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Email:  info@shipcars.co.uk
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Lyttelton New Zealand

Car Shipping to Lyttelton, NZ

  • Fast Information
  • Cost starts from: £1794
  • Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
  • Container Shipping: Yes ✓
  • Frequency of sailing: Weekly

Car Shipping to Lyttelton, New Zealand | International Car Shipping Overseas. 

Ship Cars Ltd specialises in providing efficient and secure vehicle shipping services to Lyttelton, New Zealand. We understand that shipping a vehicle overseas involves careful planning and adherence to specific regulations. This guide aims to equip you with all the necessary information for a smooth and successful shipment.

Transit Time: Approximately 50 days.

Sailing Frequency: Four times a month.

    •  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.  

Rules for Permanent Export, Transfer of Residence, and Temporary Import:

  • Permanent Export (from UK perspective): When exporting a vehicle permanently from the UK, you will need to comply with UK export regulations, which typically involves informing HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

  • Transfer of Residence (To New Zealand): New Zealand offers concessions for individuals moving to the country permanently. If you meet specific criteria (e.g., ownership and usage of the vehicle overseas for at least 12 months prior to import, and you are relocating permanently), you may be eligible for a concessionary rate of duty and GST (Goods and Services Tax). This is often referred to as the “Transfer of Residence” or “New Settler” concession.

  • Temporary Import: Temporary importation is generally for specific purposes like tourism or participation in events, with strict conditions for re-exportation. It is not typically suitable for individuals relocating permanently.

Inspection and Permit Requirements:

All imported vehicles into New Zealand must undergo inspections to ensure compliance with safety and biosecurity standards.

  • Biosecurity Inspection: This is a critical step. The vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned, inside and out, to remove any soil, mud, plant material, or other contaminants. Failure to meet biosecurity standards can result in significant cleaning costs or even the rejection of the vehicle.

    • Where to Get Information: The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is the authority responsible for biosecurity. Their website provides detailed guidelines on vehicle cleaning requirements.

  • Vehicle Compliance Inspection: Once the biosecurity requirements are met and the vehicle is cleared by customs, it must pass a New Zealand Land Transport Authority (Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency) compliance inspection. This ensures the vehicle meets New Zealand’s safety and emissions standards. You will need to book this inspection at an approved testing facility.

    • Where to Get Information: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is the relevant authority for vehicle standards. Their website offers comprehensive information on compliance requirements, including fuel (petrol/diesel) and emissions standards, as well as safety features.

Official Authority Links:

Paperwork Required

Ensuring you have all the correct documentation is paramount for a smooth import process.

UK Paperwork:

  •       Accurate UK Documents are needed when shipping vehicles.

New Zealand Port Paperwork:

  1. Import Declaration: Usually handled by a New Zealand Customs Broker.

  2. Bill of Lading / Sea Waybill: Original document.

  3. Proof of Ownership: V5C and purchase invoice.

  4. Transfer of Residence Documentation: If claiming the concessionary rate of duty and GST. This includes evidence of prior ownership and usage overseas, as well as proof of your intention to reside permanently in New Zealand.

  5. MPI Clearance Certificate: Confirmation that biosecurity requirements have been met.

  6. Waka Kotahi Compliance Certificate: Confirmation that the vehicle meets New Zealand safety and emissions standards.

  7. Proof of Identity: Passport.

Duty and Tax in New Zealand

New Zealand levies Goods and Services Tax (GST) and potentially Customs Duty on imported vehicles.

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax): Currently 15% is charged on the value of the vehicle, shipping costs, insurance, and any applicable duties.

  • Customs Duty: For most cars, the duty rate is 0% if imported under the Transfer of Residence concession. However, for standard imports or specific vehicle types, duty rates can apply.

  • Biosecurity Fees: Fees for cleaning and fumigation if required by MPI.

  • Compliance Fees: Costs associated with the Waka Kotahi inspection.

Transfer of Residence Concession: If you qualify, you may be exempt from paying GST and Customs Duty on one vehicle that you have owned and used overseas for at least 12 months before your arrival in New Zealand, provided you are moving permanently.

Collection and Delivery in the UK

  Our flexible and secured collection services include Trade Plate-Insured driven service as well as transporter or recovery options

Insurance and Risk Coverage

We offer tailored insurance to protect your vehicle during transit:

  •       Our flexible and secured collection services include Trade Plate-Insured driven service as well as transporter or recovery options

Cost Breakdown

  •       What is included in our service? better understanding of price break down

Pricing Examples:

  • Small Golf-sized Car: £1340 (Shared Container)

  • Large Car (e.g., Range Rover): £1740 (Dedicated Container)

Note: These prices are indicative. For an accurate quote tailored to your specific vehicle and requirements, please contact us directly.

Our Shipping Company is dedicated to providing a seamless and secure car shipping experience to Lyttelton. Reach out to us today for a personalised quote and expert advice.

We also provide an efficient, seamless and smooth car shipping to New Zealand. Get a quote now!



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