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The 70mai Hype Train: Why New Zealand Drivers are Obsessed
It’s January 2026, and if you’ve spent more than five minutes on a local car enthusiast forum, you’ve likely seen the name "70mai" pop up more often than a seagull at a fish and chip shop. This Xiaomi-backed brand has officially taken over the dashcam market, and for good reason. As road safety becomes an even bigger priority in New Zealand, drivers are looking for tech that does more than just record grainy footage of the car in front of them.
The latest 2026 models from 70mai, like the A810-2 and the upgraded Omni 2, offer 4K HDR recording, AI-powered motion detection, and cloud connectivity that works seamlessly with your smartphone. For Kiwis navigating the winding roads of the Coromandel or the busy streets of Auckland, having a reliable witness that doesn’t blink is non-negotiable. The hype is real because the tech is finally matching our expectations of what a smart car accessory should be.
The US Advantage: Better Models, Better Prices
You might be wondering, "Why should I bother looking at US stores when I can just check the local electronics shop?" The answer usually boils down to two things: variety and value. Often, the highest-spec versions of the 70mai lineup hit the US market months before they reach our shores. By the time they arrive in New Zealand, they’ve often been marked up significantly to cover local distribution costs.
Shopping directly from US retailers like Amazon, eBay, or the official 70mai US store allows you to access the latest 2026 firmware and hardware updates. Plus, with the current exchange rate fluctuations, grabbing a deal during a US holiday sale can save you enough to pay for your next road trip's petrol. However, the one hurdle has always been the "Does not ship to New Zealand" message at checkout. That’s where we get to the fun part.
The Lazy Kiwi’s Buying Method: US Stores at Your Fingertips
We’ve all been there—you find the perfect dashcam, but the seller won't ship it across the Pacific. Instead of filling out endless forms or begging a cousin in California to post it for you, the "lazy method" involves using a reliable package forwarder. This service provides you with a US address that you can use at any online checkout. Once your 70mai dashcam arrives at their warehouse, they handle the international leg of the journey for you.
By using comGateway, you effectively bypass the shipping restrictions that keep the best tech out of Kiwi hands. It is the ultimate shortcut for those of us who want the best gadgets without the administrative nightmare of traditional importing.
Shipping to Aotearoa Without the Stress
One of the biggest anxieties of international shopping is the unknown cost of freight. No one likes a surprise bill when the package is already halfway across the ocean. To avoid this, you should always use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before you hit the 'buy' button. This tool takes the weight and dimensions of your 70mai box and gives you a clear picture of what you'll be paying.
When it comes to shipping from US to New Zealand, speed and reliability are key. You don't want your new 4K dashcam sitting in a shipping container for six weeks. Professional forwarders offer various tiers of service so you can choose between "I need this yesterday" and "I can wait a few days to save some cash." You can check the latest international shipping rates to see which option fits your budget for the 2026 season.
The Customs Conversation: GST and Import Duties
Let's talk about the part everyone dreads: the tax man. In New Zealand, the rules for importing goods are actually quite straightforward once you cut through the jargon. For most consumers, the main thing to keep in mind is the GST/VAT. Currently, if the value of your goods is under $1,000 NZD, you usually don't have to worry about additional import duties or customs tax being collected at the border, as many large retailers now collect GST at the point of sale.
However, if you are splurging on a multi-camera setup for a fleet of vehicles, it’s worth checking our guide on import tax to ensure you aren't hit with unexpected fees. Keeping your total order value below the threshold is the "laziest" and most cost-effective way to get your gear through customs without a hitch.
Maximizing Your Savings in 2026
If you’re a frequent shopper of US tech, there are ways to make the process even smoother. Many savvy Kiwis look for Prime membership benefits which can include things like free shipping to your US forwarding address and discounted international shipping fees. These small perks add up, especially when you consider that a 70mai dashcam is often just the first of many US-exclusive gadgets you'll want to bring home.
In summary, getting a 70mai dashcam in New Zealand in 2026 doesn't require a degree in logistics. Use a US address, check your shipping fees in advance, and sit back while your package makes its way to your doorstep. It’s the perfect way to ensure your car is equipped with world-class tech while you keep your stress levels at a minimum. Happy driving!
