For SHIPS
Prior to arrival
All ships are required to adhere to a number of obligations before and on arrival into New Zealand.
All ships must arrive at an approved port of first arrival.
Prior to arrival, masters or agents must an Advance Notice of Arrival and send the completed form to four national agencies:
- MAFBNZ (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Biosecurity NZ),
- NZ Customs Service (NZCS),
- Ministry of Health, and
- Maritime Safety Authority.
New Zealand also has strict conditions regarding the discharge of ballast water and ships must report on their ballast water discharge intentions before arrival into and departure from New Zealand.
Ships visiting Fiordland and NZ’s sub-Antarctic islands
There are also many strict conditions that ships need to adhere to when entering New Zealand waters, especially around the pristine areas of Fiordland National Park and New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands.
All cruise vessels entering Fiordland are required to be a signatory to the Deed of Agreement with the regional council, namely Environment Southland. The Deed prescribes operating conditions, including passage plans and procedures.
Ships to New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic Islands also require DOC concessions, obtained through a consultancy process.
On Arrival
Disembarking passengers and crew will be jointly processed by New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry/Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) officers, either en route to, or on arrival in New Zealand.
On arrival, ships are required to submit additional documents including:
- A Master’s declaration including a list of all meat and animals onboard, and
- Passenger Arrival Cards for all passengers and crew disembarking in New Zealand.
At each New Zealand port, a Biosecurity Inspector will inspect and clear the vessel and passengers for entry into New Zealand. Visit MAFBNZ for more details.
On Departure
On departure, ships traveling to an international port will need to submit several documents to Customs including an Outward Report, Passenger and Crew information, and Ship and Cargo information.
For PASSENGERS
Disembarking in New Zealand
A New Zealand Customs official usually boards the ship in the overseas port before arriving into New Zealand, so that customs clearance can be done en route to New Zealand. This will allow a smoother and faster disembarkation process once in New Zealand. Passengers disembarking the ship will have to fill in a New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card.
New Zealand has strict biosecurity regulations which passengers need to adhere to. Essentially, New Zealand restricts the removal of ships’ stores from the vessel, such as fresh fruit and vegetable, meats of any kind, dairy products, and flowers, seeds or plants. Passengers need to know that a MAFBNZ official will board the ship or be at the end of the gangway, and check passengers’ bags before entry into each New Zealand port. If the abovementioned items are found, they will be discarded. Please visit MAF Biosecurity New Zealand for more details on what can be brought into New Zealand.
Embarking in New Zealand
Passengers embarking in New Zealand will need to complete a New Zealand Passenger Departure Card.
Cruise lines new to New Zealand should contact a New Zealand shipping agent for advice.