Airport Regulations

Rules For Domestic and International Travel

For information on airport regulations, baggage allowance, carry on allowance, what you can and cannot carry on board and other airport luggage rules, read up and be prepared before you arrive at the airport.

• Travel Information
• Air Flights

Air travel is common within New Zealand and abroad.  To make the process easier there are various rules and regulations to ensure a safe and hassle free experience. If you are planning a trip in the near future, check out these common questions and answers to get you started.

Do I Need a Passport?
When travelling within New Zealand a passport is not required. For any travel outside of New Zealand a current passport in tidy condition is necessary.

How Much Baggage Can I Take?
This may depend on the airline you are travelling with. As a general rule the checked in baggage limit is 20kg per person for international flights and 20kg for domestic flights. Cabin baggage should not exceed 7kg and maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 115cm.

What Can I Carry On Board?
On 31 March 2007, additional security measures were introduced on all international flights leaving New Zealand. These measures apply to liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on baggage. As at January 2009, these regulations do not apply to air travel within New Zealand.

Any liquids, aerosols and gels that are in carry-on baggage must adhere to the following requirements:

• All aerosols, liquids and gels must be in containers of 100ml/100g or less
• Passengers must carry their 100ml/100g containers in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag of 1 litre volume (20cm x 20 cm or 15cm x 25 cm)
• Each passenger, including children, will be allowed to carry on one, 1 litre transparent plastic bag
• The plastic bag must be re-sealable and presented separately from all other carry-on baggage at the screening point

There are exceptions for personal medications, baby products and dietary supplements in liquid, aerosol or gel form.

Liquids
The regulations apply to liquids such as:

• Water and other drinks
• Foods in sauces or containing a high liquid content
• Creams or ointments - including face creams, foundation, sunblock, insect repellent
• Perfumes
• Roll-on and spray deodorants
• Hair sprays
• Gels - including hair, shaving and shower gels
• Liquid solid mixtures - including lipsticks, face compacts and blushers
• Mascara and liquid eyeliner
• Lip gloss and lip balm
• Liquid soaps

These products can still be packed in any sized container in hold luggage, and in any quantity. In addition metal and sharp objects such as razors, tweezers, or pocket knives should be packed safely in your checked in luggage.

Baby Exceptions:
Baby products that are exempt from the liquids regulations include:

• Baby milk or formula
• Sterilised water
• Juice
• Baby food in liquid or paste form
• Vaseline or creams
• Wet wipes

What if I need to take medication?
Prescription or non-prescription medicine in the form of a liquid, aerosol or gel can be taken on board with you in quantities over 100ml. However, these items should only be taken in quantities that are reasonable for the length of your flight(s) as well as possible delays and flight diversions. This includes but is not limited to inhalers, essential prescription medication, insulin and contact lens solution. You may be required to provide a letter or medical documents to verify your medical situation.

Pay or Stay
If you have outstanding fines you may not be able to fly internationally. Check this out with the Ministry of Justice before your trip to avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Duty Free Allowances
You may bring into New Zealand the following goods obtained overseas and/or purchased duty free in New Zealand with a total combined value of less than NZ$700, not including clothing, toiletries and jewellery intended for your own personal use, and if you are 17 years of age or over:

• 3 bottles, each containing not more than 1125ml, of spirits, liquor, or other spirituous beverages; and
• 4.5 litres of wine or 4.5 litres of beer (this is the equivalent of six 750ml bottles); and
• 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars or a mixture of all three not weighing more than 250 grams.

Full Customs charges are payable on goods which are not eligible for concession or are in excess of the allowance. If the duty and/or GST payable is less than NZ$50, no collection will be made. If you exceed your concession in relation to tobacco products or alcoholic beverage, however, duty and GST is payable regardless of the amount.

Travel Tips to Make Your Airport Experience Hassle-Free:
To make your trip easy and your time at the airport straight forward:

• Arrange your carry-on baggage and separate out your liquids, aerosols and gels.
• When possible, pack liquids, aerosols and gels in checked baggage
• Present laptops and other large electronic devices separately for screening at the security screening point
• Limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight
• A NZ$25 departure tax applies on all international travel and is payable prior to your departure. Do yourself a favour and make sure you have some cash to pay this

The lists above are not exhaustive. If you have specific questions regarding your own situation, it is recommended that you discuss this with your travel agent. They will be able to provide you with more detailed information relevant to your circumstances.

Looking for more information on air flights in New Zealand? Check out the NZS.com directory.

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Travel images from Flickr: Sunset Reflections, New Zealand Lake and Dolphin.