SHIPPING A CAR FROM AUSTRALIA TO NEW ZEALAND IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK
Willship is the most trusted vehicle freight forwarder from Australia to New Zealand. Cars, boats, trailers, caravans—we ship them all to NZ with care.
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First time shipping a vehicle from Australia to New Zealand?
Shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand might seem daunting, but with Willship by your side, it's a smooth and stress-free ride. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process-from compliance checks to customs clearance. Watch our video for a visual breakdown of everything you need to do before shipping your car!
Why It’s Better to Ship Car from Australia to New Zealand
It’s GST Free
If you’re a first-time immigrant or a returning NZ resident, you may qualify for a GST exemption—meaning NO import tax on arrival!
It’s Cheaper Than You Think!
Vehicles in NZ often cost more than in Australia. Instead of selling your car at a loss, save money by bringing it with you!
Cars in NZ Are More Expensive
Car prices in New Zealand are typically 10% higher than in Australia. Even with shipping costs, bringing your car is often cheaper than buying new!
Avoid Losing Money on Your Private Sale
Selling in Australia can mean dealing with tire-kickers and losing thousands on resale. Keep your car and ship it instead!
Take Advantage Of The NZ Import GST Exemption
You may be exempt from paying import GST if you are looking to import car to New Zealand. Here’s a list of criteria to find out if this applies to you:
Be a first time immigrant or a returning New Zealand citizen.
If a returning citizen, you must have been out of New Zealand for over 21 months.
Be prepared to sign a deed where you agree not to sell the vehicle for at least 2 years.
Vehicle must have been owned and used in your personal name for last 12 months.
You must be physically in New Zealand in order to claim exemption.


Pioneers in Hassle-Free Car Shipping to New Zealand
Willship established the first Trans-Tasman route for personal cargo back in 2014, ever since then we have helped tens of thousands of people in shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand. In fact, we have offices in both AU and NZ with a highly experienced team specialising in much more than just the shipping process.
We are here to answer any questions you might have on import approvals, insurance, compliance, registration, transit times, or anything else you can think of.
The vast majority of our clients are people doing this for the first time, and we understand that it could get confusing when navigating the complexity of car shipping to New Zealand, but that is what we are here for.
At Willship, our goal is to make this process as simple and easy to understand as possible. Our shipping experts will be right by your side for the entire journey to ensure things go to plan.
How Shipping a Vehicle from Australia to New Zealand Works
Confirm Costs, Book, and Submit Documents
Get an instant quote, confirm your costs, and book your shipment. Once confirmed, submit the required documents (ownership proof, deregistration, and associated documents). Our team will guide you every step of the way.
Expert Review
After submitting your paperwork, our experience team will review all of your documentation and confirm your GST exemption status
'Vehicle Collection and Shipping
We will get your vehicle booked on a suitable sailing and organise a pick up or delivery date that works in with your timeline
Arrival into NZ
Your vehicle is moved off the vessel and on to the port where it's staged for it's MPI biosecurity inspection, once passed, your vehicle can be moved off the port and into a compliance facility to undergo it's compliance requirements so it can be registered and driven on NZ roads
Car Shipping to New Zealand is Fast and Easy
Shipping a car from Australia and New Zealand is very simple, transit times can be as little as 4 days on the water and the whole process can take as little as two weeks. The documents we require are minimal and we handle everything for you from start to finish.
How Do I Handle Compliance And Registration?
When you import car to New Zealand, all imported vehicles entering NZ for the first time need to undergo compliance in order to ensure it’s safe for use on NZ roads. The best way to think of compliance is like a safety certificate or a warrant of fitness, although a little more thorough.
Willship International has a network of experienced teams all over New Zealand who can either handle this process on your behalf or guide you through what you need to do to get your vehicle on to New Zealand roads.
Why Choose Willship When Shipping a Car from Australia to New Zealand
At Willship, our dedicated automotive team specialises in hassle-free vehicle imports, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.
A dedicated point of contact organising all aspects of the transport and freight from your location through to New Zealand.
Supporting you to get all key documents together
Clearing your car through New Zealand customs and quarantine
Organizing compliance and assisting with on road registration in New Zealand
Let our experts handle the complexities, so you can enjoy a seamless international shipping experience. Partner with Willship today!
Trusted by 10,000+ Families and Businesses - and counting!
What We Can Ship For You
Vehicles
The cost for car shipping in and out of Australia can vary depending on a number of factors, click here to learn more.
Trailer Boats
Shipping a trailer boat makes good economic sense, click here to learn more.
Motorcycles
Shipping a motorcycle in and out of Asutralia has never been easier, click here to learn more.
Caravans
Our International Caravan Shipping Service is Easy, Safe, And Affordable, click here to learn more.
Motorhomes
Shipping a Motorhome between Australia and New Zealand has plenty of benefits, click here to learn more.
Machinery
International Machinery Shipping can be complicated and costly - it is important your chosen freight forwarder knows what they are doing.
Common Questions And Responses
Australia To New Zealand RoRo Shipping
Can I put anything in my car?
Why can’t I put things in my car when shipping Roll on, Roll off?
Can I ship my car still under finance?
What if I can’t get a registration certificate or Purchase Invoice / Bill of Sale?
Do I apply for the GST exemption?
Can I drop my car off or pick my car up from the port directly?
Do you have to be there when the vehicle is collected?
Do I have to be in NZ to pick my car up?
Can I leave a baby seat in my car?
What does the compliance process entail?
Why do I need to put my car through compliance?
Can I get my car roadworthy here for it to be complied in NZ?
I want to proceed with a booking what steps do I take from here?
When do I need to pay my invoice?
How clean does my car need to be?
Can you help with compliance in Lyttleton or Nelson?
How long does it take to receive my vehicle after the vessel arrives?
How much does quarantine cleaning cost if my vehicle fails it’s inspection?
Need a price? Try our instant quote calculator for shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand
Award Winning Industry Leader
WINNER
Best International Automotive Cargo Logistics Enterprise - 2021
WINNER
Award for Innovation in End-to-End Freight Transport - 2021
FINALIST
Freight Forwarder of the Year Award - 2018
FINALIST
Young Achievement Award 2018 (Nick Proctor)
FINALIST
Young Achievement Award 2018 (Mel Mather)
FINALIST
Freight Forwarder of the Year Award - 2017
FINALIST
Young Maritime Professional of the Year 2016