I think it would be ok if it was brought into the country legally and it was not on the restricted list.
Not 100% sure but you could ask when you arrive.
I brought some back from the States in 95 when we moved back here but things may have changed.
Was thinking of getting my father inlaw to bring one back next time but have not checked the rules.
Maybe muzza knows.

Milosmate

Tony - the NZ Police will issue you with a Visitors Firearms Licence on your arrival - front up to the Police counter at the airport and ask for one . As long as the firearm can be legally held on the Guides level of gun licence ( ie not a military style semi auto )I dont see any problem with your plan . Carrying the copy of the e-mail is a damn good idea - some of our police couldnt hold an intelligent conversation with their breakfast cereal so be prepared.

And...I would say you're correct. Here's why. I went to the NZ police site and sent them an email (in blue). The answer I got follows it in red. I printed out a copy to take with me. -TONY

I'll be traveling to NZ to hunt next month and will be bringing my own firearms. Is it legal to leave one with my outfitter if he is a permanent and licensed resident of NZ? Thank you. < !--color-->

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul.Gatland@police.govt.nz [mailto:Paul.Gatland@police.govt.nz]On
Behalf Of firearms@police.govt.nz
Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2004 1:24 PM
To: XXXXXX
Subject: Re: NZ Police Web Site : Firearms



Hi

Yes - we would prefer that you did that.


Regards
< !--color-->

Hey, what's the legality of bringing a firearm to NZ and then leaving it with a guide/outfitter as a tip of sorts? -TONY

I think that is a confused answer and should be re-clarified. I think he didn't realise what you asked. I think he thinks you are going to leave a rifle in NZ for your use rather than carry one to and fro. There may be tax implications (GST/VAT/Import Duties) on the import as well.

I would ask that question when you get to NZ Customs at your Port of entry . They will be able to tell you there and then if there is duty to pay or GST . Then you have the option of leaving the gun with your guide , or taking it home with you . Sometimes pleading ignorant of foreign laws can be usefull , specially when you have the option of taking it home if you dont like the Customs guys answer .

Nitrox,



After reading his answer several times, I thought the same as you did. The word, "prefer" seemed to be a tip off that he misunderstood, thinking I meant storing the firearm while I'm in the country. So I sent another message and made my question a bit clearer. Still waiting on a reply. -TONY

Muzza,

Problem with that is I don't especially want to be the proud owner of a Rem. 700 Titanium in 7mm UM at $1,000. So in order to do what you suggest, I would have to buy the rifle here first and then proceed from there. Also, see my message to Nitrox. -TONY

To be strictly legal by US laws, wouldn't you have to have an export permit to leave a gun behind in NZ?

I imagine it wouldn't be caught, but if there is a question you might be linked to AR, an organisation based in the United Arab Emerirates.

Richard,

You're probably right. In fact, I think it was cited in a thread we are having on Ammo in the African Hunting section. In reality, though, no one other than perhaps TSA, checks the guns when leaving the US. And TSA only barely looks at them with no serial # check. They opened my case in front of me here in Phoenix when I went to Africa, and merely unzipped the cases, peered in and closed them up again. -TONY