Airgun safety

There are a range of airguns available for sale in New Zealand, ranging from low velocity airsoft guns shooting plastic pellets to air guns that fire metal projectiles.  

Airguns are defined under the Arms Act 2026 as: 

• any air rifle; and 
• any air pistol; and 
• anything from which, using gas or compressed air (and not by force of explosive), any shot, bullet, missile, or other projectile can be discharged.  

This includes ‘BB guns’ and airsoft guns.  

While not requiring a firearms licence, these airguns are subject to a number of legal requirements.

You have to be aged 18 or older to possess and use the airguns, or aged between 16 years and 18 years and holds a firearms licence or visitor licence.

Anyone under 18 years of age may use these airguns if are under the "immediate supervision" of a person aged 18 or older or a firearms licence holder.

Note: This page provides information and guidance about airsoft guns, paintball guns and BB guns that can be possessed by a person who is 18 years or older (or 16 or 17 with a firearms licence) only.

High-Energy airguns require a firearms licence to possess and have additional legal requirements. 

Get licenced

Airguns that are capable of full automatic fire and that are not airsoft or paintball guns are restricted weapons require a firearms licence and endorsement to possess and have additional legal requirements.

Endorsements

Requirement for possession of airgun | Arms Act 2026, Part 2, Section 19 | New Zealand Legislation website

These airguns can be used on private property with the owner’s permission as well as airsoft and paintball clubs, arenas, and businesses. Carrying or using airguns in public places is restricted without a reasonable excuse. The Arms Act 2026, section 254, outlines that it is an offence to carry an airgun in public without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. 

7 rules of firearm safety

Carrying or possessing restricted firearm, standard firearm, pistol, restricted weapon, airgun, restricted magazine, or explosive without lawful, proper, and sufficient purpose | Arms Act 2026, Part 6, Section 254 | New Zealand Legislation website

Low velocity airguns like airsoft pistols are commonly used for target practice or activities such as airsoft games. These airguns can still cause serious injuries, particularly to the eyes. Misuse or accidents can lead to permanent injuries. 

Many models of airgun are manufactured to resemble real firearms, which can cause alarm if seen by the general public. When the public reports suspicious or concerning behaviour with an airgun this generally leads to a Police response. This is a potentially hazardous situation because of the inability to differentiate between airsoft and actual firearms from a distance. 

Carrying an airsoft gun, paintball gun or BB gun in public can lead to charges of disorderly behaviour or threatening conduct, especially if others feel threatened. Using an airgun inappropriately can also lead to charges under the Arms Act, resulting in fines or imprisonment. 

• Treat every airsoft gun, paintball gun and BB gun as a real firearm: Always handle them as if they were real firearms and follow the 7 rules of firearm safety for best practice. 
   
• Proper storage: It is good practice to keep these airguns securely stored when not in use to prevent unauthorised access. Use a lock or safe if necessary – check our storage and transportation guide 
   
• Protective gear: Always wear appropriate protective gear, including eye protection, when using these airguns. 
   
• Public awareness: Educate others about the safe use and legal responsibilities associated with airguns to prevent accidents and misunderstandings. 
  

An import permit is not required to bring these airguns into New Zealand.  

A permit to import is only required for: 

• a High-Energy airgun (as they are treated as firearms) 
• for fully automatic airguns that fall under Schedule in the Arms (Restricted Weapons and High-energy Airguns) Order 2026
• restricted airguns. Section 8, Section 56 and Section 197 of the Arms Act 2026 refer: 

restricted airgun means an airgun that,— 

(a) without any of the attachments with which it is customarily used, has the appearance of being a pistol, restricted firearm, or restricted weapon; or 

(b) with some or all of the attachments with which it is customarily used, has the appearance of being a restricted firearm, pistol, or restricted weapon; or 

(c) is designed for use in airsoft or paintball sports and,— 

(i) without any of the attachments with which it is customarily used, has the appearance of being a firearm capable of full automatic fire; or 

(ii) with some or all of the attachments with which it is customarily used, has the appearance of being a firearm capable of full automatic fire. 

A lot of airsoft guns, paintball guns and BB guns have the appearance of a pistol, restricted weapon or restricted firearm and are therefore restricted airguns for the purpose of importation. 

Meaning of restricted airgun | Arms Act 2026, Part 1, Section 8 | New Zealand Legislation website

Requirement for importing firearms, etc | Arms Act 2026, Part 2, Section 56 | New Zealand Legislation website

Issue of permit to import firearms, etc | Arms Act 2026, Part 4, Section 197 | New Zealand Legislation website