Will NZ check through luggage with overnight connection in AKL

[luxury-lizard]

We're travelling NZ SYD-AKL-RAR in July on one PNR but the connection in AKL requires an overnight stay (less than 24 Horus) - we will enter New Zealand and stay at a hotel - will NZ check our luggage through so we don't need to collect in in AKL and re-check in following morning? (A similar overnight connection required on the return).

 

[serfty]

We're travelling NZ SYD-AKL-RAR in July on one PNR but the connection in AKL requires an overnight stay (less than 24 Horus) - we will enter New Zealand and stay at a hotel - will NZ check our luggage through so we don't need to collect in in AKL and re-check in following morning? (A similar overnight connection required on the return).

Which would you prefer?

Given you are planning on going Landside it probably matters little.

 

[luxury-lizard]

We would prefer to check our luggage through - means less hassle with NZ Customs who, in our experience, have been extremely aggressive and unfriendly when entering the country with any sort of sporting equipment (for us hiking gear - this time snorkelling gear).

In fact in many forums AFF members have complained about issues with Customs and Immigration in many other countries (e.g. USA) but we have always found NZ "takes that cake" (and we are very ordinary well heeled senior travellers).

 

[NZflygirl]

I don't know the answer to this but could you try them on social media? Get around the chat bot by typing talk to a human. Then send your flights and question re:luggage.

NZ is geographically isolated and doesn't have the diseases some other countries do so they do their best to identify risk at the border. We're broke as a country already so... disease would send us more broke.

Anyway, what I've been doing with food in particular is taking pics of the food I need to declare and I have a customs album I keep it in. Maybe you could take pics of your shoes, snorkel gear prior to packing? I'm not sure they'll take it at face value vs wanting to see them. You could do a little video including something with the date on it. That may make your journey easier? The pics have certainly made my processing through customs easier. They've never asked to see the food I have but its usually packed in an accessible are of luggage.

Worth a shot? I do this with wine or nonalcoholic wine bottles for eg Singapore too. They just wave me through. It was non alcoholic that time.