I flew to NZ in 2015 and I did Van to San Fran to Christchurch...and through LA on the way home....I was treated to extra screening and interrogation at every stop, my rifle case was opened for inspection at every stop along the trip, making sure the ammo wasn't in there I believe...they even pulled the foam out of the case lol

one of the agents in NZ said if they miss something, and the next airport finds it, they get big fines

in Christchurch they wanted to inspect the serial number to match the import paperwork...a steel table in front of an office window, so I removed the rifle from the case and presented it on the table, pointed where they SN is on the action and they freaked out hahhaa....."nah mate it's not the US here, you can't just whip out a rifle like that"......not sure they expected, they can do their jobs and look on their own next time....something to consider if you're in that position lol