Rules and laws in New Zealand (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
Every topic we cover for New Zealand. Each rule links to its official source.
Driving
Driving after drugs
New Zealand uses blood concentration levels for 26 listed drugs, including THC, and any level for other qualifying drugs. Police can require any driver to take an oral fluid test, and there is a defence for medicine taken as prescribed.
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Foreign driving licences
Visitors may drive on a current, valid overseas licence, with an English translation or international driving permit if it is not in English. The limit is 18 months from last arrival for car licences (12 months from 1 November 2026) and 12 months for motorcycle or truck licences.
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Mopeds
A moped has two wheels, a top speed of no more than 50 km/h and an engine of up to 50 cc or a non-piston power source. Riders need a driver licence and a motorcycle helmet, and the moped must be registered with a rear plate.
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Seat belts and child seats
In New Zealand children under 7 must use an approved child restraint, and those aged 8 to 14 must wear a seat belt where fitted. Everyone aged 15 or over must wear a seat belt in a seat that has one.
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Travel
Travelling with pets
Only cats and dogs from MPI-categorised countries may be imported, and they must be microchipped. An import permit and at least 10 days of quarantine apply to animals from rabies-free (category 2) and rabies-controlled (category 3) countries. Some dog breeds are prohibited.
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Living
Deposit return schemes and plastic bags
New Zealand has no drinks-container deposit scheme; the Government deferred one in March 2023. Single-use plastic shopping bags with handles, up to 70 microns thick, have been banned since 1 July 2019.
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Paid holiday
Employees in New Zealand are entitled to at least 4 weeks of paid annual holidays after 12 months of continuous employment. They can claim up to 12 public holidays a year, and a public holiday during annual leave is not deducted from it.
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Statutory minimum wage
New Zealand has a statutory minimum wage for employees aged 16 and over. The adult rate from 1 April 2026 is NZD 23.95 per hour, with a lower starting-out and training rate of NZD 19.16.
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Restrictions
Drinking age and alcohol sales
New Zealand has a single national purchase age of 18 for alcohol on licensed premises; a person under 18 may be supplied by their own parent or guardian in the circumstances the Act allows. Alcohol may be sold only under a licence, with default trading hours that local policies can restrict. Drinking in public is not covered here.
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Fireworks
In New Zealand retail fireworks can be bought only from 2 to 5 November each year, and only by people aged 18 or over; sparklers are sold only in packages. Some councils prohibit fireworks in public spaces. Rules on when and where they may be let off, and the age to use them, were not found.
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Knives and pepper spray
In New Zealand it is an offence to carry any knife, offensive weapon or disabling substance in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, with up to 3 years in prison. The law does not set blade-length or knife-type limits in this section.
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Tobacco and nicotine age limits
New Zealand sets a single national age of 18 for buying tobacco and vaping products. Smoking and vaping are banned in workplaces, bars, restaurants and on buses and taxis, and in a vehicle on a road with a child under 18. Nicotine pouches and flavour rules are not covered.
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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.