Bring arms items when you visit New Zealand

In some situations, you may be able to bring semi-automatic firearms to New Zealand. 

You may be able to bring:

• semi-automatic firearms:
  • capable of firing only 0.22 calibre or lower rimfire cartridges with magazines capable of holding no more than 10 cartridges
• semi-automatic or pump-action shotguns with non-detachable tubular magazines that cannot hold more than 5 cartridges
• small semi-automatic pistols, for organised and approved pistol competitions only.

Certain firearms and parts are restricted in New Zealand and are not able to be brought in by visitors.

You cannot bring these items to New Zealand with you:

• most semi-automatic firearms - however there are some exceptions (noted above)
• a rifle with a non-detachable magazine that can hold more than 10 cartridges
• a shotgun with a non-detachable (tubular or otherwise) magazine that holds more than 5 cartridges
• centrefire pump-action rifles that can be used with detachable magazines
• pump-action shotguns that can be used with a detachable magazine
• restricted weapons, for example fully automatic or select fire firearms
• detachable rifle magazines that hold more than 10 cartridges
• detachable shotgun magazines that hold more than 5 cartridges. 

The Arms Act 2026 has more detail about the firearms, magazines and parts that are restricted in New Zealand:

• Interpretation
• Meaning of restricted firearm
• Meaning of restricted magazine
• Meaning of restricted weapon
• Declaring items to be restricted weapons