What is the Legal Drinking Age in New Zealand?

One of the trickiest questions in our Alcohol&Me workshops is: “What is the legal drinking age in New Zealand?” Many people get it wrong, and if you’re unsure, you’re not alone! The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

What Does the Law Say?

Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, the minimum legal age to purchase alcohol in New Zealand is 18 years. This means that you must be 18 or older with proof of age identification, to legally buy alcohol from a bar, restaurant, bottle store or other alcohol retailer.

But here’s where it gets interesting—New Zealand does not have a minimum legal drinking age. Unlike in some countries, it is not illegal for people under 18 to consume alcohol. However, there are important conditions around how and when they can drink. Keep reading to find out more.

So, can a 17-Year-old have a drink?

Yes—but only under strict conditions!

In New Zealand, there is no specific legal drinking age, but there are very clear rules about supplying alcohol to minors (ie anyone under the age of 18). A person under 18 can legally drink alcohol only if their parent or legal guardian provides the alcohol or gives express consent for someone else to do so.

It is illegal for anyone else to supply alcohol to a minor without this explicit permission. Even parents must ensure they provide alcohol responsibly, following safe drinking guidelines. Failure to do so is punishable by a fine of up to $2000.

What about drinking in public?

Even with parental permission, other drinking laws still apply regardless of age, including restrictions in liquor ban areas. Make sure you fully understand your responsibilities and obligations around alcohol—learn more here.

It’s legal to drink before 18 but should you?

Just because something is legal doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a smart choice. While the law allows young people under 18 to drink with parental consent, the best evidence suggests that delaying alcohol use for as long as possible is the healthiest option. Why? Because the human brain is still developing well into your mid-20s, and alcohol can impact memory, decision-making, and even emotional well-being.

Remember you don’t need alcohol to have a great time! Plenty of people enjoy socializing, dancing, playing sports, or celebrating without drinking—and feel better for it the next day. Research shows that young people who delay drinking tend to make healthier choices overall and are less likely to develop risky drinking habits later in life. For more guidance, check out our Parenting Series articles here.

Key Takeaways:

You must be 18 or older to legally purchase alcohol in New Zealand.

It’s illegal to supply alcohol to a minor without permission from their parent or guardian.

There is no minimum drinking age, but under-18s can only drink with parental consent.

Delaying alcohol use for as long as possible is the best choice for your health, as your brain continues to develop into your mid-20s.

Final Thoughts

Always make sure you have the proper consent before taking a sip. But beyond that, it’s worth considering whether drinking is the right choice for you. Whether it’s hanging out with family & friends or celebrating milestones, there are plenty of ways for us all to enjoy life without drinking and evidence suggests that waiting longer before drinking is better for your health and decision-making skills.

So, next time someone asks, “What is the legal drinking age in New Zealand?”, you’ll not only have the answer— but also the knowledge to make more informed choices about alcohol and what’s right for you.