things you should not carry to new zealand

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New Zealand is one of the most famous tourists destination known for its incredible scenery, hot springs, varied wildlife, and great adventures. The country is packed with gigantic glaciers, mountains, cool cities, and wonderful experiences for all. New Zealand is visited by numerous tourists around the world but there are certain items that are prohibited and restricted items in the country and you cannot bring them along with you. While there are certain items that need to be declared before you bring them. 

Here is a New Zealand Travel Guide to Some Prohibited and Restricted items -  

  • Videotapes, films, records or publications having objectionable material on them. 

  • Any kind of weapons like flick knives, butterfly knives, swordsticks and knuckle-dusters.

  • Any weapon which might be disguised as something else. 

  • Anything which could be used in any crime. 

  • The types of equipment that are used for taking cannabis or methamphetamine.

  • Medicines containing pseudoephedrine.

There are also certain items which must have a special permit before you plan to take them to New Zealand -

  • Any forms of ivory, including jewelry and carvings. 

  • Jewelry having tortoise or sea turtle shell. 

  • Meat or other food products derived from whale, dolphin, rale crane, and sea turtles. 

  • Any medicine containing rhinoceros or tiger derivatives such as ground horn or bone.

  • Any item which is made from whalebone or bone from other marine mammals.

  • Cat skin in any form. 

  • Live species, including both animals and plants such as pet eagles, hawks, owls, parrots, many cacti, orchids, cycads, and cyclamens

  • carnivorous plants

  • Human ashes

Certain items that could be risky for New Zealand's environment and economy. You must declare items that could be risky. These items include - 

  • Food

  • Fruits, vegetables, meat products, and dairy products. 

  • Dead or alive plants and seeds. 

  • Wooden items

  • Dead or alive animals and plant products. 

  • Herbal or traditional medicines. 

  • Any used outdoor equipment such as shoes or sports items. 

In case you fail to declare these items before your visit the MPI officers may fine or prosecute you. 

You may not be allowed to bring some animal and plant products in New Zealand. The Ministry for Primary Industry (MPI) regulates the unwanted pests and diseases entering the country.

They include - 

  • Agricultural chemicals 

  • Vertebrate toxic agents. 

  • Veterinary medicines

  • Biological products 

  • Cell cultures 

  • Microorganisms 

  • Fibre, skins, and trophies

  • Food for animals

  • Forest products 

You cannot bring any equipments which are used to take any kind of drugs to New Zealand. New Zealand strictly prohibits the misuse of drugs. 

This includes -

  • Hash pipes and bong

  • Vaporizers and their parts.

  • Roach clips 

  • Any it used for taking methamphetamine.

There is also a list of certain things you must not do in New Zealand. While you are in here you should keep this list of things not to do in New Zealand handy to avoid any kind of trouble during your vacation - 

1. Do not compare New Zealand with Australia -

As New Zealand seems to be an island part of Australia, tourists often compare it with Australia but in reality, New Zealand has nothing to do with Australia. The culture, history, and lifestyle everything is different from that of Australia. 

2. Do not disrespect Maori Culture - 

The native language of New Zealand is Maori and the natives are also called Maori. There are some places known as Maori land and the tourists must be respectful while visiting there. 

3. Try different cuisines in the country - 

New Zealand offers different cuisine of foods including Thai, Indian, European, and not to forget the famous Maori food. You should be open to experimenting with your food while you are in New Zealand.

4. Do not expect crowded cities - 

New Zealand has most of its population saturated in the city of Auckland, therefore while traveling to other cities, you may find the places less crowded. This makes the country even more peaceful and calms for the tourists to enjoy. 

5. Have control over your language - 

While having a great time in New Zealand do not forget to spend time with the locals. Unlike other places, the locals in the country are friendly. You must also take care of your language while talking to the locals. 

6. Keep your belongings safe - 

Do not forget to keep your valuable documents like passport and other accessories with you all the time. It is often seen that the tourists get robbed while they leave their luggage in vehicles. Though it is a safe country, you must take precautions. 

7. Do not depend on the internet - 

Though New Zealand is an advanced country, still some remote areas do not have proper access to the internet. You may get stuck in the midst of finding a way out using google maps. So better not to rely on the internet for directions. 

8. Have a proper look at the custom rules - 

New Zealand is very strict with the customs rules. You cannot bring the restricted items to the country or the declared items without a proper declaration. 

You need to declare anything and everything which might fall on the list. 

FAQs -
  1. Can I bring my medicines to New Zealand?  

You can bring your medicines along with the doctor's prescription. The prescription should be valid, but you may not be allowed to bring some medications which are in the category of controlled drugs. 

  1. What should we wear in New Zealand?  

It is very cold in New Zealand, so make sure you pack enough warm clothes to keep you warm and comfortable during your trip. You should not bring any kind of summer clothes while you pack for the trip. 

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