How to Hunt In New Zealand With Your Firearm

Big Game Hunter Australia

STEP 1: NZ Police Temp Firearms Lic Form
Complete the NZ Police temp form, but do not sign the lic. You must sign the Lic in NZ in person at the Police Station.
If you are flying to Christchurch you can contact the Christchurch Airport Police Station to confirm correct information and
FAX them your application prior to your departure from Gold Coast. Call them to make sure it has arrived and is correct and complete.

The complete Australia information website info (
You need a customs ID customer number, a DECO Export Permit, a Queensland Police Firearms Import Permit.

a) Australian Customs: Web-Page.
b) Australian Customs: Service Registering as a Client in the Integrated Cargo system (CCID) (Form B319)
c) Australian Custom: Service Export Declaration Form (Form B957)
d) Prohibited Exports - Australia Customs Service Information
e) Prohibited Imports - Australian Customs Service Information
d) Information Sheets - Importing Firearms and Ammunition into Australia
f) Information Sheet - Contact Details for Australian State Firearms Licensing Offices

You need to contact Air New Zealand Booking Office and advise them that you are travelling with a firearm to Christchurch.

That the rifle is in a approved airline carry case (ask at your local Gun Shop) that the rifle bolt is not in the firearm and is in separate luggage.

That the ammunition is (say 50 rounds) in its boxes and taped so that the box will not open in checked luggage!

Tell them that you have all the correct paper work from Police, Customs and DECO.

When you arrive at airport and check in you will be issued with special luggage slip and you will take the firearm and checked luggage with BOLT and Ammo to over-sized luggage where it will be checked and taken by airline staff.

When you arrive in New Zealand and clear customs first barrier, you will be taken to the police station within airport to pay $25NZ and sign pre-faxed NZ temporary Firearms Permit.

You will then have your firearms and luggage x-rayed and checked fully by customs, (remember to declare your hunting knife!!)

READ THIS: make sure your hunting clothes and boots and gum boots all are completely scrubbed clean; no grass seeds, use a brush and tweezers inside and outside of your hunting gear, remove the laces from your boots and check your socks.

Put your hunting and gum boots in separate plastic bags.
Make SURE you do this before returning to Australia -Customs will check and double check all of your gear including clothes and boots.

When you leave Christchurch Airport for Gold Coast the same check-in conditions apply at the Airport.
When you arrive at Gold Coast and clear first customs barrier you will be directed to check point with Australian Customs and show all your paper work, open firearms, show serial number and scope. Open checked luggage to show your ammunition.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE CORRECT PAPER WORK BEFORE YOU GO - CHECK AND DOUBLE CHECK.
MAKE A PHONE CALL TO ENSURE THAT ANY CHANGES OR REQUIREMENTS BY CUSTOMS OR POLICE OR GOVT BODIES ARE OR HAVE BEEN UPDATED.

Check with Australia Customs regarding bringing your harvested trophy back to Australia. What is required AQIS forms and CITIES forms/cost/location/ how long does it take etc.

I chose to have my trophies mounted in NZ. They will take care of any permits required and once work is completed by a qualified taxidermist following the correct methods there should not be any import problems. Around 9 months later your trophy should arrive in Australia.

I hope this information is helpful, YOU need to check that YOU have all the correct details and procedure is met. This is only a guide to assist you. ......................................Aussie John.

Over the next few weeks I will be adding more information to this page. This is only a guide please check Customs, police and authorities before travel.

To hunt in New Zealand you need a number of forms, permits and permission from Australian Customs, Australian Govt, Queensland Police, Air Zealand office, and depending on importing your trophy AQIS and CITES.

2008 Red Stag taken by Aussie John
with Wilderness Quest New Zealand

How To Hunt In New Zealand With Your Firearm