How to package items

Remove pedals, handlebars and front wheel and pack with the remaining parts in a carton like those used by bicycle manufacturers. These cartons are generally available at bicycle shops but must meet the maximum dimension criteria of the selected service.

• Ensure grease, oil, batteries, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze and fuel are removed and that the item is not prohibited or hazardous.
• Protect all surfaces from possible scratches by wrapping in paper or polyethylene.
• Protruding parts should be wrapped well to prevent them from puncturing the carton.
• Pack in a double walled cardboard carton sealed with heavy-duty packing tape and binding or in a wooden crate.
• Use sufficient inner packaging to prevent movement.

For items such as china, glassware and crockery:

• wrap individual objects with enough cushioning material so you cannot feel the shape of the object through the wrapping
• items packed together in one container should be individually wrapped and separated with cushioning material
• pack in strong, rigid outer cartons of cardboard, wood or metal
• to help prevent movement of the items during delivery, ensure all gaps are filled.

For items such as radios, computers and games:

• pack in a strong, rigid cardboard carton
• keep parts well away from the side of the container by protecting them with adequate internal packaging
• all computer parts must be packed in non-static internal packaging
• all batteries must be removed before sending to prevent it from activating during delivery. Some batteries are dangerous and cannot be posted even when removed from the item.

For items such as fishing rods and umbrellas:

• pack between two strong strips of wood or double walled cardboard slightly larger in length and width than the object
• wrap securely
• ensure the parcel does not exceed the maximum length dimension for the service being used.

For items such as body lotions, wine or beer (less than 5 litres and less than 70% alcohol by volume):

• wrap bottles individually
• surround with resilient cushioning material and place in a well sealed polyethylene bag
• pack in a strong cardboard carton with sufficient absorbent material such as newspaper to soak up any possible spillage.

Live leeches, silkworms and harmless insects must be enclosed in strong, protective containers which allow the contents to be easily viewed and allow sufficient air to circulate.

Restrictions apply to the sending of these items when sending within New Zealand and internationally. Refer to refer to our list of prohibited and restricted items.

Sending bees within New Zealand

When packaged correctly; live bees can be delivered domestically by NZ Post's extensive delivery network. We strongly recommend using our Courier Upgrade service for next working day delivery. Any parcels sent on Friday should be upgraded for Saturday Delivery subject to Saturday delivery availability to the receiving address.

Please ensure that you check if the receiving address is Rural, as these addresses may take longer to deliver to.

Check out our parcel sending range, available from all Post Shops or here on our website; alternatively contact CourierPost on 0800 268 743 to discuss your specific needs.

Packaging guidelines

Live bees should be enclosed in suitable packaging to remove all risk of injury to anyone in contact with the item. Ventilation should be robust and ensure all contents are contained within the parcel, but provide adequate circulation.

Where food supply is necessary, it should be of “hard candy” type substitute, such that it will not leak from the parcel.

Each item must be clearly marked “Live bees” (or similar) so that it can be easily identified; and please ensure the Post Shop staff or Courier are aware of the contents when the parcel is lodged or collected.

It is acceptable to send bees domestically using the NZ Post packaging range (including upgraded Postage Included Bags) provided the bees are contained within the appropriate ‘cages’ (or similar) with small holes punched in the bag for ventilation.

• Pack in a strong cardboard carton.
• Surround the articles with internal cushioning to prevent movement.

• Cases supplied with many musical instruments are not designed for protection during delivery. The existing case should be packed in double walled cardboard carton or a wooden case.
• Inner packaging must be used to stop movement of the instrument in its case and of the case within the outer carton.
• The bridges of stringed instruments should be removed and packed separately.

• Completely cover the glass with adhesive tape that can be easily removed. This will help to prevent the picture from being scratched, should the glass break.
• Wrap the frame at least twice in bubble wrap or polystyrene foam sheeting, taking care to use sufficient padding to protect the edges.
• Protective cardboard corners should be placed over the bubble wrap or foam.
• Place the picture between two sheets of solid cardboard or heavy-weight corrugated cardboard and wrap in strong paper. Alternatively, pack in a strong cardboard box with sufficient inner packaging to prevent movement.

• Enclose dry powders in an airtight plastic container or tin and seal in a polyethylene bag.
• Pack in a strong cardboard carton with sufficient inner packaging to prevent movement.
• Ensure powders are not prohibited or hazardous.

To pack items such as knives and scissors:

• place a protective covering or guard over the edges or points to prevent them causing damage to other articles, or injuring anyone handling the parcel
• pack in a strong cardboard carton with sufficient inner packaging to prevent movement.