In a country all too familiar with the damage that can be caused by the import of non-native plants and animals, New Zealand customs take particular care to minimize the chance of destructive foreign bodies being introduced to the delicate environment of the country. Aircraft cabins are often sprayed with insecticide before passengers are allowed to disembark, to kill off any stowaway insects or micro-organisms; the spray is apparently harmless to humans.

It is prohibited to import certain goods into New Zealand. The following must be declared at customs and will either be treated or confiscated: fresh food, plants or parts of plants (dead or alive), animals (dead or alive), equipment used with animals, camping gear, golf clubs, used bicycles, biological specimens, and footwear (specifically walking boots). If your camping stuff or boots have soil deposits from other countries, they will be cleaned before being returned to you. The duty-free allowance is 200 cigarettes, or 250 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars; alcohol allowances are a generous 4.5 litres of wine or beer, plus one bottle of not more than 1125ml of spirits. It is possible for people from the UK to take an extra two bottles of spirits and 200 cigarettes under the Dover Allowance Provision.

There are restrictions on the export of wildlife, plantlife, antiquities and works of art. If you're unsure, contact the nearest customs office; there are offices in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Timaru, Wellington and Whangarei. A more detailed rundown on these provisions is available on www.quarantine.govt.nz .