On The Ground

Aviation Security

The Aviation Security Service (Avsec) is the official provider of aviation security in New Zealand. It has several roles:

  • Screening passengers and their carry-on baggage. Please note that queues can form at airport security screening at any time and for many reasons. Check the Aviation Security website the day before you travel for the most up-to-date peak times.
  • Screening checked baggage
  • Completing airport perimeter patrols, and guarding of aircraft and aircraft searches to ensure the prompt interception of people unlawfully entering security areas
  • Screening of airport workers and managing the Airport Identity Card system for restricted areas

For more information, visit www.avsec.govt.nz.

Border Protection Customs

The New Zealand Customs Service is the government agency responsible for ensuring the security of our borders. Their job is to protect the economy from illegal imports and exports, collect revenues, investigate illegal activity and prosecute where necessary. It also promotes New Zealand’s international trade and ensures that lawful travellers and goods can move across our borders as smoothly and efficiently as possible.


For more information, visit www.customs.govt.nz.

Immigration Requirements

Unless you are a New Zealand citizen, resident, or from a visa-free country, you will need a valid visa to enter New Zealand. Visitors who do not need a visa will still be asked to show:

  • A return travel ticket or evidence of onward travel arrangements
  • Evidence that you have sufficient money available to fund your visit
  • Completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). The earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you depart for New Zealand. It needs to be submitted before you reach passport control in New Zealand. Everyone, including New Zealand passport holders, must complete an NZTD.

For more information about visas and immigration requirements, please visit the New Zealand Immigration Service website www.immigration.govt.nz or one of their branch offices.

Biosecurity

The Ministry for Primary Industries is responsible for ensuring that New Zealand remains free from harmful pests and diseases. Strict biosecurity and quarantine laws are in place for all travellers and belongings entering New Zealand by air or sea, and there are severe penalties for failing to declare items that are prohibited, restricted, or for which you are required to pay duty/sales tax.

Please note that your New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) is legally binding. You need to read it carefully and answer truthfully about what you are bringing into New Zealand. If you are bringing in any item listed on the NZTD (either with you or packed in your luggage), you must declare it. A Customs Officer and/or Quarantine Inspector will speak to you about the item you specify and decide if any further action is necessary.

For more information about what you can or cannot bring into New Zealand, please visit www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz or phone the Ministry for Primary Industries on +64 4 894 0100 or 0800 00 83 33.

In The Air

New Zealand’s air navigation service provider, Airways, is responsible for controlling air traffic throughout the country. This includes our immediate airport environment and the airspace within a 100km radius, up to 17,500ft.

Airways’ Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) are located in Queenstown Airport’s Control Tower and are responsible for the separation and efficient movement of aircraft and vehicles operating on the taxiways and runways of the airport, and aircraft in the air near the airport.

Airways also manages www.airshare.co.nz, the UAV (“unmanned aerial vehicles” or drones) hub for New Zealand. The website gives people the information they need to learn how to operate safely and log where they fly, a useful feature for all UAV users, from those with small recreational UAVs to large commercial operators, as well as the ability to request access to controlled airspace through the website.

For more information, visit www.airways.co.nz.