Customs and biosecurity are separate checks with separate rules. Biosecurity is about what could harm New Zealand's environment; customs is about duty, GST and prohibited goods. You can clear one and be stopped by the other.
Goods you bought overseas
You must declare goods totalling more than NZD $700 that you obtained overseas or bought duty-free, gifts included. Travelling companions cannot pool their allowances into one larger figure.
Alcohol and tobacco
- You must be 17 or over to claim the alcohol and tobacco concessions
- Alcohol: more than 3 bottles of spirits (each up to 1.125 litres) and 4.5 litres of wine or beer must be declared
- Tobacco: more than 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of tobacco products must be declared
Cash
Carrying NZD $10,000 or more — or the equivalent in another currency — has to be declared. This includes travellers cheques, bank drafts and money orders, not only banknotes. Declaring it is not a problem; failing to is.
What it costs to get this wrong
A false or incorrect declaration carries an instant fine of NZD $400, the same figure that applies to undeclared biosecurity risk goods.
Source: New Zealand Customs Service — On your arrival
Duty-free purchased on your way into New Zealand still counts towards the goods allowance. Buying it airside does not exempt it.
More on the NZeTA
Bringing medicines
You may bring up to 3 months' supply of prescription medicine, or 1 month of a controlled drug. Both need paperwork and must be declared.
Transit through Auckland
Most passengers transiting through Auckland need an NZeTA even though they never leave the airport. This is the single most missed requirement for New Zealand.
Cruise passengers
The visa-waiver list does not apply to cruise arrivals. Every cruise passenger needs an NZeTA, including nationalities that would otherwise need a visa.
If you are declined
A declined NZeTA is not the end of the trip, but reapplying with the same details will not change the outcome. Here is what actually comes next.
Dual nationals
The NZeTA is linked to one passport, and you must travel on it. A second nationality is not a problem — showing the wrong passport at check-in is.
Children and infants
Yes. Every traveller needs an NZeTA in their own name, including infants who are travelling on a parent's lap and do not have their own seat.