Car Shipping to New Zealand Cost 2026: UK to Auckland & Wellington Prices
Quick Answer: Shipping a car from the UK to New Zealand in 2026 costs from £1,577 by RoRo for a standard car, from £1,475 by shared container, and £2,017 for a large SUV by RoRo. Add 15% GST on the landed value; import duty is 0% on most cars. Transit takes 39–60 days
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to New Zealand in 2026?
Guide prices start at £1,577 for a standard car by RoRo. Shared container is cheaper for both vehicle sizes.
Vehicle type |
Example |
RoRo |
Shared container (LCL) |
|---|---|---|---|
Small / standard car |
VW Golf, Ford Focus |
£1,577 |
£1,475 |
Large SUV / 4×4 |
Range Rover, BMW X5 |
£2,017 |
£1,705 |
Prices are indicative sea-freight rates from UK ports including Southampton, London Gateway and Felixstowe. They exclude UK collection, insurance, MPI levy, GST and New Zealand destination charges.
What Does It Cost to Ship to Auckland vs Wellington?
| Port | Method | Guide price | Sea transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | RoRo | From £1,712 | 59 days |
| Auckland | Shared container | From £1,475 | 39–57 days |
| Auckland | Dedicated container | From £2,030 | Up to 59 days |
| Wellington | Dedicated 20ft container | £3,480 | 60 days |
Auckland is the main North Island gateway, with cars arriving at the Fergusson Container Terminal. For Wellington, we recommend a dedicated container, with vessels departing three times a month. Our Wellington starting price is £1,695. Ask for a quote if you need a 40ft container or have an oversized vehicle.
Read our full port guides: shipping to Auckland and shipping to Wellington.
What Is Included in the Price?
Your total is built from several parts:
- Ocean freight: the core sea transport by RoRo or container
- UK port fees: handling and administration at departure
- New Zealand port fees: wharfage and port service charges
- MPI biosecurity levy: mandatory inspection fee
- Documentation: UK export and New Zealand import paperwork
- Insurance: optional but strongly recommended
- Vehicle collection: an extra fee if we collect from your UK address
For a deeper look, see our price breakdown for RoRo, LCL and FCL shipping.
What Extra Costs Will I Pay in New Zealand?
| Charge | Rate |
|---|---|
| Import duty | 0% on most passenger vehicles |
| GST | 15% of CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) |
| Border Emissions Reduction Charge | Varies by CO2 rating |
| Land Transport Levy | Nominal flat fee |
| NZTA entry certification | NZD 300–600, plus any modifications |
| Failed MPI inspection | NZD 300 to over NZD 1,000 |
Worked example: £8,000 vehicle + £1,400 shipping + £120 insurance = £9,520 CIF. GST at 15% = £1,428.
A licensed New Zealand customs broker files your import entry, so budget for their fee too. Check duty on unusual or commercial vehicles with New Zealand Customs.
Can I Avoid GST When Moving to New Zealand?
Possibly. Under the Transfer of Residence concession, you may be exempt from GST if you are moving permanently and have owned and used the car for at least 12 months before departure. The car must arrive within 12 months of you, and one vehicle per person qualifies. Apply to New Zealand Customs before shipping. This can save 15% of the landed cost.
How Much Does Marine Insurance Cost?
- Total loss cover: 1% of the insured value
- Comprehensive cover: 1.5%, for vehicles under 10 years old
Comprehensive cover needs a pre-shipment condition report. It is free if we collect your car and £35 if you deliver it. Insurance is strongly recommended on a voyage of around 55 days or more.
How Long Does Shipping a Car to New Zealand Take?
Sea transit is 39–57 days by shared container, 59 days to Auckland by RoRo and 60 days to Wellington. Allow for UK collection, MPI inspection, compliance checks and customs clearance. From collection to registration, expect 10–14 weeks in total.
Does Shipping an Electric Car Cost More?
Yes. Electric vehicles must travel by dedicated container, as RoRo carriers do not accept them. A £295 hazard surcharge applies. The battery must be charged below 50% at loading. Hybrids ship by RoRo or container with no surcharge.
How Can I Keep My Shipping Costs Down?
- Choose RoRo if your car is roadworthy and running
- Use a shared container for non-runners or extra protection
- Book a professional steam clean within 5 days of sailing, and keep the receipt, to avoid MPI treatment fees
- Check what is included before comparing quotes, because cheap quotes can hide extra charges
How Does Ship Cars Ltd Help?
Ship Cars Ltd is a UK-based vehicle shipping company with weekly sailings to New Zealand. We help you by:
- Managing UK export documentation and customs declarations
- Offering RoRo and container shipping from UK ports
- Collecting your car from your home or workplace
- Advising on MPI cleaning standards before you book
- Recommending trusted New Zealand customs brokers and compliance workshops
- Confirming pricing and your next sailing within 24 hours of your quote request
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to New Zealand?
RoRo starts from £1,577 for a standard car and £2,017 for a large SUV. Shared container starts from £1,475. These cover sea freight only. GST, MPI fees and customs broker fees are extra.
Do I pay import duty on a car shipped to New Zealand?
No. Most passenger vehicles from the UK attract 0% duty. You still pay 15% GST on the landed value unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence relief.
Is RoRo or container cheaper for New Zealand?
Shared container starts lower at £1,475, against £1,577 for RoRo. RoRo suits running cars. Container suits non-runners, electric vehicles and high-value classics.
Are UK right-hand drive cars legal in New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand drives on the left, so no steering conversion is needed. Most cars still need entry certification at an approved NZTA workshop before registration.
What happens if my car fails the MPI biosecurity check?
It is sent for compulsory treatment at your expense, typically NZD 300 to over NZD 1,000, plus delays. A professional steam clean with a dated receipt prevents this.
Can I ship a non-running car to New Zealand?
Yes, by shared or dedicated container. RoRo needs a driveable car. Extra loading equipment may add to the cost.
Get Your Free New Zealand Shipping Quote
Prices change with sailing dates and vehicle details. Get My Free NZ Quote in 24 Hours → or call 01495 320540. You can also check the RoRo sailing schedule or read our New Zealand shipping guide. For official rules, see MPI import requirements and the NZTA guide to importing a vehicle.
