Moving to New Zealand
The magic land of long white clouds, home to over 5 million people and six times as many sheep, New Zealand has become a dream relocation destination for thousands today. When moving to New Zealand, after you have conducted your research about the country and have gathered all the immigration documents, it is time to identify the best way to move overseas.
Moving to New Zealand from any country, apart from Australia, is somewhat challenging due to strict import laws and regulations. When packing to move to New Zealand, ensure your possessions do not fall under any of the prohibited categories or require additional import permits. There are a couple of ways you can move to New Zealand and depending on your needs, Hercules Moving Company will help you to choose the best one.
If you have already made up your mind and are ready to move to New Zealand, here are some of the important relocation tips and facets to consider.
Moving to New Zealand by Sea Freight
Moving to New Zealand by Ocean Freight is by far the most affordable way to move household goods overseas. When shipping to New Zealand, consider the following shipping methods.
Moving to New Zealand by Air Freight
Air Freight is the fastest way to move home goods overseas. The whole process will take only a couple of days allowing the customer to have his possessions immediately after receiving all the required documents.
Sole Use Container, or in other words FCL (Full Container Load) is used when there is a large number of items to be transported. Whether you want to move your full house or simply wish to have a personal container you have the following options:
The term “Shared Container” refers to multiple shipments being sent in one container to a destination in close proximity. It is used when there are not enough items or no need in an entire shipping container. If you are bringing only essentials when moving to New Zealand, consider the following methods:
Groupage Shipping
When sending items via groupage shipping, your international moving company collects numerous small loads that have an area/location destination into one, allowing you to save on shipment, packaging and insurance fees. The moving company will keep your possession in the storage until enough shipments are gathered.
LCL shipping
The Less than Container Load shipping method is somewhat similar to groupage, however, here your items are packed in a custom-made wooden crate in which pieces will be relocated. After the items are placed in the lift-van, the shipment is handed over to the freight forwarder for placement in the container.
It is known that the fastest way to move from one place to another is by plane. Therefore, shipping your household goods by air freight is a convenient way to move to New Zealand if you need your items quickly and with minimum wait time. Your cargo will arrive in New Zealand in a matter of days. Choose one of the following shipment sizes when moving to New Zealand:
Door to Port vs. Door to Door Moving
There are two shipping methods available when moving to New Zealand:
This term refers to a shipping method where your moving company is responsible to transport your household goods from your home to one of the ports that are in close proximity to the relocation city. For those choosing door-to-port service, moving to New Zealand will allow the customer/shipper to import items that fall under the restricted category by personally presenting required permits during customs clearance.
When shipping door-to-door, the moving company will arrange the packing, transportation and shipment of your goods directly to your new home in New Zealand. Moreover, movers will unpack and assemble the furniture and appliances for you. The door-to-door method fits best for those who want to work with only one international moving company for the whole overseas moving process.
Moving household goods to New Zealand
Customs Regulations
Foreign citizens moving to New Zealand are allowed to bring their household goods tax and duty-free, providing that it has been previously in use for at least a year and they have the following documents/status:
- New Zealand permanent residency / returning resident visa
- Australian passport
- Australian permanent residency / returning resident visa
- Valid work permit/work visa exceeding 12 months or issued by these categories: the Long Term Business Visa / Permit and the Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant).
- Valid Visitor’s visa for a minimum of 3 years
Import of inherited items will be a duty-free copy of the Death Certificate, Will and list of valuables provided.
It is recommended to be present in New Zealand or assign someone on your behalf to collect the shipment, otherwise, delays and customs charges could be applied.
Restricted and Dutiable Items
- Alcohol
- Food products
- Bee products: honey, propolis, honeycombs, etc.
- Animals and plants (alive and dead)
- Tobacco (only with a permit)
- New and unused items apart from clothes, shoes, washroom necessities, etc. may be subject to duty or tax.
- Radio transmitting equipment
- Medication
Refer to the New Zealand Customs Service and MAFBNZ for a detailed list of prohibited and restricted objects and items that are subject to biosecurity regulations.
Prohibited Items
- Ammunition
- Narcotics and drugs
- Explosives
- Weapons, firearms
- Controlled drugs, unless holding a licence from the Ministry of Health.
- Endangered species/ CITES ( only allowed with approval)
- Explosives ( must gain a permit from Environmental Protection Authority)
- Hazardous substances
- Materials with pornographic content
- Products and materials manufactured using prison labour
- Radioactive substances
- Some food products: meat, honey, dairy, egg, etc.
Shipping a Car to New Zealand
Any vehicles that are being imported to New Zealand for personal use are tax-free provided that the owner holds required immigration documents, lived outside New Zealand and used the vehicle for one year prior to the move.
When moving a car to New Zealand, it becomes subject to biosecurity requirements and is examined upon arrival. Your vehicle must be well-cleaned prior to shipping to New Zealand, otherwise will be sent for re-inspection with additional charges applied. Moving a car to New Zealand requirements:
- Must meet the requirements of the New Zealand Department of Transport vehicle standard
- Vehicle must be deep cleaned, fumigated ( for particular countries) and emptied from any personal effects before shipment. Vehicles from the US must be treated with heat OR Methyl Bromide 48 hours prior to shipping
- Written approval is required for left-hand driven cars
- Purchase invoice with a cost and date
- Proof of ownership, service book
- Proof of identity
- Condition report
Moving Pets to New Zealand
If you plan to move pets to New Zealand, you might be required to pay some fees and duties depending on where you are coming from and the kind of animal you are bringing. Another important factor is whether your pet meets specific health standards, otherwise, the entry could be denied. Pet could be sent to a quarantine facility during the clearance that will be paid by the owner.
Electronics in New Zealand
Be mindful when moving to New Zealand that their appliances operate on 230v with an I plug type that is similar to the one in Australia.
Customs Forms
Here we have collected all the necessary forms and documents you will need in order to import your personal effects into New Zealand. In addition please check if you need any additional documents/forms on the official Border New Zealand Website
How We Work
We could have wrote 100 beautiful words here - but instead take a look on how we move below
Hercules can build custom measured crates and containers to meet your specific long distance shipping needs. If you are moving, and have a taxidermy collection, the experts at HMC can help. Our crateless system is effective for securing any type or size of trophy.
Hercules goes the extra mile to ensure that all of your most valuable art is protected. Expert wrapping and packaging methods start the highest quality moving & packing materials. Our mover training program ensures that every team has an expert who can safely pack any item so it arrives in the same condition it left.
To avoid damage to fragile items during a long-distance move to your new residence, office or storage unit Hercules will use all the right materials and implement the proper packing techniques for maximum protection.
With the right training and proper equipment, your furniture will be handled safely in any situation.
Not all furniture is the same size. Hercules uses various materials to prepare furniture for moving: moving blankets, cardboard, bubble wrap, or alligator wrap. HMC movers and packers will pack your furniture the right way.
