Car Shipping to New Zealand
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1395
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: weekly
Car Shipping from the UK to New Zealand | Weekly RoRo & International Vehicle Shipping Overseas.
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.
- Our Popular Topic : UK Documents Needed for RoRo, LCL, and FCL Shipments: A Complete Guide
Your Shipping Options: RORO vs. Container Shipping
We offer three flexible methods to ship your vehicle, catering to different needs, budgets, and vehicle types.
- At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective to Less than Container load (LCL), perfect for when you are looking to load your car when shipping and Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.
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
- Sailing Frequency: Vessels depart three times per month
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.
Our Popular Topic : Collection Service: Trade Plate Driven, Open and Enclosed Transport
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
- Accurate UK Documents are needed when shipping vehicles.
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.
- Our Popular Topic: Price Breakdown for Shipping RoRo, LCL, and FCL
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).
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
- Marine Insurance is a strategic necessity for vehicles during transit. Covering your vehicles against Total Loss due to fire and water damage and cosmetic damages.
- 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.
We also provide an efficient, seamless and smooth Car Shipping to Auckland and Lyttelton. Get a quote now!
