Storage and transportation of firearms and ammunition

All firearms licence holders must comply with the laws relating to secure storage and transportation of firearms and ammunition.

Secure Storage and Transportation Guide

Download and review it to make sure you meet all the requirements

Secure storage and transportation guide for firearms and ammunition (PDF 2.22 MB)

Review our quick guidance

Secure storage of standard firearms and ammunition (PDF 1.2 MB)

What’s in the guide?

The guide includes detailed information and pictures to help you meet requirements.

Storing firearms safely

This section of the guide includes information about Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand checks on your storage set-up.

Security for standard firearms

This section of the guide tells you how to meet requirements for:

steel cabinets, containers, or receptacles
display cabinets
securing a single firearm to a building
racks
trigger locks
wooden cabinets
ammunition storage
building security
security key and code storage
airgun storage.

Travelling with firearms and ammunition

This section of the guide tells you how to meet safety requirements when you’re travelling. It includes information about:

unattended vehicles
passenger ferry
motorcycles
public transport and public places
overnight journeys
cords and cables
mobile homes, campervans and caravan units (a boat has the same requirements as a mobile home)
hunting and pest control.

Note: If you’re flying, check with the airline about their rules for transporting firearms.

Security for endorsed firearms

This section of the guide tells you how to meet requirements for:

steel safes, boxes and cabinets
room construction – doors, locks, windows, alarms, walls, ceilings and floors
steel and concrete strong rooms
transport of restricted items for pest control purposes.

Shooting clubs and shooting ranges

This section of the guide sets out what shooting clubs and ranges must do. It includes recommendations about:

storage facilities
security on premises
ammunition
inspection
endorsed firearms on the premises.

Shipping containers and large heavy safes as secure storage

This section of the guide sets out the requirements that must be met when using a shipping container or large heavy safe to store firearms.

It includes:

features of suitable shipping containers
features of suitable large heavy safes.

Secure storage as a person responsible for arms items on behalf of an organisation

If you are a firearms licence holder and you are responsible for arms items on behalf of an organisation (a business, club, or range), the storage location and security facilities at the address must be approved.

Factors for consideration include:

the storage location
the usual occupancy of the premises
the building security and surveillance, and
whether secure storage devices meet all the requirements described in the Secure firearms storage and transportation guide.

Travelling with firearms and ammunition on major domestic airlines in New Zealand

A downloadable fact sheet is available to help you prepare for domestic air travel with firearms and ammunition. The fact sheet provides a quick reference on packing requirements.

If your firearm licence is currently under renewal but appears expired on your licence card, use the Firearms Licence Checker to confirm to airline staff that your firearms licence remains current while in the renewal process. This is needed to avoid delays if airline staff query the validity of your licence.

Download the fact sheet

The face sheet summarises what licence holders need to do before flying.

Travelling on domestic airlines - fact sheet (PDF 470.32 KB)

What to do when travelling on major domestic airlines in New Zealand

Travelling with firearms and ammunition is always at the airline’s discretion. Each airline has specific rules and has the final say on whether firearms are permitted on board. This is especially important for those with a firearms licence card that appears expired, but the licence holder has made an application for renewal. Airlines may still question the validity of your firearms licence. To help make your journey as smooth as possible, check with your airline early and follow these tips:

Notify your airline in advance

Inform your airline early: Before your flight, let your airline know you’ll be travelling with firearms or ammunition. Early notification is important, as each airline has specific procedures to follow.

Packing guidelines for firearms and ammunition for major domestic airlines

Firearms

Packed in a locked, hard case

Unloaded, including any magazines emptied
Rendered inoperable e.g. bolt removed, trigger guard(s)/trigger lock(s) fitted etc
Not packed with any ammunition
Not packed with the bolt (if applicable)
Is declared to a Customer Service Agent when you check-in
Secure storage: Store firearms in a locked, hard-sided case specifically designed for secure transport. This case should prevent unauthorised access. These cases are typically made from durable materials like high-strength plastic, aluminium, or composite resin, and are equipped with built-in locks or lockable latches.

Ammunition

Is in a container that separates each round (securely packed) i.e. not touching each other
Does not weigh more than 5kg, this includes the weight of the container
Is in your checked bags
Is not packed in the same case as your firearm
Is declared to a Customer Service Agent when you check-in.
Quantity limit: Ammunition, including its container, must not exceed a total weight of 5kg per firearms licence holder. Note: this limit cannot be combined between passengers.

Documentation requirements

Current firearms licence: Always carry your New Zealand firearms licence, and if needed, use the Firearms Licence Checker to show the Customer Service Agent you have a valid firearms licence.
- If your licence appears expired, the Firearms Licence Checker can be used by airline staff to provide instant confirmation.
International permits: For flights to other countries, you may need import/export permits and must follow the firearms regulations of the destination country.

Need help?

Contact your airline: For airline-specific questions, reach out to the airline’s customer support team.
Regulatory assistance: For questions about New Zealand’s firearm regulations, contact the Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand on 0800844431

Firearms safety in natural disasters

When a natural disaster strikes, your personal safety and the safety of those around you comes first. It’s also important to understand your responsibilities as a firearms licence holder and take steps to ensure your firearms and ammunition remain secure before, during, and after an emergency.

Be prepared

Secure your firearms and ammunition

Ensure your firearms and ammunition are stored in accordance with the requirements of the Arms Act.

Keep an up-to-date inventory

The Firearms Registry is the best way to keep a complete and accurate record of the firearms you possess.

Plan for emergencies

Plan in advance for situations where you may need to take your firearms with you if you evacuate, or whether they will remain in your secure storage.

If you need to leave your home, there may be situations where it makes sense to take your firearms with you, for example, if the security of your home, or gun safe, is compromised. Think ahead about how you will store them safely at another location.
In other situations, it may be safest if your firearms remain secured in your approved storage, just as you would when you go on holiday.

During a natural disaster

Prioritise life and safety

Only handle or move firearms if it is necessary and safe to do so.

If you evacuate with firearms

Ensure firearms are unloaded and carried in a locked case.
Take your firearms licence with you.
If you encounter first responders (Police, Fire and Emergency, Civil Defence), let them know you are a licence holder transporting firearms.

If you leave firearms behind: Ensure they remain stored in accordance with the requirements of the Arms Act. It’s also a good idea to take your safe keys with you.

After a natural disaster

Check for damage

Inspect your firearms, ammunition and secure storage for damage: Do not use firearms or ammunition that may have been damaged. Seek the opinion of a professional.

Report loss of theft immediately

If you discover that firearms or ammunition have been lost or stolen, report it as soon as possible:

Call 105 (non-emergency), or
Report online: https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105/firearm-assistance#main-content