Car Shipping to New Zealand
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1395
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: weekly
Shipping Your Car from the UK to New Zealand: The Complete Guide
Shipping your vehicle from the UK to New Zealand is a significant undertaking, whether you’re relocating, returning home, or importing a classic car. At Ship Cars Ltd, we specialise in managing this complex process with professionalism and care. New Zealand has some of the world’s most rigorous import regulations, particularly concerning biosecurity, making expert guidance essential.
This definitive guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your car to New Zealand, from choosing the right shipping method and understanding costs to navigating the critical paperwork and biosecurity requirements.
Why Ship Your Vehicle to New Zealand?
New Zealand’s stunning and diverse landscapes are best explored with the freedom of your own vehicle. Common reasons for shipping include:
- Relocation: Moving to New Zealand for work, lifestyle, or family, and bringing your trusted vehicle to start your new life.
- Returning Residents/Kiwi Expats: New Zealand citizens returning home and bringing their UK-purchased vehicle back with them.
- Classic and Specialist Vehicles: Importing a classic car, campervan, or a specific model that is rare or more affordable in the UK market.
- Cost-Effectiveness: For certain models, shipping a car you already own and know the history of can be more economical than buying a comparable vehicle in New Zealand, even after factoring in shipping and compliance costs.
Your Shipping Options: RORO vs. Container Shipping
We offer three flexible methods to ship your vehicle, catering to different needs, budgets, and vehicle types.
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Shipping
This is the most efficient method for standard, operational vehicles.
- How it Works: Your car is driven onto a specialised car carrier vessel and secured within the ship’s multi-level garage.
- Best For: Standard, clean, and fully operational vehicles that comply with New Zealand’s strict biosecurity rules.
- Personal Belongings: The rules for shipping personal goods inside a vehicle on a RORO service are complex. You must speak to us directly before considering this.
- Shared Container Shipping
A cost-effective container solution that offers more protection than RORO.
- How it Works: Your vehicle is shipped in a container shared with one or two other vehicles, separated by wooden battens for safety.
- Best For: Customers seeking enhanced protection for their vehicle. Non-running vehicles are accepted.
- Personal Belongings: A limited number of personal belongings may be allowed, subject to strict biosecurity declarations and rules.
- Dedicated Container Shipping
The ultimate solution for security, protection, and shipping personal effects.
- How it Works: Your vehicle has an entire 20ft or 40ft container to itself. It is loaded, secured, and sealed for a private journey.
- Best For: High-value classic cars, non-running projects, or customers who need to ship a substantial amount of personal effects with their car.
- Personal Belongings: Loading your vehicle with goods is allowed with dedicated containers, but all items must be declared and comply with biosecurity laws.
For a detailed comparison of container options, visit our International Container Shipping page.
Key Service Details & Pricing
Here is a clear breakdown of our services from the UK to New Zealand’s main ports.
Transit Time & Frequency
- Average Transit Time: 55 days from the UK port to the arrival port in New Zealand.
- Sailing Frequency: Vessels depart three times per month, ensuring regular and flexible departure options.
Pricing Guide
Our guide prices provide a clear starting point for the main ports of Auckland, Lyttelton, and Tauranga.
| Vehicle Type | Example | RORO Price | Shared Container Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small / Standard Car | VW Golf, Ford Focus | £1,365 | £1,495 |
| Large SUV / 4×4 | Range Rover, BMW X5 | £2,262 | £1,755 |
Dedicated container pricing is bespoke; please enquire for a specific quote. For more specific port information, see our pages for shipping to Auckland and shipping to Lyttelton.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown
The final price for shipping your car is composed of several key elements specific to the New Zealand route.
- Ocean Freight: The core cost of the sea transport via your chosen method (RORO or container).
- UK Port Fees: Handling and administrative charges at the departure port.
- New Zealand Port Fees: Including wharfage and port service charges at the arrival port.
- Biosecurity Levy: A mandatory fee paid to the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for inspection.
- Documentation: Our fee for professionally managing all complex UK export and New Zealand import paperwork.
- Insurance: An optional but highly recommended cost for risk coverage (detailed below).
- Vehicle Collection: An additional service fee if you choose for us to collect your vehicle from your UK address.
Paperwork Required for Shipping
New Zealand’s import process is documentation-heavy. Accuracy is paramount to avoid severe delays and fines.
Paperwork from the UK
- Vehicle Registration Document (V5C): The original logbook is mandatory for the UK export declaration.
- Proof of Identity & Ownership: A copy of your passport and a recent utility bill or bank statement.
- Commercial Invoice: We will assist in preparing this document, which states the vehicle’s purchase price and current market value for New Zealand Customs.
For a full pre-shipment checklist, read our guide on Preparing Your Car for Export.
Paperwork for New Zealand Customs & Biosecurity
- Original Bill of Lading: The title document for the shipment, which we will provide.
- New Zealand Customs Declaration (CusDec): A completed import entry form.
- Import Entry Application: Lodged with the New Zealand Customs Service.
- Biosecurity Cleanliness Declaration: You must declare that the vehicle and any personal effects have been professionally cleaned to MPI standards.
- Evidence of Vehicle Compliance: Documentation proving the vehicle’s age and identity, required for the Land Transport Rules.
New Zealand Import Rules, Duty & Biosecurity
Compliance is the most critical part of importing a vehicle into New Zealand.
Biosecurity: The Absolute Priority
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is extremely vigilant to prevent the introduction of foreign soil, seeds, or pests.
- Requirement: The vehicle must be professionally steam cleaned or detailed prior to shipment. This includes a thorough cleaning of the undercarriage, wheel arches, engine bay, and interior. You must obtain and provide a receipt as proof.
- Personal Effects: Any personal items shipped in a container must be declared, be clean, and may be inspected. Many items are prohibited (see below).
- Consequence: Failure to comply will result in the vehicle being cleaned at the arrival port at your expense (costing hundreds of dollars) and significant delays.
Duty and Taxes
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): 15% is payable on the vehicle’s landed cost (CIF value: Cost + Insurance + Freight).
- Import Duty: Typically 10% for most passenger vehicles, though this can vary.
- Customs Entry Fee: A fixed fee for processing the import.
Vehicle Standards
All imported vehicles must comply with the Land Transport Rules. For most used vehicles, this involves being inspected by an approved compliance workshop before it can be registered and driven.
Official Links:
Vehicle Preparation & Insurance
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
This step is non-negotiable for New Zealand.
- Professional Cleaning: A professional clean with a focus on the underside is mandatory. Keep the receipt.
- Fuel Level: The tank should be no more than 1/4 full.
- Personal Belongings: Permitted in a container but must be declared on a full inventory and are subject to inspection. All items must be clean. Consult with us for RORO.
- Alarm Systems: Disable them to prevent battery drain.
- Vehicle Condition: For RORO, the vehicle must be operational. For container shipping, non-running vehicles are accepted.
For a detailed guide, read: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping.
Insurance & Risk Coverage
Protect your investment on the long voyage.
| Coverage Type | Cost | What’s Covered | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Loss Cover | 1% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Total loss only, due to fire or water damage. | – |
| Comprehensive Cover | 1.5% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Covers total loss, fire, water damage, and cosmetic damage. | Vehicle must be under 10 years old. A condition report is mandatory. |
About the Condition Report: This pre-shipping inspection is free of charge if we collect your vehicle. If you deliver the vehicle to us, a fee of £35 applies.
Vehicle Collection & What’s Allowed
How We Collect Your Vehicle
We offer two convenient options:
- You Deliver: You can deliver your vehicle to our designated UK port.
- We Collect: We can collect your vehicle from your home or workplace using a transporter or trade plate driver.
- Requirements for Collection: The vehicle must have a valid MOT and be fully operational to be driven.
Vehicle & Item Restrictions
Adherence to these rules is essential.
- Allowed Vehicles:
- Petrol and Diesel vehicles.
- Hybrid vehicles are allowed.
- Not Allowed / Restrictions:
- Electric Vehicles: Not allowed via RORO shipping. Electric vehicles can be shipped via container but are subject to a hazard surcharge of £295.
- Prohibited Items: The following are strictly forbidden and will result in severe fines and destruction of goods:
- All flammable liquids, gases, and explosives.
- Weapons, ammunition, and narcotics.
- Plants, seeds, soil, flowers, and any biological material.
- Food items of any kind (including sealed packages).
- Animal products, honey, and used outdoor equipment (e.g., hiking boots, tents) must be declared and professionally cleaned.
Essential Resources for a Successful Shipment
The journey to New Zealand is complex. Being prepared is key:
- Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping – Essential reading to avoid common, costly errors, especially with NZ biosecurity.
- Avoiding Damage with International Car Shipping – Proactive steps to protect your vehicle.
Ready to Ship Your Car to New Zealand?
Shipping your vehicle to New Zealand is a detailed process, but with Ship Cars Ltd as your partner, you can be confident it’s in expert hands. We manage the UK export, the ocean freight to your chosen port, and guide you through the complexities of New Zealand’s strict biosecurity and import requirements.
Contact us today for a detailed, no-obligation quote. Let us help you get your vehicle to New Zealand safely, compliantly, and efficiently.
