Obtaining a Firearms Licence

In order to possess and transport a rifle or other firearm in New Zealand you will need to be granted a Firearms Licence from the New Zealand Police.

NZ Nationals

Licences are issued at the sole discretion of the police, and are usually valid for 10 years. To be granted a licence, you must:

• Be over 16;
• Be a "fit and proper person" to possess and use firearms;
• Attend a safety lecture given by a volunteer from the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council;
• Pass a written test based on the material in the Arms Code;
• Undergo an interview with a police officer who will inspect your security provisions for firearms and ammunition storage;
• Provide two referees to vouch for you (they must be over 20, one of them a relative);
• Provide a photo and pay the fee.

You can get full details from the firearms section of the NZ Police Website.

NOTE:  You do not necessarily need a firearms licence to 'have a go' at full bore rifle shooting - but you will at all times need to be closely supervised by a licence holder.

International Visitors

Visitors to New Zealand with their own firearms licence can apply for a permit to import and a visitors' firearms licence at the Police Online Form here. You will need to produce your passport and current firearms licence from your own country. The fee is currently NZD $25.00.

You can find out more about importing your rifle here.