Car Shipping to New Zealand

An international move to New Zealand will often include the shipping of a car as well. Here at John Mason we are experienced International Moving specialists across multiple fields, guaranteeing safe and secure car shipping services for your overseas removal.

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 during customs. We have plenty of other options for transporting your household goods for your move to New Zealand.

Please be advised that you may be required to attend an interview with New Zealand Customs if importing under concession rules. A certificate from the vehicle manufacturer regarding compliance for frontal impact and emission standards may be necessary for vehicles in order to be registered for use on New Zealand roads.

Please see the New Zealand Transport Agency website for more information: www.nzta.govt.nz

Please be advised that you are not able to ship your car until a written confirmation from the entry certifiers has been received.

Entry Certification can be obtained from the following agencies (all approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency):

• Automobile Association (AA) – www.aa.co.nz
• Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ) – www.vinz.co.nz
• Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) – www.vtnz.co.nz

In order to clear your motor vehicle for shipping to New Zealand, the following documents will be needed for presentation to Customs:

• Original Registration Certificate and / or original de-registration certificate.
• Original purchase invoice.
• Original compliance certificate issued by the manufacturer of the car if applicable.
• Original Passport

In order to make sure that your vehicle complies with all of the vehicle regulations, your Move Manager will assist you with organising vehicle inspection and registration when it has arrived in New Zealand.

Customs Duty and GST:

You can import your vehicle duty free as long as on the day that your car or vehicle is imported, you have a document authorising residence in New Zealand and the vehicle is being imported for personal use. You must also have resided outside of New Zealand for the whole of 21 months. In addition, it is crucial that you have personally owned and used the vehicle for at least 12 months before the date of departure or the date on which the vehicle is surrendered for shipping, whichever is the earlier date.

For further information on shipping your car to New Zealand or elsewhere overseas this can be found on our Car Shipping page.

Please note that customs regulations can change on a regular basis. A copy of the most recent Customs Guide for New Zealand will be sent with your quotation. Your Move Manager can also provide further information and advice.