New Zealand Customs and Ministry of Primary Industries/Border Clearance (MPI) will need to see, or have you complete the following:
- Ship Registration Documents • Clearance from the previous port
- Customs Inwards Report
- Passenger Arrival Card (one per person)
- Valid Passport for each person on board
- Border Cash Report Form
- Temporary Import Entry
- MPI BNZ Master’s Declaration
Customs Requirement Temporary Entry of Vessels
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 6-8 months. The Master will be required to sign a declaration agreeing to the re-export of the vessel within 6-8 months from the date of arrival. There is a flexibility to extend your TIE for up to and in some cases beyond 12 months depending on circumstances. Any extension must be discussed with NZ Customs prior to the expiration of the TIE 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. It could result in imprisonment and render the vessel liable to seizure.
Cash Reporting
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
- Three bottle containing not more than 1.125 litres each of spirits or liqueur
All persons travelling on the vessel will be required to complete an arrival card and combined Customs/MPI 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.