Disposable Vapes NZ: The Ban and What Replaced Them (2026)
Updated October 2026.
If you're searching for disposable vapes in NZ, you'll notice they've gone. Since 17 June 2025, single-use disposable vapes can't be sold in New Zealand. Every vape sold now has to be rechargeable, with either replaceable pods or a refillable tank. Here's what changed, what replaced disposables, and how to choose.
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What counts as a disposable vape?
A disposable vape was a sealed, single-use device: the battery and e-liquid came together, and when either ran out the whole thing was thrown away. Under the current rules, a vape must have a rechargeable battery and either a replaceable pod or a refillable tank, so the device itself is kept and reused.
What replaced disposable vapes?
The closest thing to a disposable is a pre-filled pod vape: a small rechargeable device plus sealed, pre-filled pods. You buy the device once (usually as a starter kit with one pod), then buy pods on their own. Nothing to fill and no coils to change.
| Old disposable | Pre-filled pod vape | Refillable pod kit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device | Thrown away when empty | Kept and recharged | Kept and recharged |
| E-liquid | Sealed in | Sealed pre-filled pods | You fill it from a bottle |
| Upkeep | None | Swap the pod | Fill and change coils |
| Legal to sell in NZ | No | Yes | Yes |
Popular pre-filled systems include IGET (Bar Plus, Luna and Edge), Dragbar, Solo, Juvous and RELX. If you'd rather fill your own, see our guide to refillable vs pre-filled pods.
How to choose a pre-filled pod vape
- Pods only fit their own device. An IGET Bar Plus pod won't fit a Luna or Edge, and Solo pods won't fit a Dragbar. Pick the system first, then stick with its pods. Our IGET pod guide shows which pod fits which device.
- Puffs per pod range from about 6,000 to 30,000 or more. Higher numbers mean fewer pod changes, not a different experience. See puff ratings explained.
- Nicotine strength. Most pre-filled pods are 28.5mg/mL. Some come in 20mg/mL or lower, and some are zero nicotine.
What should I do with an old disposable?
Don't put old disposables in household rubbish or recycling: they contain a lithium battery. Take them to an e-waste or battery recycling drop-off, and check your local council's website for the nearest one.
Shipping & FAQs â–¾
Are disposable vapes illegal in NZ?
They can't be sold in New Zealand since 17 June 2025. Vapes sold now must be rechargeable with replaceable pods or a refillable tank. See our NZ vaping laws article for the details.
Are pre-filled pod vapes the same as disposables?
No. The device is rechargeable and kept; only the pod is replaced when it runs out.
Do you sell disposable vapes?
No. Every vape we sell is a rechargeable device with replaceable pods or a refillable pod kit.
How fast is delivery?
Orders before 2pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day. Same-day delivery in Christchurch and Rolleston is $19.90 (minimum order $45). Courier delivery is $4.99 ($9.99 rural), free on orders over $49.
Can I buy it in store?
Yes, at our Christchurch stores in Sockburn (161B Yaldhurst Road) and New Brighton (14 Bower Ave), open 7 days.
This article is general product information, not legal or medical advice.
R18+. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.