Carriage of firearms is permitted only as checked-in luggage if:
You must advise your airline before you travel if you plan to carry firearms.
Firearms can only go as checked in luggage.
You must have a firearms licence.
Ask your airline for approval before travelling.
Note: We do not recommend passengers take toy guns when they travel as this will result in your bag being searched and may result in the toy removed. The carriage of toy guns will also create delays as your bag will need to be opened to verify that the item is safe.
Weapons can be used to cause harm to passengers and crew so cannot be taken into the cabin of an aircraft. If you are found in possession of any firearm on your person, in your carry-on bag luggage or you are in possession of an illegal or prohibited firearm:
For information on prohibited firearms check the Firearms Safety Authority website: www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz(external link)
You will be asked to relinquish all dangerous or prohibited items found in your carry-on luggage. If you refuse:
AvSec x-ray bags going onto aircraft to ensure there is nothing dangerous in them. If something comes up on the x-ray that needs checking, the bag will be opened, searched and any dangerous good or prohibited item will be removed, with a bag search notification form left within the bag.
If you want to retrieve an item that has been removed, please contact your airline as soon as possible. The airline will dispose of items within three to seven days, so the sooner you make contact, the better your chance of having the items returned to you. For more information, see:
