My wife and I are headed to Sydney next week, transiting Auckland, and then back to Auckland for a visit the week after.

We travel light and never check bags, except occasionally on the return (we pack travel backpacks for goodies, laundry, etc.).

Will I be able to pick up some booze/Grey Goose on the AKL layover to Sydney inbound without having to check a bag/go through a lot of hassle? Or is it better (or possible) to do that when we land in Sydney instead? Thinking of gifts for friends, as well as a gift for me