If you are granted a visa outside New Zealand, your visa will give you permission to travel to New Zealand in accordance with the conditions of the visa (if any); and apply for entry permission.

If you are granted a visa in New Zealand, you have permission to stay in New Zealand in accordance with the conditions of your visa.

If you wish to visit New Zealand and are from a visa-waiver country, you’ll only need to apply for a visa on arrival, at the same time as you apply for entry permission.

Entry Permission
If you are a visa holder or from a visa-waiver country you apply for entry permission by completing the required passenger arrival card.  If you are granted entry permission, you will also be granted a visa.  You may stay in New Zealand in accordance with the conditions of your visa.