Car Shipping and Importing Cars to New Zealand with Citymove
Whether you’re a new immigrant, a returning resident, or simply looking to bring your car into New Zealand, Citymove offers professional car shipping and import services designed to make the process hassle-free. Importing a car to New Zealand can be complicated due to customs regulations, vehicle compliance standards, and quarantine requirements — but Citymove handles all the logistics so you don’t have to worry about the red tape.
Our experienced team coordinates every step, from arranging international shipping to delivering your vehicle to the appropriate compliance centre. We provide flexible, reliable services tailored to your needs, ensuring your car arrives safely and ready for registration in New Zealand.
Why Choose Citymove for Your Car Shipping Needs?
- Full-service car shipping solutions to and from New Zealand
- Expert handling of customs clearance and quarantine inspections
- Delivery directly to vehicle compliance centres
- Assistance with all documentation and compliance requirements
- Secure transportation using specialised car carriers
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Support for classic cars, personal vehicles, and imports for new residents
What to Consider When Importing a Car to New Zealand
Before shipping your car, it’s important to understand all associated costs and requirements. The overall cost includes shipping fees, insurance during transit, customs clearance charges, quarantine inspections, and vehicle compliance costs such as on-road registration. Some costs like on-road registration and compliance certification depend on the individual vehicle and are managed after delivery.
Quarantine inspections by MPI are mandatory, and your vehicle must meet New Zealand’s cleanliness and biosecurity standards. Most used vehicles undergo inspection, and if additional cleaning or fumigation is needed, this may incur extra charges.
New immigrants and returning residents may be eligible for certain exemptions when importing their personal vehicles, provided specific criteria are met. Citymove can guide you through these eligibility requirements and help you navigate the process smoothly.
Ports We Ship To in New Zealand
Citymove ships cars to major New Zealand ports including Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, and Wellington. We arrange specialised transport from port to your chosen compliance centre or location within New Zealand, offering nationwide coverage for your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take to ship a car to New Zealand?
A: Shipping times vary depending on the country of origin and shipping method, but typical transit times range from a couple of weeks to over a month for intercontinental routes. Citymove will provide an estimated timeline based on your specific shipment.
Q: Can Citymove help with all the paperwork and compliance for importing a car?
A: Yes, we assist with customs clearance, quarantine documentation, and arranging delivery to compliance centres, ensuring all regulations are met.
Q: Are there restrictions on what types of cars can be imported?
A: Certain vehicles may require additional inspections or modifications to meet New Zealand’s safety and environmental standards. Citymove will advise you on compliance requirements for your specific vehicle.
Q: What happens if my car fails the quarantine inspection?
A: If your vehicle does not meet biosecurity standards, additional cleaning or treatment may be required before release. Citymove can help coordinate these services to minimise delays.
Q: Do I need to pay taxes or duties when importing a car?
A: Import taxes and duties depend on your residency status and the vehicle’s history. New immigrants and returning residents may be eligible for exemptions under specific conditions. Citymove provides guidance but recommends consulting official sources for detailed information.
Q: Can you ship classic or collector cars?
A: Yes, Citymove handles classic and specialty car shipments, ensuring they are transported with the utmost care.
Importing and shipping your car to New Zealand can be a complex process, but with Citymove’s expertise and personalised service, it becomes straightforward and stress-free. Contact Citymove today for a customised quote and expert advice on your car shipping needs.
