Airport screening in New Zealand is run by the Aviation Security Service (AvSec). Its rules on powders, liquids, aerosols and gels apply to carry-on bags on international flights. They do not apply to domestic flights, and they do not apply to checked luggage.
International flights: the limits
- Each container must be 100 ml or less — the size of the container counts, not how much is left in it
- All containers together must fit in one resealable 20 cm × 20 cm plastic bag (about 1 litre)
- If a container shows both millilitres and grams, the millilitres are what count
- Aerosols must have a fitted cap or locking device
- Anything larger goes in your checked bag
Powders have their own limit
New Zealand also limits inorganic powders (for example some cosmetics or bath salts) to 350 ml or 350 g per person — roughly the size of a can of soft drink. Powders do not need to go in the plastic bag.
Exemptions
- Prescription medicine needed during the flight: in its original packaging, in your name matching your travel document, with evidence from your doctor if the need is not obvious
- Food, drink, formula, milk and baby food for a young child, in reasonable amounts for the flight
- Special dietary items, with evidence from a medical practitioner
- Duty-free goods bought after security screening in New Zealand
Frozen food still counts as a liquid if it is liquid or spreadable at room temperature. If your journey continues through other countries, AvSec advises checking what you need to do at each airport you pass through — including for duty-free bought in New Zealand.
Domestic flights
Flights within New Zealand have no liquid restrictions, and you can carry medicine on domestic flights without restriction. Some regional flights on aircraft with fewer than 90 seats are not screened at all.
AvSec suggests arriving 90 minutes before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one.
Source: Aviation Security Service — Powders, liquids, aerosols and gels (PLAGs)
Source: Aviation Security Service — What to expect at the airport
Common questions
Is there a liquids limit on domestic flights in New Zealand?
No. AvSec's limits apply only to carry-on bags on international flights.
Can I take baby milk through security?
Yes. Formula, milk, baby food and drinks for a young child are allowed above the limits in amounts reasonable for the flight.
Does a half-empty 200 ml bottle count?
It does not pass. The rule is about the container size, so any container over 100 ml is refused even if it holds less.
More on the NZeTA
Bringing medicines
You may bring up to 3 months' supply of prescription medicine, or 1 month of a controlled drug. Both need paperwork and must be declared.
Children and infants
Yes. Every traveller needs an NZeTA in their own name, including infants who are travelling on a parent's lap and do not have their own seat.
Transit through Auckland
Most passengers transiting through Auckland need an NZeTA even though they never leave the airport. This is the single most missed requirement for New Zealand.
Customs allowances
Goods over NZD $700, more than 50 cigarettes, and cash of NZD $10,000 or more all have to be declared on arrival.
Money, cards and tipping
New Zealand uses the NZ dollar. Prices include 15% GST or must say they don't, tipping is not expected, and cash of NZD $10,000 or more must be declared.
GST refund for tourists
New Zealand has no GST refund for visitors. You can only avoid the 15% GST when you buy: duty-free shops, export by the retailer, or airside delivery.