Wine and beer are available from most supermarkets seven days a week, and wine, beer and spirits at specialist outlets ('bottle stores').
Anyone aged 18 years or over can go into 'licensed premises' and buy and drink alcohol. Licensed premises include hotels, pubs, restaurants, clubs, bottle stores, supermarkets, cafes, bars and nightclubs. If you are asked to prove you are aged 18 or over, you can use either:
- a New Zealand photo driver licence
- a New Zealand or overseas passport, or
- an 'evidence of age' document from the Hospitality Association of New Zealand (available at any New Zealand Post Shop for $20).
People who are under 18 can be supplied with alcohol by their parent or legal guardian, either at home or at a private social gathering. It is illegal for people under 18 to drink in a public place.
Drink driving rules
If you drink, don't drive. See Drink Driving Rules.
