NZ Post Courier Bags: Prices, Sizes & Where to Buy

Sending a parcel in New Zealand shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Whether you’re shipping a birthday gift to Wellington or documents to Auckland, NZ Post’s courier bags offer a simple, trackable way to get items there.

Bag-only prices: $1.50 – $8.50 each · Bag sizes available: XS, S, S Bubble, M, L, L Bubble, XL, XXL (8 sizes) · Maximum weight: Up to 25 kg · Tracking included: Yes · Purchase locations: NZ Post outlets and online shop

Does NZ Post sell courier bags?

Yes, NZ Post sells prepaid courier bags through its Single Bag Range, which consolidates all previous bag types into one straightforward lineup. The range includes plain bags (packaging only) and bundles that come with matching Courier or Economy tickets. You can buy them at any NZ Post outlet or order online through the NZ Post Shop (official online store).

Where to Buy NZ Post Courier Bags

• In person: over 800 NZ Post outlets across New Zealand
• Online: the NZ Post Shop website – bags are shipped to your address. You can also check sellers on Trade Me Value My Car for second-hand or bulk deals.
• Bulk packs: bundles of 20 bags with matching tickets are available for frequent senders (New Zealand Post – single bag range)

How to Buy Courier Trackpaks or Tickets

Trackpaks and tickets are no longer sold separately. The single bag range replaced the old system: you now buy a bag that already includes the appropriate service ticket. For example, an XS bag with a Courier ticket costs $9.10, while the same bag with an Economy ticket is $7.10 (New Zealand Post – pricing table).

Types of NZ Post Courier Bags

• Standard bags (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL) – for general items
• Bubble bags (S Bubble, L Bubble) – padded with recycled bubble lining for fragile items
• Packaging-only bags (XS, S, M, L, S Bubble, L Bubble, XL, XXL) – sold without postage, for use with your own label or at the counter

The pattern: NZ Post has simplified its offering into one clear range, making it easier to choose the right bag without confusion between old brands like Trackpak or CourierPost.

How much does an NZ Post bag cost?

Pricing depends on the size, whether you buy a bag-only or a bag with a service ticket, and whether you choose Courier or Economy delivery. Below is the full price breakdown from the official NZ Post Single Bag Range page.

For the XXL bag, only the bag-only price is published. If you need to send a very large parcel, you can buy the XXL bag and pay for postage at the counter.

Has the Price of NZ Post Prepaid Bags Increased?

Prices have remained stable since the single bag range launch in 2024. There have been no official announcements of price increases for 2025. However, postal costs generally rise with inflation, so keeping an eye on the NZ Post Single Bag Range page is wise.

How Much Is a Parcel Bag at the Post Office?

If you buy a bag at a post office counter without a prepaid ticket, the price matches the bag-only price above. The staff will then weigh your parcel and charge the appropriate postage. For most sizes, the total cost (bag + postage) will be similar to the prepaid ticket prices listed above.

Why this matters: The prepaid courier service option is often the best value for domestic parcels under 25 kg because it includes tracking and insurance, eliminating the need to queue at the counter.

What size are NZ Post bags?

Eight sizes cover everything from a small document to a bulky box. The table below lists the external dimensions as published on the New Zealand Post – Single Bag Range page.

The XS bag is for domestic use only; all other sizes can be used for international sending (New Zealand Post Shop – bags page).

How to Choose the Right Size Bag

• XS: documents, keys, small tech accessories
• S / S Bubble: small gifts, books, phone cases
• M: clothing, shoes, small kitchen items
• L / L Bubble: larger clothing bundles, homewares, fragile items
• XL: bulky items like bedding, small appliances
• XXL: large boxes, sports equipment, multiple items

Can you use your own packaging for NZ Post?

Yes, you can use your own packaging – but it must meet NZ Post’s requirements. The parcel must be sturdy, securely sealed, and properly labelled. Plain plastic bags are not recommended unless they are thick and puncture-resistant.

Using Your Own Packaging vs Prepaid Bags

• Prepaid bags: include tracking, insurance, and a fixed price – no weighing at the counter
• Own packaging: you pay for postage based on weight and dimensions – can be cheaper for light items but requires a trip to the counter or online label printing

Can I Post a Parcel in a Plastic Bag?

NZ Post accepts parcels in plastic bags as long as they are strong and all seams are taped. A standard grocery bag is not acceptable. For best results, use a courier poly bag or a sturdy box.

Sustainable Packaging Options from NZ Post

NZ Post is moving toward sustainable materials. The XS bag is made from 80% recycled plastic, and the S Bubble bag uses 30% recycled content (New Zealand Post Shop – bags page). The bubble bags themselves are recyclable through soft-plastic collection schemes.

The trade-off: Using your own packaging can reduce waste, but prepaid bags are more convenient and guarantee tracking. For occasional senders, the prepaid bag is almost always simpler.

Is NZ Post and NZ Courier the same?

NZ Post and CourierPost are both owned by New Zealand Post Group, but they offer different services. CourierPost is a premium, faster service with earlier delivery timeframes, while NZ Post’s standard courier service is the default for prepaid bags.

For most everyday sending, the NZ Post Courier service included in the prepaid bag is sufficient. If you need guaranteed morning delivery, CourierPost is the upgrade.

What this means: The single bag range is designed for the standard NZ Post courier service. If you choose CourierPost, you’ll need to use your own packaging and pay for a label.

Comparison: Standard vs Bubble vs Economy bags

Three product lines, one key difference: protection and speed. Here’s how they stack up.

All include tracking. The Economy service is a good option for cost-conscious senders who don’t need speed.

How to Buy and Use NZ Post Courier Bags – Step by Step

1. Choose your size – Measure your item and check the dimensions table above.
2. Select service – Courier (faster) or Economy (cheaper).
3. Buy the bag – Order online from NZ Post Shop or visit a post office. Check the opening hours of your local The Warehouse Lower Hutt or other retail locations.
4. Pack your item – Place it inside, seal the adhesive strip, and attach the ticket if not pre-attached.
5. Drop off – Post in a street posting box, at a post office, or schedule a pickup.
6. Track – Use the tracking number on the ticket via NZ Post tracking.

What we know for sure – and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• NZ Post sells courier bags in a single range covering 8 sizes (New Zealand Post – official product page)
• Prices range from $1.50 to $18.70 depending on size and service (New Zealand Post – pricing table)
• Tracking is included on all prepaid bags (New Zealand Post Shop – bags page)
• XS bags are domestic only; all other sizes can go international (New Zealand Post Shop – bags page)
• Bubble bags are available in S and L sizes (New Zealand Post – single bag range)

What’s unclear

• Exact availability of each size at every NZ Post outlet
• Future price changes – no official statement beyond 2025
• Exact weight limits for economy service on some bag sizes
• Whether the XXL bag will receive Courier or Economy ticket options in the future
• Dimensions for the XXL bag are not listed on the main range page

“We’ve moved to a single range of bags to simplify sending.”

— NZ Post official website

“If you buy online, the bag is delivered to your address – add a day for delivery time.”

— Experienced NZ Post online shopper

This quote captures the essence of the change: fewer choices, less confusion, and a clearer path from parcel to post.

Summary

NZ Post’s single bag range delivers what it promises: a simple, consistent way to send parcels. The eight sizes cover almost any domestic or international need, and the pricing is transparent. For the occasional sender, the prepaid courier bag is the most convenient option – no weighing, no queuing, just drop and track. For businesses that send frequently, the bulk packs with matching tickets offer the best value. For New Zealanders who send parcels occasionally, the choice is clear: pick your size, pick your service, and send.

Frequently asked questions