These information pages can help you get started in learning about some of the laws and registration requirements that may apply to your Trips or Experiences on Airbnb. These pages include summaries of some of the rules that may apply to different sorts of activities, and contain links to government resources that you may find helpful.

Please understand that these information pages are not comprehensive, and are not legal advice. If you are unsure about how local laws or this information may apply to you or your Experience, we encourage you to check with your city or an attorney.

Please note that we don’t update this information in real time, so you should confirm that the law has not changed recently.*

I plan to serve or provide alcohol as part of my experience - do I need any licences for that?

The sale, supply and consumption of alcohol is tightly regulated in New Zealand.

Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, if you are selling or supplying alcohol as part of your experience, you will likely need one or more licences to enable you to do this. It is an offence to sell or supply alcohol without the appropriate licence.

There is one limited exception where you may be able to serve alcohol without being required to obtain an alcohol license:

You can find out more information about the types of alcohol licences and the application forms and processes on the Queenstown Lakes District Council website. It is also a good idea to contact the Queenstown Lakes District Council to find out more.

What if my experience takes place at a bar?

You would be unlikely to run afoul of regulations if you take your guests (who are not underage) to your favourite local bar that is licensed under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

However, if your Experience involves two or more premises licensed under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (e.g. bars or restaurants with an alcohol licence), you are likely to be considered to be operating an organized licensed premise tours. In this case, please note that there is a new Bylaw in Queenstown relating to Activities in Public Places which requires a permit to operate an organised licensed premise tour that that is marketed or advertised to the public or a section of the public in any form. A licensed premises tour organiser must apply for a permit by completing the Organised Licensed Premises Tour Application form and emailing it to [email protected]. The processing timeframe for all applications is 20 working days, provided that all information is complete. An initial permit is valid for 1 year and free of charge. A permit must be renewed after the first year and will incur a processing fee. A renewed permit is valid for 3 years. For more information about the application process and a list of conditions imposed on licensed premises tour organisers, please visit the Queenstown Lakes District Council website.

What if my experience is BYO, and I want to allow guests to bring their own alcohol?

If your guests bring their own alcohol and you did not encourage them to do so, you will not require licence. However, if your Experience includes the following factors, your premises may be considered to be a “place of resort for the consumption of alcohol”: (a) where the consumption of BYO alcohol is a main or substantial purpose of the people participating in the Experience; (b) where there is a fee charged for bringing along alcohol; and/or (c) where the Experience encourages or is advertised to include BYO. You will likely need a licence if you are considered to be a “place of resort for the consumption of alcohol”. If you are unsure whether you need a licence, we encourage you to confirm the applicable position for your specific experience with the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

A licence is not required if your experience involves BYO in a public place (e.g. BYO to a picnic). However, note that there are alcohol ban Bylaws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in certain public areas in Queenstown.

I brew my own beer or produce my own wine. What else do I need to keep in mind?

If you brew your own beer, your food activity or business is likely to be under National Programme 3. More information about this classification can be found here.

If you make your own wine or cider, you have a duty to ensure that it is ‘safe and suitable’ and may also need to operate under a food control plan or a national programme (please refer to the section on experiences involving food for more information). In addition, the Wine Act 2003 would also apply to makers of ‘wine’, which is defined as any grape wine, fruit wine, vegetable wine, or mead.

All wine made in New Zealand must meet New Zealand’s wine Standard, which include: