Longer NZ firearms licences to simplify return hunting trips

A practical change under New Zealand’s new firearm laws will make repeat trips easier for overseas visitors attending seasonal hunts and shooting events.

The reforms include a welcome change for visiting hunters and sporting shooters, with multi-entry visitor firearms licences of up to 18 months to become available on February 23, 2028. Most of the new Arms Act will take effect on September 23, 2026, but the provisions allowing these longer visitor licences have a later commencement date.

This extension is designed to reduce repeat paperwork for eligible overseas visitors who return to NZ several times for lawful activities such as duck shooting, the roar, guided hunting trips and sporting shooting competitions.

Many regular trans-Tasman visitors do not make a single, one-off trip and instead travel for opening weekends, club events, regional competitions or seasonal opportunities spread across several months. A longer multi-entry licence should reduce duplication for applicants and administrators while giving visiting shooters greater certainty when arranging travel, firearm transport, accommodation and event participation.

The measure sits within broader changes to NZ firearms law intended to support the safe and legitimate possession and use of firearms while keeping compliance workable for responsible licence holders, clubs, businesses and visitors.

Australian hunters who want to use firearms unsupervised in NZ must still apply for a visitor licence before travelling. Alternatively, visitors may use a firearm under the immediate supervision of a current NZ firearms licence holder.

Applicants should use the Firearms Safety Authority’s online visitor licence process – Visiting or moving to New Zealand | Firearms Safety Authority New Zealand – and allow at least four months before arrival. They must pay the applicable fee and be ready to provide supporting documents such as passport details, a passport-style photo and evidence of an Australian firearms licence or equivalent authorisation.

They will also need to provide information about their planned hunting or competition activities and secure storage arrangements while in NZ. Anyone bringing firearms or ammunition must provide details as part of the application, obtain the appropriate import permit and declare the items on arrival as required.