Quarantine

New Zealand is a small island country, known for its lush vegetation, fruit crops, sheep, cattle and deer farming and natural beauty. Less than 10 percent of the world's pests and diseases occur here. Because New Zealand is an island nation, dependent on forestry and agriculture as a major part of our economy, the introduction of just one new pest or disease could have devastating consequences.

A single item, such as one piece of fruit, could introduce a pest or disease which leads to an economic disaster. To help prevent this, New Zealand has some of the strictest regulations in the world stating what you can and cannot bring into New Zealand.

There is no law against bringing quarantine goods into the country as long as you declare them.

• The majority of declared items will be inspected and if necessary treated, and given back to you. Treatment for personal consignments is relatively cheap and goods are returned within a few days.
• Some items can be imported if you have the right documentation, but this must be obtained in the country the item came from.
• Prohibited items include some live animals, and animal products, and some meat products, eggs, some live plant material including fruit, seeds, and products made from endangered species.
• You can find out about bringing your pets to New Zealand by visiting the government's website.