Can I bring Knives and Sharp Objects to New Zealand?
Knives and Sharp Objects→New Zealand
⚠️ Restricted
📋 Carrying Limits
- Quantity Limit:No quantity limit is stated. NZ Customs says all weapons are prohibited in New Zealand without a permit, and lists automatic opening knives, gravity or butterfly knives and swordsticks as examples that require a permit. It describes this list as a few examples, not a complete list.
✅ Declaration Requirements
⚠️NZ Customs says you must declare any prohibited items when you arrive in New Zealand and, if in doubt, declare. A permit must be obtained before you travel if you are bringing in weapons.
Form needed: Permit from Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand (FSE) or the New Zealand Police before you travel; declare on arrival.
📌 Quick Summary
🔗 Official Information Source:
Last Updated:November 11, 2026
📝 Important Notes
- Weapons need a permit
- NZ Customs says all firearms, weapons and ammunition are prohibited in New Zealand without a permit. You must have a permit issued by Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand (FSE) or the New Zealand Police before you travel if you are bringing in weapons. Confirming whether a permit is required is your or the importer's responsibility, and if you are unsure, you should contact FSE before attempting to bring the item.
- Knives named by NZ Customs as weapons that require a permit
- automatic opening knives
- gravity or butterfly knives
- swordsticks
- knuckle-dusters (not a knife, but listed with them)
- NZ Customs describes these as a few examples, not a complete or comprehensive list, and says to check with the New Zealand Police if you are unsure.
- Ordinary knives
- If you are unsure whether a kitchen knife, pocket knife or other knife counts as a weapon, check with the New Zealand Police or FSE before you travel.
Show More (2)
- Declaring and penalties
- Please note that NZ Customs says prohibited items must be declared when you arrive, and that bringing in prohibited items is a serious offence that can lead to your arrest. If in doubt, declare it.
❓ More Questions
Can I bring a knife to New Zealand?
NZ Customs says all weapons are prohibited in New Zealand without a permit, and names automatic opening knives, gravity or butterfly knives and swordsticks as examples that require one. NZ Customs says this is not a complete list, so if you are unsure whether a kitchen knife, pocket knife or other knife counts as a weapon, check with the New Zealand Police or FSE before you travel.
Can I bring a butterfly knife or flick knife to New Zealand?
Only with a permit. NZ Customs lists automatic opening knives and gravity or butterfly knives as weapons that require a permit issued by FSE or the New Zealand Police, which you must have before you travel. Prohibited items must be declared on arrival, and bringing them in without authorisation is a serious offence that can lead to arrest.
Do I need to declare knives at New Zealand customs?
NZ Customs says you must declare any prohibited items when you arrive, and that if in doubt you should declare. Weapons also need a permit obtained before you travel. If you are unsure whether your knife must be declared, declare it.
More items for New Zealand
Knives and Sharp Objects in other countries
Complete New Zealand Entry Guide
Entry process, prohibited items, duty-free allowances, and more
Share This Result
Help other travelers understand the rules