- Why is everyone in NZ obsessed with Rhode Barrier Butter?
- The myth of US-only brands being off-limits for Kiwis
- How to shop the US Rhode store from Auckland or Wellington
- The secret to beating order cancellations with BuyForMe
- Estimating your shipping costs to New Zealand
- What you need to know about NZ customs and GST in 2026
Why is everyone in NZ obsessed with Rhode Barrier Butter?
Ever wondered why your TikTok feed is full of people slathering on a thick, creamy balm before bed? That is the Rhode Barrier Butter, and as of February 2026, it has officially reached cult status in New Zealand. Unlike your standard moisturizer, this is a heavy-duty skin barrier repair treatment designed to withstand the harshest conditions. Whether you are dealing with the drying winds of Canterbury or just trying to fix a damaged skin barrier from over-exfoliating, this product has become the gold standard.
The hype is real because it actually works. It is packed with hyaluronic acid and specialized peptides that mimic the skin's natural lipids. However, there is a catch that every Kiwi skincare enthusiast knows all too well: Rhode still does not ship directly to New Zealand. This has led to a massive surge in resellers on local marketplaces charging double or even triple the US retail price. But you do not have to be one of the people overpaying.
The myth of US-only brands being off-limits for Kiwis
There is a common assumption that if a brand like Rhode says "US Only," then New Zealanders are simply out of luck. You might think your only options are waiting years for a local launch or risking it with a random seller on a Facebook group. This is a total myth. In reality, thousands of shoppers are using a parcel forwarding service to get these viral products delivered straight to their doorstep.
By using comGateway, you get a tax-free US address located in Oregon. This means when you shop on the Rhode website, you do not pay US sales tax, and the store thinks you are a local customer. Once your Barrier Butter arrives at your US address, it is ready to forward packages to any address in New Zealand, from Northland down to Invercargill.
Is it worth the effort?
Check our guide on the product itself to see if the formula fits your skin type. Read more: Can Rhode Barrier Butter actually justify its viral status while you save $40 by shopping directly from the US?
How to shop the US Rhode store from Auckland or Wellington
When you shop US store sites, the process is simpler than it looks. You just need to sign up for a freight forwarder account, which gives you that crucial Oregon warehouse address. When you are checking out on the Rhode website, you enter that Oregon address as your shipping destination. This allows you to bypass the "we do not ship to your country" error message.
Using a package forwarding provider gives you control over the process. You can even wait for multiple orders from different stores—say, some clothes from Nike or tech from Apple—and combine them into one shipment to save on international shipping rates.
The secret to beating order cancellations with BuyForMe
Have you ever spent an hour filling your cart only to have your order immediately cancelled because you used a New Zealand credit card? This is a major frustration for many international shoppers. Some US retailers like Sephora, Nike, or Apple have strict security filters that block international credit cards or decline orders if they detect a shipping forwarder address.
This is where the "BuyForMe" service becomes a lifesaver. Instead of trying to navigate the checkout yourself and risking a cancellation, you simply tell comGateway what you want to buy. Their team uses a US-based domestic credit card and a specialized purchasing system to buy the items on your behalf. This is the safest way to guarantee your order goes through without a hitch. If you are worried about a store being "difficult," BuyForMe handles the entire transaction for you, so you can just sit back and wait for your Rhode Barrier Butter to arrive.
Estimating your shipping costs to New Zealand
One of the biggest worries for Kiwis is the "hidden cost" of getting stuff from the States. Nobody wants to buy a $30 moisturizer only to find out the shipping is $100. The best way to avoid surprises is to use a shipping calculator before you buy. This allows you to estimate shipping cost based on the weight of the package.
Because Rhode products are generally lightweight, they are perfect for New Zealand delivery via air freight. You can check the current international shipping fees to see which carrier offers the best balance of speed and price. Often, the money you save by not buying from a local NZ reseller more than covers the cost of the shipping fees.
What you need to know about NZ customs and GST in 2026
Is there a lot of paperwork involved in 2026? Not really, but you should be aware of the rules. For most personal imports into New Zealand, GST is collected at the point of sale or by the transporter if the value exceeds certain thresholds. When you buy from US ship to New Zealand, the process is fairly automated. Most small beauty orders fall under the duty-free allowance, but it is always smart to keep your total order value in mind to avoid unexpected customs delays.
When you ship to New Zealand using a reputable service, they handle the bulk of the customs documentation for you. You will just receive a notification if there is anything you need to pay, making the whole experience feel just like shopping at a local online store. So, if you have been waiting for a sign to finally try Hailey's viral skincare line, this is it. You don't need a US-based friend—you just need the right shipping partner.
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