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Why the NASA Artemis II SLS set is the 2026 must-have
It is officially April 2026, and the LEGO community is buzzing over the release of the LEGO Icons NASA Artemis II Space Launch System (#10341). With over 3,600 pieces, this massive build captures the rocket that is taking humanity back to the moon. Since it hit the shelves in the US earlier this month, the demand has been through the roof. For those of us in New Zealand, getting our hands on one locally is proving to be both expensive and slow due to limited stock allocations.
Price check: US retailers vs local New Zealand specialty stores
When you look at the numbers, the choice is pretty clear. In New Zealand, specialty toy importers are already adding a massive premium to the Artemis II set. Buying directly from a shop US store approach often saves you enough to cover the freight and then some.
If you look at the international shipping rates available through a freight forwarder, you will see that the total cost of landing the set in Auckland or Wellington is significantly lower than paying the inflated local retail prices. US retailers like the official LEGO store, Target, or Walmart are selling these at the standard MSRP, making the US market the best place to source your bricks.
The safest way to bypass US store payment blocks
One major headache for Kiwi shoppers is that many US stores, including big names like Nike, Sephora, or the official LEGO shop, often block international credit cards. Even if your card is valid, they might decline the order if it is being sent to a tax-free US address. This is where most people get stuck, but there is a simple workaround.
The BuyForMe service offered by comGateway is the solution for these difficult stores. Instead of you struggling with a rejected card, comGateway uses a US domestic card to buy the item on your behalf. This proxy shopping method is the safest way to guarantee your order doesn't get cancelled at the checkout. If you are worried about the LEGO Artemis II selling out while you struggle with the payment gateway, using BuyForMe is the fastest path to securing your set before it goes on backorder.
Speeding up your international shipping to New Zealand
Once your Artemis II arrives at your package forwarding address, the next step is getting it home. You can use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost based on the weight of the LEGO box, which is quite substantial for this 3,600-piece icon.
By using a dedicated international shipping service, you get access to reliable carriers like DHL and FedEx. Comparing DHL international shipping vs FedEx international shipping through your account allows you to choose between the absolute fastest transit time or the most cost-effective option. For a fragile collectible like this, having a reliable New Zealand delivery partner ensures it arrives without the box being crushed during transit.
Understanding GST and import tax for your LEGO haul
Before you click ship, remember that New Zealand has specific rules for goods coming from overseas. Since 2019, GST is often collected at the point of sale for low-value goods, but for larger items like the NASA Artemis II set, you should check the current import tax regulations.
Check our guide on GST/VAT to see how your specific purchase might be handled by customs. Knowing the import duties beforehand prevents any surprises when your package arrives at the border. Generally, if you keep an eye on the international shipping fees and tax thresholds, you can still come out way ahead compared to buying locally in 2026. Ready to build? Start by getting your US address and buy from US ship to New Zealand today.
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