clareb wrote:Cody R. Hough wrote:Kotiti Haere - Wanderers wrote:Customs Warnings for NZNever, never, never bring fruit into the country. Check your backpack before you leave to come to NZ to make sure you have not had an apple that you bought 3 days ago in your backpack and have forgotten about it, for when it is found you WILL get fined NZ$200 on the spot and not even be able to eat the apple! This applies to any fruit, seeds or food.Being a movie star will not save you either as Hillary Swank found out!
This might sound like a stupid question but does this include in my luggage if I'm only in NZ for a lay over? I will be studying in Australia for a full year and might find food I enjoy or want to bring home for friends/family. If it is indeed illegal to bring it back what would you suggest I do?? Would mail work for packaged food like candies, chips, etc??
Our customs are indeed very strict because our climate is very attractive to bugs and animals and they tend to over populate once they arrive (bee mites, spiders, possums etc). They will fine you on the spot if you do not declare things especially fruit, meats (including dried meats from Asia), dirty golf gear, dirty hiking boots/tents etc.
They are fine with chocolate and candy. ....
Only if the packet is still sealed and completely intact. We Aussies and Kiwis seem to have a very, very, very low tolerance for food and animal material, mainly because so many of our critters are already endangered by foreign pests (rabbits, foxes, cats, camels, horses, european wood-borers, fruitflies). You aren't even allowed to take plant/animal material between our
state borders (unless it's been declared and quarantined)! And really, I'd chuck it out anyways, anytime you are entering or leaving a country, you should most probably make it a habit to throw any fruit or veg away, and thoroughly clean any hiking/camping/golfing/etc. gear so there's no dirt or plant material on them.
The best rule to follow when entering a foreign country with any fruit, veg or animal materials etc. is
"When in Doubt, Chuck it Out!" And declare anything you are iffy about so it can get the 'yay or nay' from the relevant authoity.