Skip to main content Skip to navigation within this section
aviation.govt.nz
Print

Knives - illegal

 
Carry-on bag
Checked-in luggage
Knives - illegal
 
 

Can I take this item on a plane?

No. Butterfly, double edged, ejector, flick, push, disguised knives and bayonets are all offensive weapons and prohibited from carriage.

Any knife with one of the following characteristics is an offensive weapon and prohibited:

  • Blade produced through use of centrifugal force
  • Spring mechanism produces blade
  • Double edged blades with each edge mirroring the other
  • Knife disguised to appear as another object.

Any item (e.g. comb) designed to look like a knife or other weapon will be seized as an imitation.

What are the restrictions?

  • The NZ Police and Customs consider these knives to be offensive weapons.
  • If you have these types of weapons leave them at home.

Why is this item restricted?

It is a criminal offence to carry some kinds of weapons at airports.

Possession of these knives at an airport is an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment and may result in:

  • the NZ Police being alerted
  • your arrest.
  • you missing your flight
  • the knife being seized

What happens if I have a restricted item in my carry-on bag?

You will be asked to relinquish all dangerous or prohibited items found in your carry-on luggage. If you refuse:

  • you will not be permitted to move through the screening point, and
  • your airline will be advised of your refusal.

How does Aviation Security screen for restricted items?

AvSec x-ray bags going onto aircraft to ensure there is nothing dangerous in them. If something comes up on the x-ray that needs checking, the bag will be opened, searched and any dangerous good or prohibited item will be removed, with a bag search notification form left within the bag.

Print