Sending parcels and merchandise overseas is easy. Use our handy Rate Finder to select the best product and take a look at these tips to make sure it gets there efficiently.
How to purchase sending products
Buying International Express Courier, International Courier, or International Air products is easy and convenient. You can purchase them:
- Online, the easiest and most efficient way to order;
- Or by calling our Product Ordering Centre on 0800 501 701.
If your item is ready to send now, take it to your local PostShop or a selected NZ Post store (excluding stamp resellers).
- New Zealand Post packaging is available from your local PostShop or a selected New Zealand Post retail outlets (excluding stamp resellers).
How to send your parcel
Addressing your parcel
Make sure your parcel gets where it’s going by having the right address printed clearly and boldly:
- Place the address and sender’s address on two sides of your parcel. The addressee’s details should be more prominent than the sender’s.
- Include as many details as possible - suburb, town or city, state, country; to ensure your parcel gets to the right place at the right time.
- Parcels also need to be wrapped and packaged properly, particularly if the item you are sending is fragile.
Check out our packaging tips to ensure your item has a safe and secure journey.
When will your parcel get there?
- If you need to get your parcel there urgently, International Express Courier has a target delivery time of 1-5 working days*.
- When cost is more important than speed, International Courier is ideal with a target delivery time of 2-6 working days*.
- Parcels sent by International Air have a target delivery time of 3-10 working days*.
When sending by International Express Courier or International Courier, we can help you take care of all Customs requirements and our handy Tracking system gives you added security by tracking key events from pick up or lodgement of an item in New Zealand to arrival at its destination. A signature is also collected on delivery.
What can’t I send?
Many items are prohibited to send by post, and while they may appear harmless, under certain circumstances they can become dangerous.
Air pressure or temperature changes can affect goods and cause Prohibited items to leak, ignite or explode. If you send a Prohibited item, you’ll be liable for any damage or costs caused by the item. Not all Prohibited items are obvious – coins, currency or bullion for instance is prohibited.
Many international destinations have extra restrictions on items. If you are unsure about any item, please contact our National Contact Centre, visit your local PostShop or a selected New Zealand Post retail outlet (excluding stamp resellers), or check out our full list of Prohibited and restricted items.
Customs requirements
- If you are sending your parcel by International Air and it is under 2kg, you need to complete a green Customs declaration (OS008A), listing each item and its commercial value.
- If your parcel is valued at more than NZ$250 or is heavier than 2kg, you need to fill out a red consignment note (OS007) or a white consignment note (CN300) available only at your local PostShop, listing the items and their commercial value. If your item is under 2kg but exceeds the maximum dimensions for parcels under 2kg, use the above 2kg parcel instructions.
- If your item is being sent as part of a commercial transaction – you need to also complete an Export Invoice (NCPI025) and attach it to the outside of the parcel.
- If you are using International Express Courier, we can help you with all your Customs requirements to ensure a speedy service.
- New Zealand Post can complete an Export Entry on your behalf. For more information contact our Customs Clearance Broker on 0800 SEND IT. Delivery Duties Taxes Paid (DDTP) is an add-on service, where businesses have the option of having duties or taxes incurred for parcels charged back to their New Zealand Post Account. This can reduce parcel delays and ensures the sending customer rather than the recipient pays.
Need extra assistance?
If you need any further help you can contact our Customer Care Centre, or visit your local PostShop or selected New Zealand Post retail outlets (excluding stamp resellers).
*You can expect that items will usually arrive at their destination within the timeframe specified for each service. Because New Zealand Post does not directly control all parts of the delivery chain, we cannot guarantee that your item will always reach its destination within the target delivery times. Delivery to areas outside major cities, or where your item is dutiable or held in Customs, may take longer.