Customs Requirements

Vessels owned and operated by bona fide visitors will not be subject to Customs charges (Duty) on arrival. Your vessel will be entered on a “Temporary Import Entry (TIE) in which Customs charges are deferred for 12 months. The Master will be required to sign a declaration agreeing to the re-export of the vessel within 12 months from the date of arrival. Any extension of the 12-month period must be discussed with New Zealand Customs prior to the expiration of the period - failure to do so may result in Customs charges being levied.

Firearms

The importation of firearms is strictly controlled in New Zealand. All firearms must be declared and will normally be taken ashore for storage by the New Zealand Police. If there is an onboard safe for firearms, the Master should show it to the Police who can determine whether or not it satisfies New Zealand law.

Drugs

The importation of drugs into New Zealand is strictly prohibited and could result in imprisonment and render the vessel liable to seizure.

Every person who arrives or departs New Zealand and has in his or her possession cash in excess of $10,000 in any denomination will be required to complete a Border Cash Report.
Declared cash means coin or paper money but does not include travellers cheques or other monetary instruments.

Tobacco and Alcohol / Personal Entitlement

Tobacco and alcohol stores carried on board in excess of allowances may be liable to customs charges.

The following is a guide to personal allowances:
Per person (aged 17 years and over):

• 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars or a mixture of all three weighing not more than 250 grams
• 4.5 litres of wine or 4.5 litres of beer
• One bottle containing not more than 1.125 litres of spirits or liqueur

All persons travelling on the vessel will be required to complete an arrival card and combined Customs/MAF declaration form. Goods purchased or acquired overseas which will not be taken from new Zealand and exceed NZ $700 in total value are required to be declared.

Immigration Documentation

Immigration is handled by New Zealand Customs.
Three month visas will be granted to the citizens of most countries, while British subjects will usually receive 6 month visas. Visas are normally renewable through the Ministry of Immigration. Anyone leaving the vessel in New Zealand may be required to show an onward ticket.