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

Information for NZ Nationals.  Information for International Visitors. See also Travelling with Firearms.

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 (currently NZD$126.50 as at January 2011).

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.