You can't bring or import any of these items into New Zealand: objectionable material contained on items such as mobile phones, USB devices, videotapes, films, records, CD-ROMs and in publications. equipment for smoking or taking drugs including certain cannabis or methamphetamine utensils and vaporisers.

New Zealand has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world to protect its unique ecosystem. You are strictly prohibited from bringing in fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, honey, or even used hiking boots that have not been thoroughly cleaned of soil and seeds. If you fail to declare these items on your arrival card, you face an immediate, non-negotiable $400 NZD fine. Additionally, standard prohibited items include "pepper spray" (which is considered a weapon), certain high-risk medicines without a prescription, and any biological cultures. A 2026 "pro-tip" is to be extremely honest on your declaration form; the "amnesty bins" located before the customs checkpoint are your last chance to dispose of that half-eaten apple from the plane. Even if you aren't sure, "Declare it" to the officer; they are generally helpful if you are transparent, but they have zero tolerance for "accidental" smuggling of biological materials that could devastate the country's multi-billion dollar agricultural industry.