- The Labubu Fever: Why Everyone in New Zealand is Obsessed in 2026
- The Myth: 'Shipping to New Zealand is Too Expensive for Collectibles'
- How to Actually Buy Labubu from US Stores
- Why You Need a Freight Forwarder for Your Pop Mart Haul
- NZ Customs and GST: What You Need to Know in 2026
- Pro-Tips for Serious Kiwi Collectors
The Labubu Fever: Why Everyone in New Zealand is Obsessed in 2026
If you’ve walked through Britomart or spent five minutes on social media lately, you’ve definitely seen that mischievous, wide-grinned monster hanging off everyone’s bags. Labubu, the breakout star of Kasing Lung’s "The Monsters" series from Pop Mart, has officially transitioned from a niche designer toy to a full-blown cultural phenomenon in New Zealand this year.
It’s January 2026, and the hype hasn't slowed down. What started with K-pop idols showing off their collections in 2024 and 2025 has turned into a global supply crunch. For us here in Aotearoa, the struggle is real. Local stock disappears in seconds, and the secondary market prices on Trade Me can be absolutely eye-watering. The appeal lies in the blind box mystery—that dopamine hit of potentially scoring a 'Secret' figure—and the sheer variety of the 2026 plush series that just dropped.
The Myth: 'Shipping to New Zealand is Too Expensive for Collectibles'
There’s a common assumption among Kiwi collectors that buying directly from US retailers like Pop Mart US or Mindzai is a losing game because of the shipping costs. I see it all the time on Reddit and Facebook groups: "Just buy it locally, the international shipping will double the price."
I’m here to tell you that’s a total myth—if you do it right. The trick isn't paying for direct international shipping from the retailer (which is often restricted or absurdly high). Instead, savvy collectors are using a tax-free US address to consolidate their orders. When you use a freight forwarder like comGateway, you get access to a US-based warehouse that doesn't charge sales tax, which immediately saves you about 7-10% on the purchase price. This often offsets a huge chunk of the eventual journey to New Zealand.
How to Actually Buy Labubu from US Stores
US stores often get higher stock allocations and exclusive colorways that never even touch the shelves in Auckland. To get your hands on these, you just need to follow a simple workflow. First, head over to the support or FAQ section of your chosen forwarder to understand how your unique US address works.
Once you have your address, you can shop at:
- Pop Mart US Official: The holy grail for new drops.
- Mindzai: Great for designer toys and often has Labubu in stock.
- NTWRK: For those high-heat, limited edition collaborations.
If you find that a US store doesn't accept your New Zealand credit card, don't panic. You can use a buy for me usa service where the forwarder handles the purchase on your behalf. This is a lifesaver for those high-demand drops where every second counts.
Why You Need a Freight Forwarder for Your Pop Mart Haul
Why bother with a middleman? Because international shipping directly from a toy store can be erratic. Many US retailers simply won't ship to New Zealand, or they use basic postal services that take months to arrive.
By using a dedicated international shipping service, you gain control. You can wait for multiple Labubu blind boxes to arrive at the warehouse and then consolidate them into one single package. This drastically reduces the cost per item. Before you ship, you can always use a shipping calculator to see exactly what the damage will be. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Also, it is always wise to check the prohibited items list. Fortunately, vinyl toys and plushies are perfectly safe to ship, but if you're tempted to buy cleaning kits or batteries for light-up displays, always double-check the restricted goods guide first.
NZ Customs and GST: What You Need to Know in 2026
Let's talk about the boring but necessary stuff: taxes. In 2026, New Zealand’s customs regulations remain fairly straightforward but important to navigate. For most Labubu collectors, your individual orders will likely be under the NZD $1,000 threshold.
When you use an international shipping provider, they will help handle the paperwork. Remember that GST (15%) is technically applicable to all goods imported into NZ. Many large overseas retailers collect this at the point of sale. If they don't, and your total shipment value stays under $1,000, you often won't be hit with additional customs entry fees, making it much more affordable than people think. To get a better sense of how these fees impact your total, take a look at the international shipping rates and see how they compare to local markup prices.
Pro-Tips for Serious Kiwi Collectors
If you're planning on building a massive "The Monsters" collection this year, you should look into Prime membership benefits. This can offer significant discounts on shipping fees and provide faster processing times, which is crucial when you're anxious to unbox your latest haul.
Summary Table: Why Buy From the US?
| Feature | Buying Locally in NZ | Buying from US via comGateway |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Availability | Very Low / Instant Sell-outs | High / Access to Exclusives |
| Price per Blind Box | High (Reseller Markup) | Retail Price + Shipping |
| Sales Tax | 15% GST included | 0% US Sales Tax (with tax-free address) |
| Shipping Speed | 1-3 days (if in stock) | 5-8 business days (Express) |
Stop letting the fear of the Pacific Ocean stand between you and your Labubu collection. By using a reliable freight forwarder and being smart about consolidation, you can bypass the local shortage and get those 2026 exclusives delivered right to your door in New Zealand. Happy hunting, and may the blind box gods be in your favor!
