The 51-year-old was arrested at Auckland Airport on his return from an overseas holiday last week.
He appeared in Hamilton District Court Friday.
Customs Investigations Manager, Bruce Berry says child exploitation is a growing threat, because of increased use of the dark web, live-streaming and cyber sex trafficking.
He says more sex offenders are also travelling.
This year's Budget has allocated 10.2-million-dollars over four years to combat child sexual exploitation.
So far this year, 11 people have been arrested or charged by Customs.