoms. So, symptoms or not, it's important to test twice a year - or more often if you haven't been playing safe. In some people, symptoms may occur from two to four weeks after HIV infection and may include flu-like symptoms that are easily confused with other infections, such as fatigue, fever, night sweats, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headache, loss of appetite or skin rash. These symptoms usually last less than two weeks although they can last as long as 10 weeks. If you‘ve recently had unprotected anal sex and experience any of these symptoms, you should have an HIV test with NZAF, your emergency room, GP or sexual health service.
Also, keep in mind that not all doctors will recognise the symptoms of HIV. If you see a doctor because you have one of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to explain that you feel at risk of HIV and ask to be tested, even if they don't suggest it. Don't assume you will be tested for HIV just because they take your blood. Ask to be sent a copy of the results.
