Shipping A Car: Australia To New Zealand

how to ship a car from australia to new zealand

Shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand can be a complex and expensive process, but several companies offer this service. Cars2NZ, Taurus Logistics, Willship International, and Dazmac all offer car shipping services between Australia and New Zealand. The transit time can be as little as 4 days on the water, and the whole process can take as little as 2 weeks. However, it is important to consider the total landed cost, not just the shipping cost. There are also several procedures to follow, such as ensuring the vehicle is thoroughly cleaned inside and out and providing the correct documentation.

Characteristics Values
Shipping Companies Cars2NZ, Taurus Logistics, Willship International, Dazmac
Shipping Ports Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Fremantle, Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Lyttelton
Shipping Methods Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO), Container
Transit Time 4 days on the water, 2 weeks total
Cost $4000, $10000
GST 15% payable on landed value
Insurance Marine insurance, door-to-door insurance
Cleaning Steam clean inside and out
Compliance Safety certificate, warrant of fitness

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Cleaning requirements

When shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand, it is important to be aware of the cleaning requirements to ensure your vehicle's smooth entry into the country. Here are the key points to consider:

Quarantine Inspection and Cleaning Requirements

Before shipping your car, it is essential to understand the quarantine cleaning requirements. All vehicles entering New Zealand are subject to a mandatory quarantine inspection, even if they appear clean or have a "Cleaning Certificate". This inspection is carried out by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Approximately 80% of used cars fail this inspection, so ensuring your car is thoroughly cleaned can increase the chances of passing and reduce cleaning costs.

Thorough Cleaning

To prepare your car for shipping, it is recommended to have it thoroughly cleaned, both inside and out. Steam cleaning is often suggested as it effectively removes dirt and contaminants from the underside, engine bay, and other hard-to-reach areas. Vacuuming the interior is also important to ensure no dirt or debris is present.

No Personal Items

When shipping your car on a Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) vessel, it is crucial to ensure that no personal items are left inside the vehicle. The presence of personal belongings may result in the vehicle being refused boarding on the RORO vessel. If you have personal items to ship, you can opt for container shipping, but this is typically a more expensive option.

Pre-Shipment Cleaning Costs

Keep in mind that pre-shipment cleaning costs may apply. These costs can include steam cleaning, disinfecting, and vacuuming services to ensure your vehicle meets the quarantine requirements.

Additional Cleaning for Asbestos

If you are shipping a classic or vintage car, it is important to be aware of the asbestos requirements. Australia has a zero-tolerance policy for asbestos, so pre-shipment inspection and certification for vehicles at risk of containing asbestos are necessary. This may involve additional cleaning or replacement of affected parts before shipping.

By following these cleaning requirements, you can help ensure that your car meets the necessary standards for shipping from Australia to New Zealand and reduce the risk of incurring additional cleaning costs or delays.

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Cost

The cost of shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand varies depending on several factors. The average cost of shipping a vehicle from Australia to New Zealand is $2,500 AUD or $2,700 NZD. However, the final cost will depend on various factors, including the shipping method, insurance, storage, and compliance with import regulations.

Shipping freight is typically the most significant cost factor. Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping is generally the cheapest option, while container shipping can be more expensive. The distance between the shipping origin and destination also affects the price, with longer distances resulting in higher costs.

Insurance is another crucial cost consideration. It is essential to obtain insurance coverage for potential damage or loss of your vehicle during transit. While shipping a car is not considered high-risk, accidents can still occur, so adequate insurance coverage is necessary.

Storage costs may apply if you cannot pick up your vehicle immediately upon its arrival in New Zealand. Most shipping companies only deliver to selected ports, so you may need to pay for storage at the port or a port-affiliated partner until you can arrange transportation to your final destination.

Additionally, there may be import-related costs when bringing a car into New Zealand. These can include taxes such as Goods and Services Tax (GST), entry certification, and compliance inspections. It is important to ensure that your vehicle meets New Zealand's compliance standards, as approximately 80% of used cars fail the inspection, leading to additional cleaning and compliance costs.

When obtaining quotes for shipping your car, it is advisable to request a detailed breakdown of charges, including any potential exclusions or variables that may impact the final cost. By considering all these factors, you can make an informed decision about shipping your car from Australia to New Zealand.

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Compliance

Secondly, be prepared to provide the necessary documentation for compliance and customs clearance. This includes proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's title and registration documents, as well as accurate information about the vehicle, including its make, model, year of manufacture, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It is also important to establish a correct odometer reading before leaving Australia, as without this, your vehicle may be considered as parts only and cannot be complied with in New Zealand.

Additionally, it is recommended to have a PPSR check before purchasing the vehicle to ensure clear title and no water damage, as this can impact compliance costs. If any work has been performed on the vehicle in Australia prior to shipping, this must be declared, and supporting invoices provided to avoid potential fines or confiscation.

Once your vehicle arrives in New Zealand, it will undergo an MPI inspection. After passing this inspection, your vehicle will be moved to a compliance facility to undergo any necessary compliance requirements, which may include a thorough cleaning, inside and out, to remove any dirt and contaminants. Only after meeting all compliance standards can your vehicle be registered and driven on New Zealand roads.

Finally, it is important to be aware of any exemptions or special considerations that may apply. For example, if you are a first-time immigrant or returning resident to New Zealand, you may qualify for a Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemption, meaning no import tax on arrival. Additionally, there are no restrictions on importing classic cars or vehicles for off-road use, but it is still advisable to ensure your car meets New Zealand compliance standards.

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Transit times

The transit time for shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand varies depending on the shipping company and the chosen shipping method. On average, shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand takes around 10 days, with some companies offering transit times as short as four days on the water and two weeks for the entire process. Other companies provide a timeframe of two to three weeks, depending on the chosen shipping method and vessel schedule.

It is important to note that the transit time does not include the time required for clearance at the port and delivery to a compliance centre. In New Zealand, allow three to five business days for this process, while in Australia, it may take five to seven business days.

When choosing a shipping company, it is essential to consider their expertise and ability to handle the necessary compliance and regulatory requirements. Some companies offer a seamless experience, taking care of all the paperwork, customs regulations, and compliance, making the process hassle-free for their customers.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand may come with certain restrictions and requirements. For example, returning New Zealand citizens must have been out of the country for at least 21 months to qualify for certain exemptions. Furthermore, all imported vehicles entering New Zealand for the first time must undergo a biosecurity inspection and comply with the country's cleanliness standards to be registered and driven on New Zealand roads.

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Choosing a shipping company

When choosing a shipping company to transport your car from Australia to New Zealand, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should ensure that the company has experience in shipping cars specifically and is knowledgeable about the process. Cars2NZ, for example, has over 20 years of experience in shipping vehicles and can handle everything on your behalf, from collecting your vehicle to delivering it to its final destination. Taurus Logistics is another company with over 40 years of experience in shipping various types of cargo, including cars, and they offer a highly personalised service. Willship International also has offices in both Australia and New Zealand, providing a seamless shipping experience and handling everything from start to finish.

It is also important to consider the shipping methods offered by the company. Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is a common method, but it requires the vehicle to be empty, with no personal items left inside. If you want to ship personal belongings along with your car, you may need to opt for container shipping, which can be more expensive. Taurus Logistics and Willship International both offer these shipping methods. Additionally, some companies provide additional services such as compliance guidance, insurance, and customs support, which can be beneficial if you are new to the process.

The cost of shipping is another crucial factor in choosing a shipping company. Prices can vary, and it is important to consider not just the shipping cost but also any additional expenses such as duty costs, insurance, and on-road costs. Taurus Logistics provides detailed quotations that itemise all included charges and highlight any exclusions, ensuring transparency in pricing. Willship International also offers fast quotes, and both companies have offices in both Australia and New Zealand, which can be advantageous for customers.

When making your decision, it is worth checking reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge their level of satisfaction with the company's services. You can also look for companies that offer stress-free experiences and efficient processes, as shipping a car can be complex and stressful if things go wrong. Ultimately, by considering factors such as experience, shipping methods, cost, and customer reviews, you can make an informed choice when selecting a shipping company to transport your car from Australia to New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions

The cost of shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand can vary. Some sources quote around $4000, while others state that it can be as much as $10,000, depending on the car.

Transit times can be as little as 4 days on the water, with the whole process taking as little as two weeks. However, other sources state that it can take up to 30 days.

The process can vary depending on the company used. Some companies offer a door-to-door service, while others may require you to drop off your vehicle at a designated location. The car will then be transported to the port and shipped to New Zealand. Upon arrival, the car will need to clear customs and may need to undergo a quarantine inspection and compliance process.

There are no restrictions on importing classic cars or vehicles for off-road use or car collections. However, all imported vehicles entering New Zealand for the first time must undergo compliance to ensure they meet safety standards and are safe for use on New Zealand roads.

The car must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out, ideally with a steam cleaner, to remove all dirt and contaminants from the underside and engine bay. All personal items must be removed from the vehicle, and if it has been worked on prior to shipping, supporting invoices must be provided to avoid fines or confiscation.

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