Taking firearms out of New Zealand
New Zealand prohibits taking firearms out of the country without an advance export authorisation; licensed hunters and sport shooters are the main exception categories.
Details
Export of firearms from New Zealand requires advance authorisation issued before departure under Arms Act 1983; Customs and Excise Act 2018. Unlicensed firearms export is a serious criminal offence carrying substantial fines and imprisonment. Even properly licensed domestic owners require the separate export authorisation for cross-border movement, and ammunition and firearm parts (barrels, receivers) fall under the same framework. Airlines additionally require advance notice and locked-case carriage in checked baggage.
Quantity limits
Any quantity requires advance export authorisation
Documentation required
- Police-issued permit to export
- Domestic firearms licence
- Purpose-of-travel evidence (competition invitation, hunting permit)
The other direction
Bringing firearms into New Zealand(prohibited)