What is the time difference between AKST and NZST?

New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) is 20 hours ahead of Alaska Standard Time (AKST). AKST uses a UTC offset of UTC-8, while NZST uses UTC+12. For example, when it's 9:00 AM in AKST, it's 5:00 AM in NZST. Note that this difference may shift by one hour during daylight saving time transitions if the two zones change on different dates. Use the conversion table above to see the exact time for each hour of the day.

How do I convert AKST to NZST?

To convert AKST to NZST, add 20 hours to the AKST time. For example, 9:00 AM AKST is 5:00 AM NZST, and 5:00 PM AKST is 1:00 PM NZST. Keep in mind that during daylight saving time transitions, the offset between these timezones may temporarily change by one hour. You can also use the interactive converter above for quick, accurate results.

What time is it in NZST when it's noon in AKST?

When it's 12:00 PM (noon) in AKST, it's 8:00 AM in NZST. This is because NZST is 20 hours ahead of AKST. Similarly, when it's 6:00 PM in AKST, it's 2:00 PM in NZST. During daylight saving time transitions, these times may shift by one hour, so always verify the current offset. The color-coded conversion table above shows every hour mapped between both timezones.

How many hours ahead is NZST from AKST?

NZST is 20 hours ahead of AKST. This means when it's 9:00 AM in AKST, it's 5:00 AM in NZST, and when it's midnight in AKST, it's 8:00 PM in NZST. The exact difference can vary by one hour during daylight saving time transitions. The conversion table above provides a complete hour-by-hour mapping.

Is NZST ahead or behind AKST?

NZST is ahead of AKST by 20 hours. Clocks in NZST show a later time than AKST, meaning the day starts earlier in NZST relative to AKST. For example, when it's morning in AKST, it's already afternoon or evening in NZST. This gap may change by one hour during DST transitions.

Does AKST observe daylight saving time?

Yes, Alaska Standard Time observes daylight saving time. During DST, the abbreviation changes to AKDT and clocks move forward by one hour, typically in spring. Clocks then fall back in autumn, returning to standard AKST time. This means the UTC offset for AKST shifts between two values depending on the season. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates that may affect your AKST to NZST conversions.

Does NZST observe daylight saving time?

Yes, New Zealand Standard Time observes daylight saving time. During DST, the abbreviation changes to NZDT and clocks move forward by one hour, typically in spring. Clocks then fall back in autumn, returning to standard NZST time. This means the UTC offset for NZST shifts between two values depending on the season. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates that may affect your AKST to NZST conversions.

What is the best time to call from AKST to NZST?

The best time for a call between AKST and NZST is during overlapping business hours (9 AM – 5 PM) in both timezones. To reach someone in NZST during their work day, call between 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM your AKST time. Avoid calling too early or late, as the 20 hours difference means your evening could be their late night. Check the color-coded conversion table above — green hours indicate business hours in both zones, making it easy to find the ideal time.

When does daylight saving time change in AKST?

Daylight saving time transitions vary by year and region. Alaska Standard Time observes DST, which typically shifts clocks forward by one hour in spring ("spring forward") and back in fall ("fall back"). During these transition periods, the time difference between AKST and NZST may temporarily change by one hour, which can cause confusion for scheduled meetings or calls. It's important to double-check your conversions around transition dates, especially if the two timezones switch on different dates. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates in the current year.

Do AKST and NZST ever have the same time?

No, AKST and NZST are always 20 hours apart and never display the same clock time simultaneously. Both timezones observe DST and typically transition around the same period, so the standard difference remains consistent throughout the year. The 20 hours offset is determined by their fixed positions relative to the Prime Meridian (UTC). You can always rely on this consistent difference when planning across these timezones.

AKST to NZST Converter

Convert Alaska Standard Time to New Zealand Standard Time. See the hour-by-hour conversion table below.

Timezone Details

Alaska Standard Time

5:32 PM

Monday, June 8, 2026

AKDT (UTC-08:00)

New Zealand Standard Time

1:32 PM

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

NZST (UTC+12:00)

Difference: +20 hours

AKDT DST: Yes (AKDT)

NZST DST: Yes (NZDT)

24-Hour Overview

AKDT — 24-hour overview

12a12a

3a3a

6a6a

9a9a

10a

11a

12p12p

3p3p

6p6p

9p9p

10p

11p

NightMorningBusinessEvening

NZST — 24-hour overview

8p8p

10p

11p11p

12a

2a2a

5a5a

8a8a

10a

11a11a

12p

2p2p

5p5p

NightMorningBusinessEvening

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conversions

NZST to AKST

Cities in These Timezones

AKST Cities

Anchorage

NZST Cities

Auckland Christchurch Wellington

More Tools

Compare AKST & NZST Plan a Meeting (AKST & NZST)See on Map

Learn More

How Time Zones Work Understanding DST Timezone Abbreviations

External Resources

Alaska Standard Time on Wikipedia New Zealand Standard Time on Wikipedia IANA Time Zone Database