Firearms and Licensing

Bringing Firearms into New Zealand 

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand and intend to bring your own firearms or ammunition, the following guide outlines the key requirements to ensure you meet local laws and stay safe while travelling.

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Carrying Firearms in New Zealand

Anyone wishing to possess or use a firearm or ammunition while in New Zealand must have either:

• A valid New Zealand Visitor Firearms Licence or New Zealand Firearms Licence

or

• Official Law Enforcement identification

and

• A current Import Permit for the firearm(s) and ammunition.

Firearms use in New Zealand is regulated under the Arms Act 1983, which focuses on safe, responsible, and lawful handling of firearms.

Potential offences under this legislation include:

• Using a firearm, airgun, pistol, or restricted weapon carelessly

• Firing a firearm or restricted weapon in or near a home or public area in a way that could cause harm, damage, fear, or nuisance

• Carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle on a public road or any place where the public has legal access

New Zealand does not permit everyday open carry or concealed carry of firearms. When transporting a firearm, you must:

• Completely unload the chamber, breech, and magazine

• Disable the firearm by removing a key component (such as the bolt) and/or using a trigger lock or similar device

• Store the firearm in a locked case and keep it out of sight

• Keep ammunition stored and secured separately

Guidance on safe transport and storage of firearms and ammunition can be found through the New Zealand Firearms Safety Authority.

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Te Tari Pūreke — NZ Firearms Safety Authority

The agency responsible for firearms regulation and safety in New Zealand is Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority.

Their website provides all the necessary information for overseas visitors bringing firearms into the country or intending to use them while hunting.

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Visitor Firearms Licence — How to Apply

Anyone wanting to hunt independently (without supervision from a New Zealand firearms licence holder) must obtain a Visitor Firearms Licence.

It’s recommended to first read the guidance titled “Before you apply for a visitor’s firearms licence” to ensure you have all required documentation.

Applications are completed online via the “Apply for a visitor’s firearms licence” portal and require a RealMe login.

Instructions regarding arrival procedures, customs requirements, and departure processes are included on the application page.

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Bringing Firearms or Ammunition Into New Zealand

With a valid visitor’s firearms licence, you may bring:

• Non-prohibited rifles and shotguns

• Pistols used for recognised competitive shooting events

• Appropriate ammunition for the firearms you are importing

In specific circumstances, permission may also be granted to bring semi-automatic firearms.

For full details, refer to the guidance titled “Bringing arms items when you visit New Zealand.”

Ammunition must be transported separately from the firearm and placed in a locked container wherever reasonably achievable.

The Arms Act 1983 outlines which firearms, components, and magazines are considered prohibited or restricted.

All firearms, pistol-carbine conversion kits (PCCKs), and major firearm parts brought into the country must be registered. Te Tari Pūreke will complete this registration once you submit your visitor licence and import permit application. You may be contacted if additional details are needed.

Certain shot types have additional restrictions when hunting game birds around waterways.

If you require help with your Visitor Firearms Licence application, feel free to contact us and we’ll assist you through the process.