A Beginner’s Start to Snagging the Love Bonito Lunar New Year Mahjong Set from the US

The 2026 Mahjong Craze: Why Love Bonito is Trending

Lunar New Year 2026 has brought with it a wave of stylish tradition, and nothing is capturing the spotlight quite like the Love Bonito Lunar New Year Mahjong Set. Originally a staple in Southeast Asian fashion, Love Bonito has successfully blended contemporary chic with cultural heritage, making their limited-edition Mahjong sets a must-have collectible. While these sets often sell out instantly in Singapore and Malaysia, savvy shoppers have noticed that stock often lingers longer in US-based storefronts or international hubs.

For those in New Zealand, the appeal is twofold: the set is a stunning piece of home decor, and it represents a modern take on a timeless game. However, getting your hands on one can be tricky if you aren't living in a major shipping hub. This is why many Kiwis are looking toward the North American market to secure their set before they disappear for good.

How to Buy the Set from US Stores

Shopping from the US is often the best way to find items that are sold out locally. US retailers frequently have different stock allocations, meaning the Love Bonito set might still be available there even if it's gone elsewhere. However, many US online stores do not offer direct shipping to New Zealand, or if they do, the costs are prohibitively high.

To navigate this, you simply need a US shipping address. By using a service like comGateway, you get a dedicated US address to use at checkout. This allows you to shop like a local, taking advantage of US-only promotions and stock availability that wouldn't otherwise be accessible from Auckland or Christchurch.

First Time Importing? Using a Reliable Package Forwarder

If this is your first time importing goods from overseas, the process might seem daunting, but it’s actually quite straightforward. A reliable package forwarder acts as your middleman. They receive your package at their secure US warehouse, notify you of its arrival, and then ship it directly to your doorstep in New Zealand.

This method is often safer than relying on standard international post because you get better tracking and professional handling of your items. For a delicate item like a Mahjong set—which can be heavy and contains many small pieces—having a professional team manage the international leg of the journey is essential.

Calculating Your Shipping Costs to New Zealand

One of the biggest concerns for beginners is the hidden cost of shipping. Because Mahjong sets are typically made of dense materials like acrylic or resin, they can be surprisingly heavy. This weight affects the total price you'll pay to get the item home.

To avoid any surprises, you should use a shipping calculator before you hit the "buy" button. By entering the estimated weight and dimensions of the Love Bonito box, you can estimate shipping cost accurately. You should also compare different service levels; international shipping rates vary depending on whether you choose express delivery or a more budget-friendly standard option. Checking the shipping fees in advance ensures that your total investment stays within your budget.

New Zealand Customs: Import Duties and GST

When importing goods into New Zealand in 2026, it is vital to understand the local tax laws. Currently, New Zealand requires Goods and Services Tax (GST) to be paid on most items imported from overseas. If the retailer you are buying from does not collect GST at the point of sale, it may be collected at the border or handled by your forwarder.

Check our guide on import duties to see how these charges are calculated. Generally, for items valued under a certain threshold, the process is seamless, but for luxury collectibles like the Love Bonito Mahjong set, it’s wise to be aware of potential GST/VAT or customs tax requirements to ensure your package isn't delayed at the border.

Is it Safe to Ship? Restricted and Prohibited Items

Before you ship anything internationally, you must ensure the items are allowed to enter your country. While a Mahjong set is generally perfectly safe, some specialty sets might include materials like certain types of wood or animal products (in vintage sets) that could face restrictions.

You might also like to review the list of prohibited items to ensure that no part of your order—perhaps a free gift or an accompanying cleaning kit—falls under restricted goods. For the Love Bonito set specifically, there are usually no issues, but it is a good habit for any first-time importer to double-check the prohibited items list just in case.

Your Step-by-Step Shopping Guide

Ready to start? Follow these simple steps to get your Love Bonito Lunar New Year Mahjong Set delivered to New Zealand:

• Step 1: Sign up for a comGateway account to receive your personal US shipping address.
• Step 2: Visit the US store selling the Love Bonito set and add it to your cart.
• Step 3: At checkout, enter your comGateway US address as the shipping destination.
• Step 4: Once the package arrives at the US warehouse, you will receive a notification. You can then choose to consolidate it with other purchases to save money.
• Step 5: Pay for the international shipping to New Zealand.
• Step 6: Track your package as it makes its way to your home!

By following this beginner-friendly approach, you can celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year with one of the most sought-after collector's items of the season, all from the comfort of your home in New Zealand.