Smoking, vaping and alcohol rules in New Zealand

Buying alcohol: 18, with a passport

The legal purchase age is 18, and if you look 25 or younger you may be asked for proof of age. The only accepted documents are a passport, a New Zealand driver licence or a Kiwi Access Card. An overseas driver licence is not on that list — carry your passport if you want to buy a drink.

• Bars, pubs and clubs must close by 4 am; supermarkets and bottle shops sell alcohol between 7 am and 11 pm (councils can set different hours)
• Intoxicated people cannot be served or allowed into licensed premises
• Using a fake proof-of-age document can mean a $250 fine
• Alcohol can only be supplied to someone under 18 by their parent or guardian, or with their express consent

Liquor bans

Most towns and cities have liquor bans in designated public places such as city centres or around stadiums. Drinking, or having an open container, in a ban area can mean a $250 infringement fee or arrest — and a ban area can include car parks, not just streets and parks. Drinking on public transport, including taxis, can also be fined.

Each council sets its own areas and hours. Hamilton, for example, bans drinking in public 24/7 in the central city and from 10 pm to 6 am in all other public places. Check the local council's website for the town you are in.

Smoking and vaping

• Smoking and vaping are banned at all times inside workplaces, licensed premises and some enclosed public areas — bars, restaurants, cafés, casinos and clubs have been smokefree indoors since 2004
• Both are banned anywhere on the grounds of schools and early childhood centres, indoors or out
• Smoking and vaping in a car carrying children is prohibited
• Many councils have smokefree parks, playgrounds or events
• You must be 18 to buy tobacco or vaping products

Disposable vapes have been banned from sale since 17 June 2025. The "smokefree generation" law that would have banned tobacco sales to anyone born after a set date never took effect; it was repealed in 2024, so the purchase age stays at 18.

Bringing your own

Arriving travellers aged 17 or over can bring duty-free up to 4.5 litres of wine or beer, 3 bottles of spirits or liqueur (each up to 1.125 litres) and 50 cigarettes or 50 g of tobacco products. More than that must be declared.

Source: New Zealand Police — Visitors' safety guide

Source: Ministry of Justice — Sale and supply of alcohol: key points for the public

Source: Ministry of Health — About the Smokefree Act

Source: New Zealand Customs Service — Duty-free shopping