New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand

In geographical terms it’s hard to move any further away from the UK than New Zealand but with its breathtaking scenery and uncrowded cities it’s a destination that has an enduring appeal for many.

With a trusted network of agents and a long experience of moving people to New Zealand we have the skills and resources to ensure that moving your treasured possessions so far from home is as stress free and well planned as possible. 

Clark & Rose can offer a full range of shipping services to New Zealand to help make your move as easy as possible. We’d be delighted to speak to you about your move so contact us now for a free estimate either by calling on 0330 551 1906, if you prefer to speak to someone directly, or by clicking on the get in touch or get a quote links.

How long will it take:

Sea / FCL or LCL – most destinations:

• 8 to 12 weeks

Loose groupage container:

• 12 to 20 weeks

Air – most destinations:

• 7 to 14 days

Please note that any transit times are purely indicative. Actual door to door transit times may be shorter or longer if subject to factors beyond our control.

What can I take with me?

You will want to know what personal and household effects you can take with you, which ones you might have to pay duty or tax on, and which you cannot take into New Zealand. Basically, used personal and household effects can be imported free of duty and/or tax in most circumstances; if you’re a first time migrant holding permanent residency status, a “ work to residence” visa holder, hold a work permit for longer than 12 months or you’re a New Zealand resident returning from an overseas absence of more than 21 months.

All shipments of personal effects going to New Zealand will be subject to inspection by MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). It’s therefore very important any items that have been in contact with the soil or vegetation such as boots and shoes, garden tools and garden furniture, golf clubs or cricket bats and other sports or camping equipment including footwear, are thoroughly cleaned before shipping. If any items don’t pass inspection further cleaning or fumigation is likely to be required.

As with any destination careful planning is required and certain items may be problematic to ship or carry restrictions – if you have any questions at all on this or are looking for advice we’d be very happy to help.

Can I take my car?

If you’re planning to import a motor vehicle, then you can do so duty-free provided you’re a first-time immigrant with permanent residency status or a returning New Zealander who has been overseas for more than 21 months. However, duty is applicable on motor homes for non-qualifying migrants. To qualify for entry free of Goods and Services Tax (GST), you must have owned and used the vehicle overseas for at least 12 months prior to handing it in for shipment or your departure for New Zealand, whichever is the earlier. You cannot then sell or dispose of the vehicle within 2 years without paying the GST which would have applied.

For all other migrants and returning New Zealanders who have been overseas for less than 21 months, GST is payable at 12.5% of the vehicle’s CIF (purchase price, insurance and freight) value.

• New Zealand Customs – www.customs.govt.nz
• NZ Quarantine Service – www.maf.govt.nz
• Importing Firearms into New Zealand –www.police.govt.nz
• Importing Cars into New Zealand –www.customs.govt.nz and www.ltsa.govt.nz

Can I bring my pets?

As a starting point a good place to go for advice on taking dogs, cats and other pets to New Zealand to the New Zealand Government website at the following address http://mpi.govt.nz/importing/live-animals/pets/

At Clark & Rose we can assist with the process by putting you in touch with our specialist outside consultant who’ll be happy to work with you directly and provide details on procedures and best practice to help ensure that you should not be separated from your pet for too long.

Regardless of who you ultimately choose to help with your move we would always recommend that you choose a reputable British Association of Removers member company and get them involved in the process as soon as possible.

Get a number of quotations, and keep notes about each company you speak to. Be sure you know exactly what service, volume and transit times they are quoting on, to make certain you are comparing like with like.

Shipping methods

Find out more about shipping methods in our guide which covers sea and air options