New Zealand law states that only persons 18 years and over can purchase alcohol.

New Zealand does not have a legal age for drinking, unlike the United States.

There are penalities if a young person under the age of 18 buys alcohol - they could be fined up to $2000. 

There are penalties if a young person under the age of 18 years is sold alcohol. For information please click here.

There are also laws around others (parents, friends, etc) supplying alcohol to those under 18 years. Click on the section alcohol supplied by parents or alcohol supplied by others, for more information.