Can I give my 16-year-old a small drink at a family party at home?
Yes, it can be legal if you are the parent or legal guardian and you supply the alcohol responsibly. A court would look at things like supervision, food, non-alcoholic drinks, the type of occasion, safe transport home, how long the drinking went on, the strength and amount of alcohol, and the young person's age. If convicted, the maximum fine is NZ$2,000.
Official figures
- Legal age to buy alcohol
- 181
- Approved evidence of age documents
- A current passport (from any country), a current New Zealand driver licence, an age card issued by Hospitality New Zealand with your photo and date of birth, or an accredited digital identity credential. Expired documents are not accepted.2
- Buying alcohol while under 18, or showing a false ID
- NZ$250 fine for each (infringement fee)1
- Drinking in a public place while under 18 without a parent or guardian
- NZ$200 fine1
- Breaking a local alcohol ban (Local Alcohol Ban)
- NZ$250 fine1
Official sources
- Alcohol laws and penaltiesNew Zealand Police · police.govt.nz
- Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz) · legislation.govt.nz
- Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz) · legislation.govt.nz
- Alcohol bans and alcohol ban mapsAuckland Council · aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Buying and drinking alcohol in New Zealand →
People also ask
- What is the legal drinking age in New Zealand, and what ID do I need to buy alcohol?
- Can I use my Indian driving licence or another overseas licence as ID to buy alcohol in NZ?
- I am over 18. Can I buy alcohol for a friend who is under 18?
- Can I drink beer in a park or on the beach in New Zealand?
- Why can't I buy whisky or vodka at the supermarket in NZ?
- Can I buy alcohol on Christmas Day or at Easter in New Zealand?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
How does this apply to me?
Tell us your situation for practical next steps, with official sources. Try a free question — no sign-in needed.
Share after you sign in with Google and your link will carry your invite code: when a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions. You can still share without signing in — it just won’t earn anything.Your link includes your invite code. When a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions (up to 10 friends).
Tap “···” at the top right to send to a friend or share to Moments