Many countries refund sales tax to departing visitors. New Zealand does not. New Zealand Customs states it directly: you can't get GST refunds on items you purchased in New Zealand. There is no refund desk at the airport and no form to fill in afterwards.
How to buy without paying GST
The only way to avoid GST is to set it up when you buy. Customs lists three options:
- Buy from a duty-free shop
- Have the retailer export the item to you (send it overseas)
- Have the retailer deliver the item to an airside location — for example a collection point in the international terminal after Customs and security — for you to pick up as you depart
Inland Revenue treats these sales as zero-rated for GST: the retailer either ships the goods overseas or sends them to the airport for you to collect when you leave. Ask the shop before you pay whether it offers this — not every retailer does.
Goods bought this way leave New Zealand with you or are shipped abroad. They may then be subject to duty or tax in your home country, under that country's own allowances.
Source: New Zealand Customs Service — Leaving New Zealand
Source: Inland Revenue — Zero-rated supplies
Common questions
Can I claim GST back at Auckland Airport?
No. New Zealand has no GST refund scheme for visitors. GST can only be avoided at the time of purchase through duty-free shops, export by the retailer or airside delivery.
Is the price in a duty-free shop already without GST?
Sales by duty-free shops to departing international travellers are zero-rated for GST, which is why they are sold without it.
More on the NZeTA
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.
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.
Leaving and returning
A short trip to Australia and back does not give you a fresh three months. What resets, what does not, and why repeated entries attract questions.
Phones and SIM cards
To use the local network you need a New Zealand SIM. Coverage is good in towns but patchy in rural areas. 111 is free even without credit.
Power plugs and voltage
New Zealand uses Type I plugs with two angled flat pins and the supply is 230 V, 50 Hz. Check your charger is rated up to 240 V before you plug it in.
Public holidays 2026–2027
Official New Zealand public holiday dates for 2026 and 2027, regional anniversary days, and the three and a half days when almost all shops must close.