The Civil Aviation Authority said it would significantly improve aviation security operations.
The new Computed Tomography scanning machines remove the need for physical bag searches in most cases.
The CAA said it also meant electronics such as laptops and tablets, and liquids, aerosols and gels could stay in passengers' check in bags when they went through security.
The machines have been introduced in Wellington and Christchurch, and were expected in Auckland later this month.
Group operations manager Karen Urwin said the technology meant there was no need for passengers to struggle with unpacking at security screening.
However, those travelling with camera film would need to make sure it went in their checked in luggage to avoid any damage to it.
"We acknowledge this might present an inconvenience to those passengers, but security is our primary focus," Urwin said.
"The last thing we want is for someone's wedding memories or holiday snaps to be destroyed going through screening, so please put your film in your checked luggage."
