Can I send food to New Zealand?
Yes, with conditions.
Declare every food item. MPI may assess risk food, and anything that can't be cleared is returned or destroyed at your cost. Couriers refuse perishables.
For every Onvoyo box: Only sealed, shop-bought, shelf-stable food. Express couriers don't carry perishable food: nothing fresh, frozen, meat, dairy or produce.
More rules for New Zealand
Allowed with conditions
- Food of any kind
- Declare it. Most food for your own use needs no action, but MPI may assess risk food, including sampling and testing. Plant and animal products, including food, may need a permit. Anything that can't be cleared is shipped back or destroyed at your cost.
Before you ship to New Zealand
- Tax-free limit
- NZ$1,000 (about US$570) per shipment. Customs collects no duty or GST on a shipment worth NZ$1,000 or less, except on alcohol and tobacco, which are taxed at any value. Several orders from the same supplier that arrive on the same day count as one shipment. Since April 1, 2026, gifts have no separate concession: a gift worth NZ$1,000 or less comes in free, and one worth more pays duty and GST like any other goods. On low-value shipments the courier pays a small goods levy (NZ$2.21 plus GST by air, about US$1.50) and may pass it on.
- Receiver ID
- No tax number is needed for a personal shipment. At NZ$1,000 or more, including gifts, the receiver needs a Customs Number, applied for on form NZCS 224A with a copy of photo ID. Apply before the boxes arrive.
- Transit
- 2-4 business days from Australia; 4-7 from Asia, North America, or Europe
Questions
Can I send food to New Zealand?
Yes, with conditions. Declare every food item. MPI may assess risk food, and anything that can't be cleared is returned or destroyed at your cost. Couriers refuse perishables.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
New Zealand Customs Service
TSW Fact Sheet: Importing goods for personal use (opens in a new tab) - 2.
New Zealand Customs Service
NZCS 218: Bring personal household items into New Zealand (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Medsafe (New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority)
Importing Medicines (opens in a new tab) - 4.
New Zealand Customs Service
Receive items from overseas (opens in a new tab) - 5.
New Zealand Customs Service
Send items overseas (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in New Zealand makes the final decision on every box.