New Zealand & Vaping - All you need to know.

Laws, Travel & Local Guidelines

Vaping in New Zealand

Your complete guide to NZ vape laws, nicotine limits, public vaping rules, and where to buy the best vape juice locally.

💡 NZ Vaping Laws at a Glance

Strictly 18+ Only It is illegal to sell or supply vaping products to anyone under the age of 18 in New Zealand.

Flavour Restrictions Dairies, supermarkets, and service stations can only sell Mint, Menthol, and Tobacco flavours. Full flavours are restricted to Specialist Vape Retailers (SVRs).

Nicotine Caps By law, nicotine salts are capped at a maximum strength of 28.5 mg/mL, and freebase e-liquids are capped at 20 mg/mL.

Public Vaping Rules Vaping is treated identically to smoking. You cannot vape indoors at workplaces, restaurants, bars, or on public transport.

1. Where to Buy Vapes & E-Liquid in NZ

New Zealand has a heavily regulated, two-tier retail system for vaping products to ensure they are kept out of the hands of minors while remaining accessible to transitioning adult smokers.

General Retailers (Dairies & Supermarkets)

Corner stores, petrol stations, and supermarkets are legally restricted to selling only three flavours: Mint, Menthol, and Tobacco. They cannot sell any fruit or dessert flavours.

Specialist Vape Retailers (SVRs)

Registered Specialist Vape Retailers (like Vapoureyes NZ) are permitted to sell the full spectrum of flavours (fruits, desserts, etc.) as well as advanced hardware and high-quality e-liquids. Entry to these stores—and their websites—is strictly age-gated (18+).

2. Nicotine Limits & Device Regulations

To improve safety and environmental standards, the New Zealand Ministry of Health has implemented strict rules regarding the formulation of e-liquids and the design of vape hardware.

Nicotine Strength Caps: All nicotine salt e-liquids sold in NZ are capped at a maximum of 28.5 mg/mL. Traditional freebase nicotine is capped at 20 mg/mL.
The End of Traditional Disposables: New Zealand law requires all vaping devices to have removable/replaceable batteries and child-safety mechanisms. This effectively bans older, single-use disposable vapes.
Prefilled Pods & Reusable Kits: The market has shifted toward compliant prefilled pod systems (like Solo and Nexpod) and refillable open-pod kits, which are widely available and environmentally friendlier.

3. Public Etiquette: Where Can You Vape?

Under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act, vaping in New Zealand is subject to the exact same restrictions as smoking combustible cigarettes.

🚫 Where Vaping is Banned:

Inside all hospitality venues (bars, restaurants, cafes, and casinos).
Inside all indoor workplaces and office buildings.
On all public transport (buses, trains, ferries, and domestic flights).
In vehicles when children (under 18) are present.
On the grounds of all schools and early childhood centres.

Where CAN you vape? You are generally free to vape outdoors, on private property, and in designated outdoor smoking areas attached to bars and restaurants (at the venue's discretion).

4. Travelling to New Zealand with Vapes

Are you a tourist travelling to New Zealand? Good news: you can legally bring your personal vape gear with you into the country.

      Inbound Flight Rules:
      
Personal Use Allowance: You can bring vaping devices and e-liquids (including those with nicotine) through New Zealand customs, provided they are for your own personal use.

Luggage Restrictions: Just like anywhere else in the world, spare lithium-ion batteries and vape devices MUST be packed in your carry-on luggage. Do not put vapes in your checked bags.

Buying Locally: If you run out of e-liquid while travelling, you can easily order compliant vape juice and replacement pods online from Vapoureyes NZ for fast, local delivery to your hotel or accommodation.