Ships and boats border clearance

Vessels arriving in New Zealand must meet strict biosecurity requirements to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases to New Zealand. Requirements include arriving at a place of first arrival approved to accept your vessel type and cargo.

In this section

I tēnei wāhanga

Arrival process steps

Ballast water

Biofouling

Cruise ships and passengers

Hitchhiker pests

Yachts and other recreational vessels

Requirement documents

Forms and templates

Registers and lists

Fees and charges

Vessel clearance and biofouling resources

Vessel or craft infringement offences

AVOID FURTHER DELAYS FROM PORT CONGESTION

Ensure you have a clean hull before your vessel leaves for New Zealand

A clean hull may reduce any additional biosecurity-related costs and delays, should unforeseen itinerary disruptions occur.

Get ahead of your biofouling: organise an underwater inspection and act on all biofouling found.
Ensure that your most recent underwater inspection or underwater cleaning report is supplied to MPI.
Ensure that all other relevant paperwork is supplied to MPI.
Let MPI know as soon as a delay becomes likely.
Reach out to MPI prior to departure for New Zealand if you are unsure of whether to carry out biofouling management, or to seek further advice.

Following these 5 steps improves the likelihood of MPI granting a request to extend your itinerary.

Port congestion: Vessel delays – suggested steps to take before coming to New Zealand [PDF, 360 KB]

If you have any questions, email:

vessels@mpi.govt.nz, or

standards@mpi.govt.nz