New Zealand customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

New Zealand's biosecurity regime is famously unforgiving: officers with detector dogs meet every international flight, and undeclared food, plant material, or animal products trigger an instant NZD 400 fine — even if the item would have been allowed. The green lane is only for travellers with nothing at all to declare.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

3.0 L

3 bottles (max 1.125L each) of spirits, liqueurs, or wine, OR 4.5L of wine, beer, or mead. Must be 18+ to import alcohol. Anything above the allowance is subject to excise duty and 15% GST.

Tobacco

50 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 50 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

NZD 10,000 (approx. USD 6,100) or foreign equivalent. Declare on the Border Cash Report form available from customs or online. If you fail to declare, you can be fined up to NZD 10,000.

Goods duty-free

$700

NZD 700 (approx. USD 430) total value for personal goods, gifts, and souvenirs. Above this, you pay 15% GST plus any applicable duty. Note: the allowance is per person, and if you pool purchases with a partner, the total must not exceed NZD 700 combined.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and illegal drugs, including cannabis (even if legal in your home country)
Fresh meat, poultry, fish, and eggs (including home-canned or vacuum-sealed)
Honey and bee products (to protect NZ's bee industry)
Live plants, seeds, bulbs, and cuttings
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
Objectionable material (e.g., child sexual abuse imagery)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Prescription medicines (up to 3 months with prescription; controlled drugs need a permit)
Pets and live animals (require import permit and quarantine)
Wooden items, carvings, and artefacts (must be declared for biosecurity inspection)
Drones (must comply with CAA rules; some areas restricted)
Satellite phones and radio transmitters (may require a licence)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers must complete a New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card (paper or digital via the NZ Traveller Declaration). If you have nothing to declare, you can use the green lane; if you have goods to declare or are unsure, use the red lane. Biosecurity officers with detector dogs meet every flight — if you are carrying food, plant material, or animal products, declare it even if you think it is allowed.

Bringing medication

You can bring up to 3 months' personal supply of prescription medicine if you have a valid prescription or doctor's letter. Controlled drugs (e.g., morphine, methadone, amphetamines) require a permit from the Ministry of Health. Some common medications like pseudoephedrine (cold remedies) are restricted. Declare all medicines on your arrival card.

Food, plants & animal products

New Zealand bans or restricts almost all fresh food, plants, seeds, honey, meat, dairy, and eggs. You must declare any food, plant, or animal product — even packaged snacks, dried fruit, or wooden items. Biosecurity officers will inspect, treat, or seize items. Undeclared risk goods attract an instant NZD 400 fine.

Rules worth knowing

Instant fine for undeclared biosecurity risk goods

If you fail to declare food, plant material, or animal products, you can be immediately fined NZD 400 (approx. USD 250). This applies even if the item is eventually allowed. Declare everything — it's not worth the risk.

No pooling of duty-free allowances

Each traveller has their own allowance. You cannot combine your allowance with a partner or child to bring in more alcohol or tobacco. If you exceed your personal allowance, you pay duty on the entire amount, not just the excess.

Strict rules on e-cigarettes and vaping

You can bring up to 50mg/mL nicotine e-liquid for personal use, but it must be declared. Vaping devices are allowed, but selling them is restricted. Check current regulations before you travel.

Cash reporting threshold

You must declare if you carry NZD 10,000 (approx. USD 6,100) or more in cash or bearer-negotiable instruments. This includes traveller's cheques and money orders. Failure to declare can lead to seizure and fines.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can bring up to 3 months' supply of prescription medicine if you have a valid prescription or a letter from your doctor. Keep it in its original packaging. For controlled drugs (e.g., morphine, Ritalin), you need a permit from the Ministry of Health before you travel. Always declare all medicines on your arrival card.

You will be fined NZD 400 on the spot. Biosecurity officers have detector dogs and x-ray machines. Even a forgotten apple in your bag can trigger a fine. If you are unsure, declare it — you won't be penalised for declaring, only for not declaring.

Yes, but you must declare it and pay duty and GST on the entire amount, not just the excess. The duty rates are high: for example, a 1L bottle of spirits over the 3-bottle allowance could cost you an extra NZD 40–50 in duty and GST. It's often cheaper to buy alcohol after arrival.

No, you only need to declare if you are carrying NZD 10,000 (approx. USD 6,100) or more in cash or equivalent. However, if you are carrying a large amount of foreign currency, it's still a good idea to declare it to avoid questions.

Yes, all wooden items must be declared for biosecurity inspection. They may be treated, fumigated, or seized if they pose a pest risk. This includes wooden bowls, carvings, and furniture. Declare them and allow extra time for inspection.

Yes, but it's a complex process. You need an import permit from the Ministry for Primary Industries, and your pet must undergo quarantine for at least 10 days upon arrival. Check the MPI website for detailed requirements well in advance.

If you fail to declare restricted medicines, you could face fines up to NZD 5,000, and in serious cases, prosecution. For controlled drugs, penalties are much higher. Always declare any medication and carry a copy of your prescription.

Official source

New Zealand Customs Service