Applying for a licence | Importing a firearm | Importing by tourists
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Importation of firearms by tourists

A tourist needs to obtain a Tourist Firearms Licence. You do this on arrival at the airport in NZ by presenting your passport and proof of a firearm licence or hunting permit from your home country. The import permit will then be issued for your firearms provided that they are on our list of approved firearms. Most sporting configuration firearms are suitable, but it is advisable to tell us the Firearm type, make, model and serial number in advance and we will be able to advise you of the likelihood of approval.

A holder of a New Zealand firearm licence requires a Permit to Import for every firearm imported into this country.

Pistols, Military Style Semi-automatic rifles and other restricted weapons are strictly controlled. Double barrel exposed hammer shotguns and shotguns with barrels less than 508mm (20 inches long) are prohibited imports. Most sporting guns of a safe design and construction are approved for import.

To possess revolvers and pistols (both classed as pistols in this country) a tourist will require a B or endorsed firearms licence. A B endorsement is issued to a member of a recognised pistol shooting club for pistols approved for pistol club use only. Tourists wishing to shoot pistols at approved pistol clubs in major competitions can obtain a B endorsement. This should be applied for prior to arrival in NZ through the NZ Pistol Association or the organisers of the competition. The Association/organiser will need to be satisfied that the tourist belongs to a recognised pistol club in their home country. The Associations web address is www.pistolnz.org.nz. Hunting with pistols is strictly forbidden in New Zealand.

Only firearm types, which have been approved for importation, can be brought into New Zealand. Before importing any firearms clients must check that they are approved types.

The applicant will need to provide the full details of make, model, barrel length and serial number of the firearms.

The Arms Code sets out general obligations of firearms users in NZ is also available online and from Police stations.

Police form POL 67 N that outlines the conditions and security requirements for licence types B, C, and E is available from Police stations.