Machinery Shipping

Machinery Shipping to and from New Zealand
Need to ship heavy machinery overseas or bring it into New Zealand? Citymove Ltd, a trusted name in movers and packers in NZ, offers reliable and professional machinery shipping services. Whether it’s for farming, construction, mining, or industrial use, we handle the safe transport of all types of equipment—big or small.
We offer port-to-port and door-to-door solutions to make the process smooth and hassle-free. From pickup to customs clearance and final delivery, our experienced logistics team manages everything so your machinery arrives safely and on time.
What to Know Before Shipping Machinery
Before arranging machinery shipping, it’s important to understand a few key points:
- Size and type of machinery: This affects whether it can be shipped in a container or needs to be sent as break-bulk cargo.
- Condition of the machine: Clean, non-leaking machinery is essential. Dirt, oil, and residue can lead to delays at quarantine.
- Shipping route and location: Costs vary depending on how far the equipment is from a main port.
- Required disassembly: Some machines may need parts removed to fit into standard containers, which can save money on shipping.
When requesting a quote, it’s helpful to provide clear photos and details like lifting points, dimensions, and weight. The more accurate the info, the faster we can give you a price and timeline.
Our Machinery Shipping Services
We ship machinery to and from major ports in New Zealand, including Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin, and more. Whether it’s a bulldozer from Australia, a harvester from the USA, or specialised factory equipment from Europe, we’ve got the team and tools to handle it all
Our services include:- Pickup from the seller or factory
- Disassembly and preparation for export (if needed)
- Crating, lashing, and securing of machinery
- Customs documentation and compliance support
- Coordination with quarantine and cleaning services
- Inland transport and final delivery anywhere in NZ
Shipping Times
Transit times vary based on origin and shipping method. Here are some general estimates:- Australia to New Zealand: approx. 10 days
- USA to New Zealand: approx. 45 days
- Europe to New Zealand: approx. 50 days
- New Zealand to Australia: approx. 10 days
- New Zealand to USA/Europe: 50–80 days
We also help with urgent shipments and can advise on the best shipping option based on your timeline and budget.
Preparing Machinery for Shipping
Proper preparation is essential to avoid delays or extra costs:- Clean the machinery thoroughly.All dirt, oil, and organic matter must be removed to meet NZ biosecurity standards.
- Fix any oil or fuel leaks.Leaking machines may be rejected by shipping lines.
- Drain fuel tanks.This is usually required for safety.
- Disassemble large attachments.Removing parts like blades or buckets can reduce the size and make shipping cheaper.
If you’re unsure, our team can help with cleaning, repairs, and packaging before export.
Get a Quote Before You Buy
Thinking of buying machinery from overseas? We can provide ballpark shipping estimates even before your purchase is confirmed. Our database includes specs for many common machines, so we can give you quick and accurate freight costs. That way, you can budget your total spend more confidently.
Why Choose Citymove for Machinery Shipping?
With years of experience in moving equipment locally and internationally, Citymove Ltd understands what’s needed to move heavy machinery the right way. We’re familiar with NZ’s import rules, international freight standards, and how to manage unusual or oversized loads.
Whether you’re importing one machine or handling a large commercial project, you can trust us to manage the logistics end-to-end with care, speed, and transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What types of machinery can you ship?
A: We handle all types of equipment—construction, mining, farming, industrial, and factory machinery.
Q: Does the machinery need to be cleaned before shipping?
A: Yes. It must be free of all dirt, grease, and biohazards. If it arrives dirty, it may be rejected or require costly cleaning.
Q: Can you disassemble machinery for shipping?
A: Yes, if needed. We disassemble and secure parts safely to reduce the size and shipping cost.
Q: What if my machinery has oil leaks?
A: Leaks must be fixed before transport. Shipping lines can refuse to carry leaking machines due to safety risks.
Q: Can you help with customs and quarantine clearance?
A: Absolutely. We manage all documentation and coordinate inspections, cleaning, and clearance on your behalf.
Q: How do I get a quote?
A: Contact us with basic details—machine type, size, weight, origin, and destination. Clear photos help too. We'll get back with a fast, accurate quote.
Need to ship machinery to or from New Zealand?
Get in touch with Citymove Ltd today. Call 0800 126 128 or visit Citymove.co.nz for a free quote and expert support.