Important steps upon landing in New Zealand (IRD, bank, phone…)

Being an island, New Zealand is very strict when it comes to products that may contaminate or disturb the local ecosystem. Biosecurity is very important to locals and governing authorities.

It is possible to bring quantities of certain items, but they must adhere to guidelines and be declared upon arrival.

Cigarettes and tobacco

It is authorized to bring cigarettes and tobacco into New Zealand, and under the following quantities they are not assessed duties:

• 50 cigarettes (two and a half packs)
• OR 50 grams of tobacco
• OR 50 grams of cigars
• OR 50 grams of a combination of the above

Official source

Regardless of the quantity brought, it must be declared.

Note that cannabis is not permitted in New Zealand. If the authorities find any traveller to be in possession of drugs or products related to drugs (e.g., bong, herb grinder), he or she may be directly sent back to their city of origin. This has already happened before to a traveller from France.

Alcohol

It is authorized to bring alcohol into New Zealand. However, like tobacco, there are duties assessed when a certain quantity is exceeded. The limits are defined as:

• 4.5 litres of wine OR 4.5 litres of beer
• AND 3 bottles (or other containers) of spirits or liqueur (each bottle or container can hold a maximum of 1.125 litres)

Official source

Bringing cash

There is no legal limit to how much cash you can bring into New Zealand. However, if you have more than NZ$10,000 (or the equivalent in another currency) in cash or money order, you must declare it.

In general, we do not advise anyone to travel with so much cash. Consider instead taking just a few hundred dollars and your bank card. Then once you arrive, you can initiate a money transfer. Via pvtistes.net, you can take advantage of a first money transfer free of charge with Wise.

Food

Some food products are strictly unauthorized. This includes water, honey, eggs of any bird, fruits, vegetables, shellfish, and fresh mushrooms.

According to New Zealand authorities, entering the country with any perishable product is usually forbidden. Therefore avoid taking the risk, as any such goods will likely be confiscated.

Other food products usually must pass inspection. If they are deemed safe, you will be able to take them. Those deemed otherwise will be destroyed. If it is necessary during inspection to clean a product in any way, this will be done so at the traveller’s expense.

Official source

Equipment for hiking, camping, sports, or outdoors

You may bring this type of gear and equipment but must declare them upon arrival. Ensure that they are fully cleaned beforehand. If authorities in charge of biosecurity are not convinced of their cleanliness, you will be billed for their clearing procedures.

Tip: Carry or pack these items where they are accessible, as you will be asked by the agent to show them.

Travelling with animals and pets

Certain animals are not permitted in New Zealand. You may not bring birds, reptiles, snakes, ferrets, rabbits, mice, or rats. There are no exceptions, regardless of whether the animal is your pet or not.

It is possible to bring one’s dog (certain breeds such as the pit bull are excluded) or cat, but it is not a simple procedure.

Canada, Germany, the UK, the US, and Ireland (among many others) are all classified as category 3 countries, where rabies is absent or well controlled. As a result, you can bring your pet on the condition that:

• You have an import permit for your pet.
• Your pet proceeds directly to a transitional facility for a minimum of 10 days.
• The pet has undergone pre-inspection before arrival.

The animal must also have a microchip and be vaccinated against rabies (with proof from a veterinarian that it does not have rabies) no more than 6 months before arrival in New Zealand.

The following document will help you confirm to New Zealand’s regulations relating to animals:
Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs. You will need to give this document to a vet in your home country so that he or she may complete all the steps.

Also check that your intended airline is able to accommodate animals, and if there are any supplementary travel fees.