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Boating in New Zealand: arrival, biosecurity and temporary import

Bringing your own boat to New Zealand means telling Customs two days ahead, heading for one of a handful of approved ports and carrying proof of a clean hull, because the country guards its environment closely. This page sums up what Customs, the biosecurity agency MPI, Maritime New Zealand and the German Foreign Office say.

Emergency111UKW 16[8]

Alcohol limit?check locally

Liability covercheck locallyno requirement found

Licenceno licence needed[7]

1 At least 48 hours before the 12 nautical mile limit the advance notice reaches Customs. 2 From there the yellow quarantine flag flies, and everyone stays aboard until cleared. 3 Biosecurity checks the food on board and the evidence of a clean hull.

Best time to go: Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands: going by warmth, rain days and wind, January, February and December are the most pleasant months. Bars show the average daily high, the line the sea temperature, below them rain days and days with wind of 6 Beaufort or more per month, averaged over 2015 to 2024.

Air, daily high (°C) Sea (°C) best months

Rain days101215141516161615131412

Days with wind 6 Bft+13%12%12%21%27%30%36%32%28%23%21%12%

Weather: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis, grid values rather than station readings).

Sea temperature from NOAA satellite data. More cruising areas compared: Best time to sail

Advance notice and entry

Email the Advance Notice of Arrival (form NZCS 340) to yachts@customs.govt.nz at least 48 hours before entering New Zealand waters, that is the 12 nautical mile limit. Late or incorrect notices can lead to prosecution.[2]
Attach the passport photo pages of everyone on board, the boat's certificate of registration and a photo of the whole boat. The notice is shared with biosecurity.[2]
Everyone completes the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, no earlier than 24 hours before leaving the last overseas port.[2]
German citizens need no visa for stays of up to three months but must hold an NZeTA, including as crew of a private yacht. It costs NZD 23 online or NZD 17 in the app, plus the IVL tourist levy.[1][3]
Passports must be valid for at least one month beyond your stay. An onward ticket is only needed if you are not leaving New Zealand on your own boat.[1][2]

Ports of first arrival

Your first port must be approved for recreational vessels: Opua, Marsden Cove Marina near Whangārei, Westhaven in Auckland, Port Marlborough in Picton including Waikawa Marina, or Lyttelton. Westhaven needs a booking and takes boats up to 20 metres long and 5 metres wide.[2]
Nelson is temporarily closed to arriving yachts unless they show compliance with the MPI craft standard, and Tauranga takes none. The list dates from August 2026, so check it before you sail.[2]
Fly the yellow quarantine flag from the 12 nautical mile limit until you are cleared. Everyone stays on board until then; only border staff may board.[2]
Submit the Inward Report (form C1B) within 24 hours of arrival and have your last port clearance ready.[2]

Biosecurity and a clean hull

If you stay 29 days or longer, or visit ports other than the places of first arrival, you must show that the entire hull, niche areas included, was cleaned less than 30 days before arrival. Only a slime layer and goose barnacles are acceptable.[5]
Evidence can be antifouling, haul-out or underwater cleaning invoices and photos. Without it, MPI can order a camera inspection, a haul-out or departure, all at the owner's expense.[5]
No food or garbage may go overboard in New Zealand waters. Officers search the boat for undeclared food, animal and plant products.[4]
Failing to declare usually means a fine of at least NZD 400, and a forgotten apple can be enough.[1]

Temporary import and departure

A boat owned by someone not domiciled in New Zealand can stay up to 21 months under a Temporary Import Entry. This limit has applied since 1 September 2026, replacing 24 months.[2]
Customs requires security, such as an undertaking, bank guarantee, bond or cash deposit. Value is shown by a bill of sale or the current full replacement insurance value.[2]
The boat may not be sold or given away without Customs permission, and may be chartered for at most 65 percent of its time in New Zealand.[2]
Border processing levies are invoiced to the email address on your notice. Customs does not list the amounts, so ask before you travel.[2]
Send the Advance Notice of Departure (form C2B) at least four hours before leaving and book your clearance appointment at least 48 hours ahead. After clearance, leave New Zealand waters straight away.[2]

Licence

You do not need a licence to operate a pleasure boat in New Zealand, but every skipper must follow the rules.[7]
Regional councils can set their own bylaws. Ask locally what applies where you are boating.

Liability insurance

We found no official requirement for foreign pleasure craft to carry liability insurance. Ask your marina in advance what proof it wants.

Lifejackets and natural hazards

Carry a lifejacket that fits for everyone on board. Wear it at times of heightened risk, such as crossing a bar, in rough water and in an emergency.[6]
Since 9 October 2026, everyone on a recreational craft of 6 metres or under must wear a lifejacket while it is underway.[6]
Cyclone season runs from November to April. Whakaari (White Island) has been closed since the 2019 eruption.[1]

Emergency

In an emergency, call 111 or send a MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.[8]
The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) is available around the clock on 0508 472 269.[8]

In New Zealand, keep the passports and NZeTAs, the certificate of registration, your last port clearance, the hull cleaning evidence and the temporary import papers on board, and fly the yellow quarantine flag from the 12 nautical mile limit.

NAMMERT customers can get their liability confirmation in English.

Request a certificate (New Zealand)

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Questions

How early must I report my arrival in New Zealand?

At least 48 hours before reaching the 12 nautical mile limit, using form NZCS 340 sent by email to Customs.

Do I need a visa for New Zealand?

German citizens need no visa for up to three months but must hold an NZeTA, also as yacht crew, plus the IVL levy.

Does my hull need cleaning before arrival?

If you stay 29 days or longer, you need evidence that the whole hull was cleaned in the 30 days before arrival. Only slime and goose barnacles are allowed.

How long can my boat stay in New Zealand?

Up to 21 months under a Temporary Import Entry, with security lodged with Customs.

What is the emergency number?

111, or a MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.