Firearms Permits for Hunting in New Zealand
Can You Bring a Rifle to New Zealand for Hunting?
Yes—international hunters can bring firearms into New Zealand, but you must apply for a visitor firearms permit before arrival. This must be applied for a minimum of FOUR MONTHS before your trip. If you’re planning a DIY hunting trip to New Zealand and bringing your own rifle, you must go through the firearms permit process correctly. The process is straightforward—but only if you understand the steps ahead of time. This guide breaks down exactly how to get a New Zealand visitor firearms licence, import your rifle legally, and avoid problems at the airport.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a New Zealand Visitor Firearms Licence
Step 1: Apply Online Before Your Trip
-
You should apply at least 4 months before arrival to allow processing time.
-
You will apply through New Zealand Police.
-
Start with this link
Step 2: Provide Required Information
-
You must submit:
-
Passport details
-
Your home country firearms license
-
Purpose of visit (hunting)
-
Firearm details:
-
Make
-
Model
-
Caliber
-
Serial number
-
You must also declare all firearm parts and ammunition.
Step 3: Pass the Safety Requirement
-
You must complete a theory test based on the New Zealand Firearms Safety Code.
-
This ensures you understand NZ firearm laws and safety expectations.
Step 4: Meet Eligibility Requirements
-
To be approved, you must:
-
Be 16+ years old
-
Hold a valid firearms license in your home country
-
Be considered a “fit and proper person”
-
Have safe storage arranged in New Zealand (Your will rifles will need to be in locked cases side when not being used for hunting or stored with someone in New Zealand who possesses a Firearms License)
-
In order to apply for a Firearms permit you will need to put down an address where you will store the Firearm while it is not being used.
-
An address for a vacation rental, hotel, or hostel that you will stay at upon arrival and before departure can be used on the application.
-
Elite Plans include luggage and firearm storage if needed just let us know ahead of time and we can assist with that part of the application.
Step 5: Receive Approval Before Travel
-
Once approved, your application links your import permit and visitor license together.
Step 6: Declare Firearms on Arrival
-
At the airport:
-
Declare firearms to Customs
-
Police will inspect:
-
your passport
-
your firearm license
-
your rifle and serial numbers
-
They verify everything matches your permit.
Step 7: Get Your License Issued at the Airport
-
A New Zealand Police officer will issue your visitor firearms license upon arrival.
Cost of a New Zealand Visitor Firearms License
-
Visitor firearms license costs: NZD $25
-
Paid upon arrival (cash recommended in many cases)
How Long Does a New Zealand Visitor Firearms License Last?
A New Zealand visitor firearms license is typically valid for the duration of your trip, up to a maximum of 12 months. Most hunters will receive a license that matches their planned stay and is issued when they arrive in New Zealand. If you plan to return to New Zealand regularly, it may be possible to apply for a full New Zealand firearms license, which can be valid for several years—but this involves a more detailed application process and is not required for most visiting hunters.
What Firearms Can You Bring to New Zealand?
New Zealand allows bolt-action hunting rifles and shotguns. They do not allow AR rifles or pistols. Certain styles of firearms may require additional approvals. Standard hunting rifles are the most common and straightforward.
Traveling With Your Rifle (What to Expect at the Airport)
Firearms will need to be in locked hard sided cases and check in as checked luggage. When you arrive at the airport you need to declare or tell agent who is checking your bags in that you have a firearm in the case. They will ask to see your New Zealand firearms permit. Then they will direct to a lower traffic part of the airport where they will ask you to open the case and inspect your firearm. When you land, you’ll be directed to Customs inspection. Firearms must be declared to the agent when you go through customs. You should have your Firearms permit and other paperwork ready. Police will verify serial numbers against permits. You may be asked to open your case. This process is normal and usually straightforward if paperwork is correct. The process also includes an inspection of all of your gear. They will be screening for species that are not native to New Zealand. Things like grass seeds in you clothing, tents and sleeping bags and dirt in the thread on your hunting boots (specifically!) need to be cleaned prior to going to New Zealand. These things will cause you to be delayed at customs. Otherwise, a general understanding of the specific rules of traveling with firearms is recommend.
Firearm Storage Requirements in New Zealand
Once you arrive in New Zealand you must have secure storage arranged during your stay. You must keep firearms locked in the case while transporting and while you are not using them. Outside from hunting you must keep firearms in a locked and secure location at all times.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Applying too late (processing delays are common)
-
Not listing all firearm parts (i.e. suppressors)
-
Incorrect serial numbers
-
Not declaring firearms at Customs
-
Assuming U.S. rules apply
What Happens If You Don’t Get a License?
(BOWHUNTING)
Without a visitor firearms license, you can only use a firearm under direct supervision of a licensed NZ firearms holder.
If you want to avoid the hassles of dealing with firearm permitting you can go Bowhunting.
You do not need any specific permitting to travel with a bow and arrow to New Zealand.
You simply pick a date for a hunt, put your bow in a hard sided case, lock it, and check it in as luggage at the airport. (Counts as 1 checked bag)
The bow and arrows qualify as sporting equipment and it is totally legal to travel with.
You may have to declare what is in the case at the airport but NO PAPERWORK REQUIRED!