Why are Kiwis skipping local queues for the Pokemon Glorious Dreams expansion by shopping in the US?

The Hype: Why Glorious Dreams is the 2026 Must-Have

It is January 2026, and the Pokemon Trading Card Game has just hit a new fever pitch. The Pokemon Card Game (Glorious Dreams) expansion has officially launched in the United States, and it is unlike anything we have seen in previous years. Featuring the return of high-rarity "Dream-State" holographic patterns and the introduction of the first-ever quadruple-type legendary cards, the demand has completely outstripped supply.

Collectors in the US have been lining up at specialty hobby shops and clearing out digital shelves at the Pokemon Center. For those living in New Zealand, the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is real. With localized stock often delayed by weeks or even months, Kiwi trainers are looking for a way to jump the queue.

Why New Zealand Collectors are Looking to the USA

Historically, New Zealand receives TCG allocations significantly later than the North American market. By the time Glorious Dreams hits the shelves in Auckland or Christchurch, the global meta-game has already shifted, and the most valuable "chase cards" have often already spiked in price on the secondary market.

Furthermore, US retailers like TCGPlayer, Target, and the official US Pokemon Center often stock exclusive "Elite Trainer Boxes" (ETBs) that never see a retail shelf in the Southern Hemisphere. This has led to a surge in Kiwis seeking a reliable package forwarder to bridge the gap between US retailers and their front door.

The Speed Run Strategy: Getting Your Packs First

If you want to be the first in New Zealand to unbox a Glorious Dreams booster box, you need a "Speed Run" strategy. Waiting for direct international shipping from a US seller is often a gamble—it can be slow, expensive, or simply unavailable. The pro-tip used by high-end collectors is to use a US-based shipping address provided by comGateway.

By using a US address, you can shop at stores that normally do not ship to New Zealand. Once your items arrive at the US warehouse, they can be consolidated and express-shipped to your NZ address, often arriving days before the local pre-orders even begin to ship.

Navigating the Pacific: Using a Reliable Package Forwarder

When dealing with high-value collectibles like Pokemon cards, you cannot leave shipping to chance. You need a freight forwarder that understands the delicate nature of TCG products. Utilizing comGateway allows you to have your items inspected or even repacked to ensure they survive the long journey across the Pacific.

This method is particularly effective for large hauls. If you are buying multiple booster cases of Glorious Dreams, you can hold them at your US suite and ship them all at once to save on the "first half-kilogram" shipping premium.

Budgeting Your Haul: Shipping Costs and Estimates

Before you go all-in on a case of Glorious Dreams, it is vital to understand your overhead. Shipping a single booster box is relatively light, but the weight adds up quickly with ETBs and premium collections. To avoid any surprises, you should use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost based on the dimensions of the products you are eyeing.

New Zealand Import Rules: GST and Duties in 2026

New Zealand has specific rules regarding goods imported from overseas. As of 2026, the Low-Value Goods (LVG) law requires that GST (15%) is collected on items sold to NZ consumers. However, how this is collected can vary. Check our guide on import duties to understand whether you will be paying GST/VAT at the point of sale or when the items reach the border.

For most TCG collectors, if your total shipment value is under $1,000 NZD, the process is relatively streamlined. For anything over that threshold, you may be subject to additional import tax and customs entry fees. Being prepared for these customs tax requirements is the difference between a smooth delivery and a package held in limbo.

Safe Shipping: What You Need to Know

While Pokemon cards are perfectly safe to ship, many collectors often try to bundle their orders with other trending US goods. It is important to remember that certain items cannot be shipped internationally due to safety regulations. Check our guide on prohibited items to ensure that your Glorious Dreams haul isn't packaged with restricted goods like certain pressurized cleaning canisters or lithium batteries that could delay your entire shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shipping from the US to NZ take?

With express options, your package can often reach New Zealand in 3 to 5 business days after leaving the US warehouse. This is significantly faster than standard international post.

Are my cards insured during transit?

Yes, most premium forwarding services offer insurance options. Given the rarity of cards in the Glorious Dreams set, we highly recommend opting for full coverage. Check our FAQ for more details on insurance and support.

Can I buy from multiple US stores?

Absolutely. You can buy cards from TCGPlayer, a playmat from the Pokemon Center, and sleeves from Amazon, then consolidate them into one box at your US address to save on international shipping fees.

Don't let the distance stop you from becoming a Pokemon Master in 2026. By utilizing a reliable package forwarder and understanding the NZ import landscape, you can ensure that Glorious Dreams isn't just a dream, but a reality in your collection. If you have more questions, the help center is always available to guide you through your first US-to-NZ shipment.