How to Transfer your Car to NZ without a Hassle?

Oct

15

How to Transfer your Car to NZ without a Hassle?

Published 15 Oct 2022

If you are not an experienced automobile importer, it is simple to ignore expenses and go over your budget. Before you transfer your car to NZ through a car shipping company, you must know the shipping cost and other necessary shipping requirements. Here is what you need to know to transfer your car to NZ without any hassle:

Can I Transfer My Car to New Zealand?

Yes, you can transfer your car to NZ but first, do your research. No limitations apply to importing vintage automobiles into New Zealand; anybody can bring a car here for off-road use or add to a collection. When you transfer your car to NZ from Australia, make sure your vehicle complies with all applicable laws. Although Australian and New Zealand standards are comparable, there is no assurance that your automobile will adhere to NZ requirements.

For returning residents and new immigrants, there are exceptions to these regulations. You can import your automobile to New Zealand if you've owned and used it for more than a year and fulfill specific requirements.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car to NZ?

Standard automobile costs between $2100 and $3000 to freight from Australia to New Zealand. This cost generally applies to smaller (18cbm) cars and may cover the following services:

  • Pre-export examination, paperwork, and costs
  • Pick-up is available within 50 kilometers of the loading port
  • Shipping by sea and marine insurance
  • Delivery within 50 kilometers of the port, import taxes, and landing port inspection and clearance

There are additional expenses, though, that aren't applied by your freight forwarding agent. The quoted standard price for an automobile shipment from Australia to New Zealand often omits the following:

  • $55.71 Entry Fee + GST (calculated on the cost of freight, the value of the vehicle, and insurance)
  • Registration & Compliance
  • MPI Cleaning (if required)

The government organization MPI prevents foreign soil, insects, plant matter, or animals from entering New Zealand. To avoid excessive cleaning fees, you must ensure your automobile is clean before moving it from Australia to New Zealand.

In New Zealand, vehicle compliance is equivalent to the initial warrant of fitness. Before registration, it makes sure the vehicle complies with all NZ road safety criteria. The compliance check costs roughly $550NZD, although it may cost more if repairs are required to pass. To transfer your car to NZ, you can use a car shipping Australia to get a quote.

Can You Take your Car and Caravan to New Zealand?

Yes, you can move your car and caravan to New Zealand. If the caravan has been in your possession for longer than a year, New Zealand has no import tax, and shipping will save you a lot of money.

Requirements for Importing a Caravan Temporarily

  • The vehicle / caravan must continue to be duly registered in its home country under the name of the person who brought it to New Zealand.
  • Before driving on New Zealand roads, you must obtain your vehicle's Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness.
  • Paying the applicable ACC licensing fees is necessary to transfer your car to NZ. So that if you are in an accident, ACC will pay for a portion of your medical expenses.
  • The Biosecurity Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Primary Industries must examine and clear the vehicle / caravan. There is a fee for the inspection, and there will be more fees if your car or caravan needs cleaning.
  • Getting caravan insurance in New Zealand is strongly advised but not required
  • You must pay road user charges while driving here if your car has a diesel engine or weighs more than 3500kg.

We suggest using a car shipping company like Willship to avoid extra charges or going overboard with your budget. They offer RORO shipping and can quickly ship your car to New Zealand.

OUR TRACK RECORD

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Over $2 Billion worth of cargo is trusted to Willship to be shipped every year

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INSURANCE CLAIMS

Extremely safe and proven process

125+

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Deep relationships with our trusted network of staff and contractors ensures that your goods arrive safely

Priority service every time

Award Winning Industry Leader

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WINNER

Best International Automotive Cargo Logistics Enterprise - 2021

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Award for Innovation in End-to-End Freight Transport - 2021

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FINALIST

Freight Forwarder of the Year Award - 2018

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FINALIST

Young Achievement Award 2018 (Nick Proctor)

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FINALIST

Young Achievement Award 2018 (Mel Mather)

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FINALIST

Freight Forwarder of the Year Award - 2017

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FINALIST

Young Maritime Professional of the Year 2016