Moving to New Zealand
New Zealand Moving Destinations
We have all of New Zealand covered, from the major cities of Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Napier, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill where we have our own network of accredited partner offices, to everywhere in between. We have the knowledge and experience to provide you with a seamless move to any of these New Zealand destinations.
Get a Quote for Moving to New Zealand
We don’t need much to work out the cost of moving your belongings to your new home in New Zealand. Whatever your requirements, Searoad & Alliance have a variety of quote options to suit your moving needs. To get started simply complete the Free Quote request form on this page and we’ll be in direct contact with you.
Moving Your Household Goods to New Zealand
When moving to New Zealand it is important you are aware of the requirements as we are a country with unique requirements and restrictions. If you are not a New Zealand or Australian passport holder you will require a visa to live in New Zealand. In order to import your household goods into New Zealand they need to be cleared with the Customs and Quarantine (Biosecurity New Zealand) services. New Zealand is known for its clean, green image and reliance on it agriculture, horticulture and tourism sectors. Controls must be maintained against unwanted contaminants, diseases, insects and other pests. This can be a straightforward process and you will need to complete a declaration called an Unaccompanied Personal Baggage declaration and provide a copy of your passport.
*Disclaimer: All information provided is a general guide only and can change without notice. We suggest making contact with the appropriate authorities for complete verification.
New Zealand Custom Services*
The Customs service want to ensure you are not importing any prohibited/restricted items and collect any duty and tax which may be payable. To import your household goods into New Zealand free of duty and tax you must have been outside of New Zealand for more than 21 months and personally owned and used your household goods. Firearms can be imported into New Zealand and this process is strictly controlled, firstly you will need to obtain a New Zealand firearms license and import permit from the New Zealand Police. There is some discretionary allowance for the free importation of alcohol as part of a home collection for your own consumption.
New Zealand Biosecurity and Quarantine Services*
To protect NZ borders from unwanted pests and contaminants New Zealand has a very strict Quarantine service called Biosecurity New Zealand. It is their responsibility to screen every single shipment of household effects that comes into New Zealand. Screening is done in the first instance via documentation, Biosecurity will review your completed declaration and inventory of goods to profile check you and see if you have any declared or undeclared risks goods in your shipment. If they are satisfied that your shipment poses no risk then it will be cleared for entry. If they evaluate that there may be risk then your shipment will require a physical inspection upon arrival. In some instances where you have a sole use container this inspection can take place at your residence upon delivery, otherwise it will take place at the warehouse. Items which are commonly stopped for inspection are outdoor items, sporting goods, bicycles, animal products, plant products, etc. Following an inspection, it will be decided if your shipment is cleared and ok for entry or if any items require treatment such as fumigation and steam cleaning before they get the OK.
*Disclaimer: All information provided is a general guide only and can change without notice. We suggest making contact with the appropriate authorities for complete verification.
Approximate Transit Times to New Zealand
Depending on the method of shipping we can advise the following approximate door-to-door transit times to New Zealand. These times are based on an average and given as a guide to assist you in your planning.
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Sea Freight for Sole Use Container or LCL: Approximately 6-8 weeks
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Air Freight: Approximately 1-2 weeks
Packing your Belongings
It is our recommendation that we professionally pack your goods. We use the best materials available and employ the best techniques to ensure your goods arrive safely. We also have a variety of speciality cartons, purpose-designed for household good items. We also custom-build wooden crates for fragile and precious items. Every single item moving will be packaged in some form, thus if it is not packed in a removal carton it will be export wrapped. Once packed all goods will be numbered with a label sticker and recorded on a removal inventory.
Whilst it is our recommendation that we pack your goods it is not mandatory, you are welcome to pack some or all of your goods yourself. We can assist you in this process by providing you with our packing materials and a handy packing guide.
Storing Your Belongings in Origin or New Zealand
We have storage services available in both Origin and New Zealand destinations. The advantage of storing in New Zealand is that when you are ready to receive your goods they can be delivered quite quickly. Whereas if you store them in origin, you will have to plan around shipping transit and wait for their arrival. On the other hand, if you are not sure whether your stay in New Zealand is going to be a permanent one we are able to store your goods in origin until you are ready to make your decision. This can reduce unnecessary shipping costs if your change your mind.
Insuring Your Belongings
It is very important to consider the protection of your goods during relocation as there is always an element of risk. Peace of mind is paramount, thankfully, we are able to offer a range of insurance options to ensure your personal possessions are well covered should the unlikely happen.