Short answer: From 1 July 2027 the Customs part of New Zealand's Border Processing Levy for each arriving cruise passenger falls from NZ$27.14 to NZ$7.20, excluding GST. The biosecurity part stays at NZ$10.58. Air travellers pay 32 cents more overall. Explera DMC New Zealand plans the ground programme for cruise groups before, during and after their sailing.
Customs Minister Casey Costello announced the new rates on 16 October 2026, early enough for cruise lines and the trade to plan ahead.
What changes on 1 July 2027?
New Zealand Customs lists these rates in NZ dollars, excluding GST:
- Arriving by cruise ship. The Customs levy falls from NZ$27.14 to NZ$7.20. The MPI biosecurity levy stays at NZ$10.58, so the total falls from NZ$37.72 to NZ$17.78.
- Departing by cruise ship. The Customs levy rises from NZ$0.68 to NZ$0.71.
- Arriving by air. The Customs levy rises from NZ$13.04 to NZ$13.69. With the NZ$12.03 biosecurity levy, the total rises from NZ$25.07 to NZ$25.72.
- Departing by air. The Customs levy falls from NZ$3.62 to NZ$3.29.
The current rates apply until 30 June 2027. The Comptroller of Customs sets the rates, and they are reviewed against forecast costs and passenger numbers.
How are the levies paid?
- Inside the ticket. Customs says that for most travellers the levies are included in the price of an airline or cruise ticket. A group does not pay them separately on arrival.
- Private aircraft and boats. Travellers arriving this way are invoiced separately.
- Other charges are separate. The Border Processing Levy is not the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) or the NZeTA. Those rules have not changed with this announcement.
What does it mean for cruise groups?
- A lower cost per arrival. The New Zealand Cruise Association's chief executive, Jacqui Lloyd, called the cut "fantastic news" and said cruise lines plan two to three years ahead, so early notice gives them certainty.
- Sailings from mid-2027. The new rates start in the New Zealand winter. Most cruise calls come in the summer season, so the 2027–28 season is the first full summer at the new rate.
- No change on shore. The levy affects the fare, not what happens in port. Shore excursions, coach transfers and pre- and post-cruise stays are planned in the same way.
What should agents tell clients?
- Air groups pay slightly more. The overall increase for air travellers is 32 cents per passenger, and it is built into airfares.
- Quote with the right dates. A sailing that arrives before 1 July 2027 still carries the current rate. The cruise line or airline sets how the levy appears in the fare.
- Confirm at quotation. We check current charges and entry rules for each group before we confirm the programme.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We handle shore excursions and port handling and pre- and post-cruise stays for travel agents and tour operators. See our cruise shore excursions guide, our entry requirements guide and our biosecurity guide for arriving groups.
FAQ
How much is the cruise border levy from 1 July 2027? The Customs levy for an arriving cruise passenger is NZ$7.20, down from NZ$27.14, excluding GST. The NZ$10.58 biosecurity levy is unchanged.
Who announced the change? Customs Minister Casey Costello, on 16 October 2026. The Comptroller of Customs sets the rates.
Do air travellers pay less too? No. Air travellers pay 32 cents more overall: the arrival rate rises and the departure rate falls.
Do clients pay the levy at the border? For most travellers the levy is included in the airline or cruise ticket. Travellers on private aircraft or boats are invoiced separately.
Does the change affect the IVL or the NZeTA? No. This announcement covers the Border Processing Levy only.
Sources
- Border processing levies, New Zealand Customs Service, current and 1 July 2027 rates
- Levy cuts on board for cruise industry, Inside Government NZ, 16 October 2026
- Kiwi cruise sector gets a boost, Travel Today, 19 October 2026
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
