Meteorite law in New Zealand
Meteorites are protected objects. They may be owned, usually by the landowner, but exporting one needs a licence from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Private ownership, export controlled
Ownership: on private land a meteorite generally belongs to the landowner. On public land, check with the agency that manages it, because conservation land has its own rules on collecting.
Export: meteorites are protected objects under the Protected Objects Act 1975. Taking one out of the country needs a licence from the chief executive of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, who consults expert examiners. Exporting without a licence can lead to confiscation, heavy fines and imprisonment.
Example: the Takapō meteorite was recovered by searchers from the national fireball network.
This is general information to help you ask the right questions, not legal advice. Laws change and their details matter, and this summary was last reviewed in 2026. Before you search, buy, sell or export a meteorite, check the current law with the authorities of the country concerned or a qualified lawyer. See meteorite law by country.
Related pages
Glossary: Meteorite ownership, Export rules, Landowner permission, Provenance