The first official mention of contacts between Russia and New Zealand dates back to 1914, when an honorary vice-consul of Russia was appointed in Wellington, which was then a British overseas possession, reporting to the Consul General in Melbourne. However, Russians became acquainted with New Zealand as early as the 19th century.

Today, New Zealand is a country of immigrants. During the development of bilateral relations, it welcomed many settlers from Russia. Currently, there are over 15,000 Russians living in New Zealand, who make a significant contribution to the country's social life and maintain connections between their new and old homes.

The only official representation of Russia in New Zealand is located in Wellington at 57 Messines Road, Karori. Since 2018, Georgy Viktorovich Zuev has been the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Russian Federation to New Zealand, as well as to the Independent State of Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga.