The new version of the New Zealand passport, which features a silver fern down one side of its black cover, is expected to be available from June next year.
It is the first cover design change since 1992 and will replaces the current blue cover featuring a coat of arms.
Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker said the current design was very similar to other countries' passports, but the new design was instantly recognisable as being from New Zealand.
"I'm pleased to see we have a passport that's strikingly New Zealand, is unmistakable and if ever left in a pool of all the other passports in the world, you would pick it instantly."
The new passport will also have 50 separate security features, making it one of the most technologically advanced in the world.
