New Zealand limits liquids only on international flights and adds a 350ml cap on inorganic powders. Unlike the US, it allows small knives (blades under 6cm) in carry-on bags. Its biosecurity rules are strict: you must declare even a single piece of fruit or a cooking ingredient, or face an instant NZ$400 fine.
Checked against official pages on . Authority: Aviation Security Service (AvSec) and Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (aviation.govt.nz); Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for biosecurity.
Liquids
On international flights, liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers of 100ml or less, totalling no more than 1 litre, in a single resealable bag of about 20cm x 20cm. Domestic flights have no liquid quantity limit.
- Container size matters, not how much is in it.
- Inorganic powders are limited to 350ml or 350g in total per person and do not need to go in the bag.
- Baby powder and formula, cremated remains, and therapeutic or medical products are exempt from the powder limit.
- Parents of young children may take reasonable amounts of food, drink and formula over the limits.
Source: Aviation Security Service: Powders, liquids, aerosols and gels
Lighters and matches
You may carry one lighter, on your person rather than in a bag. Blue-flame cigar lighters are banned even on your person, and no lighter may go in checked luggage.
Source: Aviation Security Service: What can you take on the plane (flyer)
Knives, scissors and sharp items
Knives with blades under 6cm can go in carry-on bags, provided the knife is legal in New Zealand. Longer knives must go in checked luggage. Scissors with blades under 6cm, measured from the pivot, are allowed in carry-on bags.
- Safety scissors with blunt, rounded tips are allowed in carry-on bags.
- Spanners under 20cm long and screwdrivers with metal shafts under 6cm are allowed in carry-on bags.
Source: Aviation Security Service: What can I bring, Knives and Scissors
Batteries and power banks
Power banks are allowed in carry-on luggage only and must never be checked in. You may carry up to two power banks rated over 100Wh (and no more than 160Wh) if your airline approves.
- AvSec's flyer allows up to 20 spare batteries of any type in carry-on bags. Loose or spare batteries cannot go in checked luggage.
- AvSec warns that power banks are a significant fire risk, especially when used to recharge other devices.
Source: Aviation Security Service: What can I bring, Power banks; What can you take on the plane (flyer)
Food
At security, liquid foods follow the international liquids rule. When arriving in New Zealand, you must declare all food, animal products and plants, even small amounts and cooking ingredients, on the New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
- Every arriving traveller must complete the declaration, even with nothing to declare.
- Failing to declare risk goods, even by accident, can bring an instant NZ$400 fine. Smuggling can lead to fines of up to NZ$100,000, up to 5 years in prison, or deportation.
- Undeclared risk goods can be dropped in the amnesty bins on arrival.
- Used outdoor gear, such as hiking, camping or fishing equipment, must also be declared.
Medication
Prescribed medicine may exceed the liquid and powder limits if the prescription is in your name and matches your travel documents, the medicine is in its original packaging, and the amount covers your flight and travel time.
Source: Aviation Security Service: Powders, liquids, aerosols and gels