New Zealand duty free

The following items may be imported into New Zealand by persons of 17 years of age and over without incurring customs duty:

• 50 cigarettes or 50g of tobacco or cigars or a mixture of all three weighing no more than 50g.
• 4.5L of wine or beer.
• 3 bottles of 1.125L of spirits or liqueurs.
• Other goods to the value of NZ$700.

Please note: On arrival, all visitors are required to complete a Passenger Arrival Card before passing through customs or passport control. These cards are usually given out during in-bound flights but are also available in the arrivals area of the airport. An online declaration form is available for passengers arriving at Christchurch Airport and at Wellington Airport. It will also be available at Auckland Airport later in August 2023.

Prohibited Imports

Because of the importance of agriculture and horticulture to the New Zealand economy, it is illegal to import most foodstuffs (meat, meat products, honey, fruit and dairy). Customs and agricultural officers view any breach of the laws extremely seriously and travellers are fined on the spot. Take care when importing wood products, such as golf clubs, shoes and items made from animal skin and feathers. For further information, contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate. 

The import of the following items is also prohibited: drugs, counterfeit goods, firearms and weapons (unless a special permit is obtained from the New Zealand police), ivory in any form, tortoise or turtle shell jewellery and ornaments, medicines using musk, rhinoceros or tiger derivatives, carvings or anything made from whalebone or bone from any other marine animals, cat skins or coats, and certain drugs (eg diuretics, depressants, stimulants, heart drugs, tranquillisers, sleeping pills) unless covered by a doctor's prescription. The New Zealand Customs Service website (www.customs.govt.nz) contains comprehensive advice for travellers and details all restricted items. There are heavy fines in place for those caught breaking these rules.

Prohibited Exports

There are export restrictions on firearms and ammunition, drugs, wildlife, plantlife, antiquities and works of art.