Removals from the UK to New Zealand
If you’re considering emigrating to New Zealand, John Mason’s international removals service offers full export packing, loading, shipping, customs clearance, delivery, and unpacking. We can also arrange storage in New Zealand and pet relocation to ensure your animals arrive in New Zealand safely and securely. Relocating to New Zealand has never been easier with our efficient shared container service keeps the cost as low as possible for you by only paying for the space you use.
We carry out removals to New Zealand for thousands of families every year but each move is treated on an individual basis by our highly experienced International Move Managers. Whether you need help with shipping, visas, insurance, currency exchange, or even help with the cleaning, handy work, or the school search, John Mason is here for you every step of the way with our range of relocation services. If you are moving to New Zealand, let us help you achieve a stress-free and successful emigration.
Cost of Removals to New Zealand
The cost of removals to New Zealand ranges between £1,500 GBP and £10,500 GBP for shipping or freight containers. How much removals cost will depend on the location, the amount and type of goods, how it’s being shipped, and the size of the container you need. We can also ship excess baggage from as little as £150 GBP. You can get an instant cost estimate of overseas removals to New Zealand by using our Instant Online Quote generator.
Removals to New Zealand – Transit Times
Exclusive Use Container / Full Container Load (FCL)
If you are shipping your furniture and household effects in an exclusive sole use container, the container will arrive at your residence in the UK and then go straight to the port to be loaded onto a vessel. The sailing time from the UK to New Zealand is approximately 7-8 weeks. Please allow 2 weeks at destination for customs clearance and delivery. The overall transit time for removals to New Zealand is therefore approximately 8 – 10 weeks, door to door.
Shared Container Service
A shared container or groupage service is a good option if you are shipping small volumes or if you are looking for a more cost-effective way to ship your household items for removals to New Zealand. The approximate transit time for a shared container service to New Zealand is between 12 and 16 weeks depending on the destination in New Zealand.
Shipping a Car to New Zealand
International removals to New Zealand will often include the shipping of a car too. Please note when shipping your car to New Zealand household effects are not permitted to be shipped in your car as these items cannot be cleared under the Motor Vehicle Clearance. You may also be required to attend an interview with New Zealand Customs if importing under concession rules. Find out more about shipping a car to New Zealand.
Moving a Pet to New Zealand
While most pets are allowed into New Zealand (following guidelines) including cats, dogs and chinchillas from the UK. Birds, ferrets, mice and rats, reptiles and snakes are not allowed to be imported into New Zealand. Some dog breeds are also prohibited from entering New Zealand unless they are a guide or hearing dog, a registered companion dog and dog that are registered under the Dog Control Act 1996.
Generally, all we need is between one and six weeks’ notice (depending upon the nature and destination of your move) and we’ll arrange everything you need for your pet′s travel plan. Our pet relocation team are all animal lovers, and treat customers’ pets as if they are their own. Read more about moving a pet to a different county.
Why move to New Zealand?
New Zealand is truly jam-packed with opportunities. From a wealth of cultural diversity to life-changing career opportunities, moving to New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity for many. The fantastic cities across New Zealand are immensely diverse, whether you fancy the vibrant city of Auckland, the historic town of Christchurch, or the picturesque capital of New Zealand, Wellington, this beautiful country offers so much more. If you’re considering emigrating to New Zealand, then our international removals service is perfect for you.
Prior to moving to New Zealand, ensure you consider any legal requirements and regulations that may be in place. Whether you are planning to move to New Zealand for a career change, or a fresh start, our international removals services will ensure your move goes smoothly. Our expert international removals team are on hand to assist with any questions or queries you may have.
Storing your belongings in New Zealand
If you are initially moving into a rental home and require storage for some or all of your household effects, we will be able to provide storage services in New Zealand for you at competitive rates.
All of our partners in New Zealand are approved by H.M Customs and MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries). Their premises are fully secured and monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week including the use of CCTV, assuring you peace of mind whilst your possessions are in our care.
Customs Regulations in New Zealand
There are a number of customs regulations in New Zealand to consider including:
- Firearms need a special permit from the New Zealand Police Department and must be stored last in your shipment so that the Customs Office can gain easy access
- Household effects can be imported duty and GST free (i.e. concessionary entry) when shipping to New Zealand provided the guideline criteria is met
- Alcohol is permitted to be imported duty free as long as the criteria is met
- If you hold a visitor permit (a work visa permit for less than one year), you will not be able to receive duty free entry and therefore GST will be payable on the shipment.
What can’t I bring to New Zealand?
The prevention of harmful pests and diseases is taken very seriously in New Zealand. Goods that possess any form of risk are prohibited and will be disposed of. This includes:
- Any food – regardless of whether it is cooked, uncooked, fresh, preserved, packaged, or dried.
- Plants or plant products
- Other biosecurity risk items – this included animal medicines, biological cultures and soil or water
- Animals or animal products – including meat, fish, honey, and dairy products,
- Items that have been used for outdoor or farming activities
Buying a house in New Zealand
Buying a home in New Zealand can really have you feeling settled down in your new life but before you start house hunting, it’s important that you research the following:
- Different ways of buying a house – including auction, tender or at an advertised price
- Research the estate agency you’re working with – make sure they are registered and keep an eye out for reviews to see complaints in the last few years
- As is the case in any country, the cost of living will vary depending on where you are. However, in general, you can expect the cost of living to be slightly higher in New Zealand than it is across the UK.
Getting a visa for New Zealand
If you’re planning to move to New Zealand for work, then you’ll need a visa. There are a number of different visa options available to you in New Zealand, each with its own conditions, criteria, and application process.
- Resident visa – Resident visas generally allow you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely and access most publicly funded services.
- Residence from Work visa – Alternatively, you can apply for a Residence from Work visa and wait 24 months, then you may be eligible to apply for a Resident Visa.
- Temporary Visa – Temporary visas allow you to live and work in New Zealand for a set period of time. Working temporarily can be used as a step towards gaining residence and settling here permanently.
Find out more about getting a visa for New Zealand.
Import to the UK from New Zealand
Imports to the UK from New Zealand entails a variety of legal requirements and regulations that need to be met prior to import. The process of imports to the UK can be a stressful and costly process at times, and as a result, leave you feeling unsteady. John Mason not only provide an efficient service in international removals and shipping, but also across imports to the UK.
If you are looking to import your personal or business-related possessions from New Zealand to the UK, then John Mason can provide. Our specialist international removal service team are here to provide a diligent and comprehensive service through the start of your import, through to finish. Whether you are seeking a service provider to import your personal possessions, or business-related goods, then our import to UK services are here to ensure you can do so. For more information surrounding imports to the UK, be sure to get in touch with the John Mason team.
Get a quote for removals to New Zealand
If you would like a free quotation for international removals to New Zealand, please contact us to arrange a pre-move survey which will take place in your home. During the survey, the International Consultant will walk through your home with you on a room by room basis in order to create an inventory of items for shipping to New Zealand. The International Consultant will also discuss aspects of living in New Zealand, moving dates, transit times, customs regulations for international removals to New Zealand and other relevant information with you.
If you are in the early stages of planning your move to New Zealand and would like a guideline price for removals, you can get an instant quote using our shipping calculator. The tool will provide you with an approximate cost and volume for your international move.
All of the above is mentioned in more detail in our ultimate guide to moving to New Zealand.
