Prohibited items we cannot carry

We strive to accommodate the delivery needs of our customers as best as we can, and we do have an extensive list of Dangerous Goods that we can carry. But unfortunately, there are some items that we cannot transport through our delivery network. Items are on this list because of either government regulations, physical limits of our network, or it not being good practice to send irreplaceable items through a transport network. 

Below is the complete list of item types that cannot be sent through the New Zealand Couriers network.  If such an item is sent, there may be penalties, and if something should happen to the item, it cannot be claimed for. 

If you want to know more about what types of chemical, hazardous and other dangerous goods (e.g. lithium-ion batteries) CAN be sent through our network – please refer to our Dangerous Goods policy.


Items we cannot carry

The below list of items cannot be sent through the New Zealand Couriers network:

** Items marked with this can only be carried if being sent by an account holder where the carriage of these items has been approved.


  • Animals (except bees) – Dead or Alive ** 
  • Antiques 
  • Ammunition
  • Bicycles (unless boxed and undersized / approved)
  • Body Parts / People / Human Remains / Cremation / Ashes
  • Stocks or Bonds
  • Bullion
  • Cabinets
  • Car Bumpers (unless boxed and undersized), Doors, Windows, and Bonnets **
  • Cash or coins
  • Chairs **
  • Negotiable Instruments (i.e., Vouchers, Travellers Cheques)
  • Precious Stones
  • Deer Velvet (as it bleeds)
  • Dangerous Goods – unless compatible with our Dangerous Goods Policy
  • Whole Engines/Gearboxes
  • Explosives - matches, fire starters, flares etc.
  • Firearms  (unless the firing mechanism travels separately & National Operations Manager has approved)
  • Containers previously used to contain Dangerous Goods (unless certified as empty)
  • Flowers, Plants, Trees
  • Food – perishable goods with a life span (meat, chocolate) – refrigerated goods **
  • Fuel Tanks - new and unused (unless certified as empty)
  • Fragile items can be carried but are carried at the sender's risk. **
  • Furniture
  • Gift Baskets & Hampers (unless boxed) **
  • Helium Balloons
  • Jewellery / Cash / Travellers cheques / Cheques / Bonds
  • Large Whiteware Home Appliances
  • Paintings or any Artwork **
  • Passports unless preapproved
  • Tyres **
  • Wet Batteries (i.e., containing acid)
  • Any class 8 Liquid Dangerous Goods
** Items marked with this can only be carried if being sent by an account holder where the carriage of these items has been approved.


Size and shape restrictions on what we carry

  • Nothing heavier than 25 kgs
  • Nothing larger than 0.125 m cubed
  • Nothing longer than 1.80 m
  • No irregularly shaped freight or insufficiently packaged freight

Did this article answer your question?

Can't find the answer to your question?

Suggest an article