New Zealand customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

New Zealand enforces some of the world's strictest biosecurity. Declare all risk goods—food, wooden items, outdoor gear—or face an instant NZ$400 fine. Sniffer dogs and x-ray screening apply to all travellers, including residents.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1L of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2L of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Must be 18+. Duty-free value included in the NZ$700 general goods allowance.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
NZ$10,000 or more (approx. US$6,100) in cash or equivalent monetary instruments must be declared on the Passenger Arrival Card. Failure to declare risks seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$700
NZ$700 (approx. US$430) duty-free for goods (including gifts and souvenirs) bought overseas or duty-free. Above this, GST (15%) and duty apply on the total value, not just the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia
  • Weapons including flick knives, pepper spray, and firearms without a permit
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell, rhino horn) without CITES permit
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, and raw meat
  • Honey and bee products (unless commercially packaged and declared)
  • Pirated goods and counterfeit items

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription and controlled medicines (require approval or prescription)
  • Firearms and air guns (require police permit and import licence)
  • Plants, seeds, and soil (require biosecurity clearance)
  • Drones and radio transmitters (may require aviation authority approval)
  • Satellite phones and GPS jammers (require spectrum management approval)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Complete a New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card (paper or digital). Use the Green channel if you have nothing to declare; use the Red channel if you have goods over the allowance, cash to declare, or any risk goods (food, plants, animal products, outdoor gear). Biosecurity officers may screen all luggage regardless of channel.

Bringing medication

Prescription medicines for personal use (up to 3 months' supply) are allowed without a permit if carried in original packaging with a doctor's prescription or letter. Controlled drugs (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds) require prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Some common overseas medicines (e.g., pseudoephedrine) are restricted or banned.

Food, plants & animal products

Declare ALL food, plants, seeds, wooden items, animal products, and outdoor equipment. Banned items include fresh fruit, honey, raw meat, and most dairy. Biosecurity fines start at NZ$400. Even a single apple can trigger a fine.

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity is king

New Zealand has no rabies, many pests, and a fragile ecosystem. Declare any risk goods — including hiking boots, camping gear, and used bicycles — or face an instant NZ$400 infringement fine. Sniffer dogs patrol baggage halls.

GST-free shopping for tourists

New Zealand does not offer a tourist VAT refund. Goods bought here are GST-inclusive (15%) and cannot be reclaimed on departure.

Duty-free goods included in general allowance

Alcohol, tobacco, and gifts all fall under the single NZ$700 duty-free goods allowance. If you bring NZ$400 of gifts and NZ$400 of alcohol, you exceed the allowance and pay duty/GST on the total NZ$800.

Cash declaration is mandatory

Any person carrying NZ$10,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency) must declare it on the Passenger Arrival Card. This includes traveller's cheques, money orders, and bearer bonds.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Tents, hiking boots, fishing gear, and any used outdoor equipment must be declared for biosecurity inspection. They will be checked for soil, seeds, and pests. Failure to declare risks a NZ$400 fine.
Codeine is a controlled drug in New Zealand. You may bring up to 3 months' supply with a doctor's prescription or letter. For larger quantities or other controlled substances (e.g., morphine, Ritalin), you must apply to the Ministry of Health for a permit before travel.
If you stay airside and do not pass through passport control, you generally do not need to clear biosecurity. However, if you collect baggage or leave the transit area, you must declare risk goods. Check with your airline for transit-specific rules.
Declaring a prohibited item (e.g., fresh fruit) will not result in a fine — the item will be seized and destroyed. If you do not declare it and it is found, you face an instant NZ$400 infringement fine or prosecution.
Yes, but you must declare all food items. Commercially packaged and labelled foods (e.g., gluten-free pasta, protein bars) are usually allowed after inspection. Homemade or fresh foods are high-risk and may be seized.
Your duty-free allowance is NZ$700. You pay GST (15%) and any applicable duty on the full NZ$800 value, not just the excess. For most gifts, the duty is minimal, but GST alone is NZ$120.
No, personal electronics for your own use do not need to be declared and are not counted in the NZ$700 goods allowance. However, if you are bringing multiple new items that look like commercial stock, you may be asked to prove they are for personal use.

Official source

New Zealand Customs Service

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with New Zealand Customs Service before travelling.