Removals to New Zealand

Removals to New Zealand costs will depend on a number of factors such as the volume of goods you are sending, what packing is required, and the distance you are from the port.

As a rough guide, expect to pay £1500 – £2900 for an apartment move and £7500 – £9100 for a full household removal to New Zealand.

There will also be additional costs to consider, such as optional insurance / shipment protection and New Zealand customs inspection fees that need to be paid on arrival.

The best way to get a more accurate price or estimate is to call our team or request a removals quote online. They can also advise on the best way to reduce your removal costs to get the cheapest removals to New Zealand..

NB: As prices are changing regularly, we highly recommend you contact us to get an estimate of current removal costs and book a free home or virtual survey so that we can give you a more accurate removals quote.

We offer a fully comprehensive removal to New Zealand service which will take care of everything for you. The removals service includes door-to-door pick-up and delivery (not door to port), export packing by professional international removal packers, specialist cartons, crates and antique packing as required, help with customs paperwork and inventory listing, shipping via accredited shipping lines, transport to and from the port, customs clearance service.

Additional fees that are not included in your removal costs quote include customs inspection fees, duties and port fees payable on arrival in New Zealand, storage services and maritime insurance or shipment protection cover which is recommended but not required.

Beware of cheap removals quotes to New Zealand which do not include all the costs.

Your household belongings and furniture will be shipped to New Zealand via a sea freight service. The overseas removals service can be quite complicated, but with United Removals’, our expert teams will make the process as easy and stress free as possible. You can sit back and let us do all the heavy lifting!

Our New Zealand removals service includes the following steps:

1) A home or video survey to provide you with an accurate quote or removal estimate.

2) A personal Move Coordinator to plan and manage all aspects of your home removal.

3) They will guide you through completing all the necessary paperwork for sea freight shipping, customs clearance and shipment protection.

4) On move day, our movers and packers will take care of all the packing and export wrapping of furniture and other belongings.

5) If you require a full load container (either 20 ft or 40 ft), the shipping container will be delivered to your property and loaded by the packing crew.

6) For shared or part load containers, your household goods and personal belongings will be taken in our removals van to one of our depots for loading onto the shipping container as groupage.

7) The container will then be sent by sea freight to New Zealand.

8) On arrival at port (we ship to all major ports in New Zealand), our local partner agents will handle the customs process for you. Once your shipment has been cleared and all customs fees and duties paid, it will be released for final delivery.

9) Your belongings will then be delivered to their final destination to your new home address or to storage if required. Our partner, New Zealand removals service, will then unload your goods and unpack furniture to ensure all your belongings arrive safely.

If you are only sending a few personal belongings such as luggage and boxes, we recommend our baggage or box shipping service.

We can deliver boxes and other packing materials for you to self-pack. Once you are ready, we can collect them and deliver them to your address in New Zealand.

Our baggage shipping service for small moves includes up to about 20 boxes or suitcases and can include items such as TVs, bicycles, surfboards and toolboxes.

It does not, however, include large items of furniture.

When planning to travel or relocate to New Zealand, it’s important to be aware of the country’s list of prohibited and restricted items that cannot be brought into the country. Whether you are visiting or moving permanently, it is crucial to check whether the items you intend to bring are restricted or prohibited and take appropriate action.

Prohibited Items:

1. Objectionable Material: Items such as videotapes, films, records, CD-ROMs, and publications containing objectionable material containing themes such as excessive violence, cruelty or crime are not allowed to be imported.
2. Weapons: Weapons disguised as other objects, flick knives, butterfly knives, swordsticks, and knuckle-dusters are strictly prohibited.
3. Drug Equipment: Importing equipment intended for the use of cannabis or methamphetamine is not permitted.
4. Crime-related Items: Any item that is planned to be used in a crime is prohibited.

Restricted Items:

1. Endangered Species and Wildlife: Species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), including ivory in all forms, carvings, and jewellery made from ivory, as well as products made from or with whalebone or bones from marine animals, require a permit or exemption for import.
2. Carnivorous Plants: Importing carnivorous plants is subject to restrictions and may require pre-approval.
3. Luxury Goods and Natural Resources of Russian Origin: Luxury goods originating from Russia, such as vodka, seafood, precious stones, clothing, footwear, and personal electronics, valued at more than $1000, necessitate a permit or exemption for import. This requirement also extends to coal, oil, gas, and gold of Russian origin, emphasizing the need for proper authorization or clearance prior to importing these valuable resources.
4. Medicines: Some medicines, especially controlled drugs or those containing pseudoephedrine, may not be allowed to be brought into New Zealand. Prescription medicines may be permitted with a valid doctor’s prescription.

Additionally, certain items, such as artworks, antiques, and specific animal products, may have specific regulations or requirements. If you have antiques valued at NZD$1000 or above, you will need to complete an import declaration. Antiques over 100 years old can be imported duty-free with a Certificate of Antiquity.

It’s essential to consult the official New Zealand Customs Service website or contact them directly for more detailed and up-to-date information regarding prohibited and restricted items for import into New Zealand.

If you only have a small number of personal effects to send to New Zealand, then our air freight removal service is for you. We can provide you with boxes and cartons, or you can use your own bags and suitcases. This is the quickest removals service but also the most expensive. Many people, therefore, use a combination of both air freight and sea freight shipping services.

You can check out our more detailed New Zealand International Removals Guide below or why not give one of our advisers a call on  01942 559960?

They will be happy to answer all of your questions, give you some guideline prices and arrange a home survey consultation to provide a more accurate price.

 We recommend getting a few quotes for your move to New Zealand so you can compare the different options and make sure you’re happy with the service you end up choosing. Make sure to compare aspects like container volumes and what’s included in each of the services.

It’s also important to remember that overseas removals are very different from domestic moves. That’s why it’s good to choose a removalist who’s experienced specifically in international removals, if not specialising in those.

We are confident that you’ll find your quote from United Removals to be very competitive. What’s more, we specialise in international removals and are excellently reviewed, so you can be assured you’ll receive a service of the highest quality.

In recent years, shipping costs have increased so you may want to keep this in mind when you consider what you want to take with you to New Zealand and what you can leave behind. However, it isn’t all bad news; remember it becomes relatively cheaper as you ship more.

You do need to think about the cost that could be involved in replacing some of your items in New Zealand if you are not sure about shipping them. Even when they are only small items, this cost can soon add up, particularly if there are a lot of items.

Research the cost of replacement items as some things are more expensive and some may not even be available – it may turn out that shipping them may be more economical in the long run.

Will you need storage in New Zealand or the UK?

Moving from the UK to another country is rarely as smooth as people hope for so it goes without saying that when the country in question is on the other side of the planet, the entire process can become a bit trickier.

Often people find that they have a gap of time between selling their property and moving into their new home, meaning they need a space to store their belongings in the meantime, which we can help you with.

We have several storage solutions depending on your needs. We can arrange storage for your personal effects in the UK before they are shipped or in New Zealand after they arrive – whichever suits your situation.

If the issue is that you do not have a fixed address in New Zealand to ship your belongings to then we can arrange for your household goods and personal effects to be placed in storage in New Zealand whilst you sort out accommodation.

Once you have a property ready, our local movers can arrange delivery of your belongings from storage.

Your belongings must be appropriately packed for shipping to New Zealand. The journey is lengthy, and they will be moved around from one form of transport to another more than once.

This means that there is chance items could move within your shipping container and if they are not adequately protected, then they could become damaged.

A high standard of export packing is, therefore essential, so it is recommended that you use a professional packing service. This will also save you a lot of time and stress.

Our team of professional packers are expertly trained to deal with all the issues encountered with export wrapping. The boxes that we use to transport all of your smaller items are double-walled, and we also ensure that all of your furniture is export wrapped to ensure that it arrives in good condition at your destination.

For those delicate and fragile items, such as artwork and antiques, we can arrange specialist packing to offer better protection to your articles. This includes custom built crates.

Our expert packing team is here to help you with as little or as much of your packing process as you want. We offer all of our customers the following packing services:

• Full international export standard packing & wrap service
• Fully trained export packers
• Provision of export quality boxes, cartons, packing paper & packing materials
• Custom wood casing/crates if required
• Professional antique wrapping for delicate items
• Advice on preparing your items for transport to New Zealand
• Premium grade disinfectant available for outdoor items
• Complete inventory list for customs

You may wish to start packing some boxes before your move day. Speak to our team about using export quality cartons and remember you’ll need to keep an inventory of items for customs.

The New Zealand government is incredibly stringent when it comes to biosecurity issues to protect their unique environment. As such, your items must be cleaned thoroughly in preparation for shipping. This is especially the case when it comes to any outdoor items.

If you are planning to ship tools, bikes, garden equipment and BBQ, these must be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. Our team can offer a professional disinfecting service that should clean all your belongings thoroughly enough to keep the Customs inspectors happy.

Our international removals service is perfect for furniture removals to New Zealand.

For furniture removals, every item is carefully packed or ‘export wrapped’ using packing materials such as blanket wrap. All furniture pieces, including sofas, armchairs, beds, tables and cupboards, can be packed and shipped in a container.

As large items are bulky, you consider which are cost effective to send. For example, most houses and apartments in New Zealand have built-in wardrobes, so shipping these might not be worthwhile.

You may wish to put your belongings in self-storage units whilst you are selling your property or waiting for your visa to come through.

Shipping your belongings to New Zealand from storage is a simple process. If your household belongings and furniture are in self-storage units in the UK, our team can arrange to collect them and professionally pack them for shipping either at the self-storage unit or back at our depot.

If you wish to pre-pack yourself, please ensure you have appropriate international shipping cartons/boxes and that everything is carefully wrapped and packed for its journey.

Many of our customers worry about customs clearance for all of their belongings when they arrive in New Zealand. This is something that we can help you with. However, you may find the following information useful when planning your move.

If you are a returning New Zealand citizen or a migrant with a permanent visa who has been away from New Zealand for over 12 months, there will be no Customs Duties or GST to pay on any household effects you ship. It is important to check if you meet these criteria. However, other customs-related charges, fees and duties may need to be paid. Antiques, for example, are free of any customs duty; however, there is a 10% GST that will need to be applied.

Customs regulations and duties are subject to change, so it can be a good idea to check for the most up-to-date guidelines and information.

In the event that you do not meet the criteria for household effects, or it is deemed that your goods are commercial imports, then Customs duty and GST may be applied.
On arrival in New Zealand, your household goods and personal effects will require inspection and clearance from Australian Customs before they are allowed into the country.

For your shipping container to be released, you will need to pay any customs inspections and customs fees, and also any quarantine fees. These will be payable locally. Our agents in New Zealand will be able to assist you with the customs clearance process.

The personal Move Coordinator who is assigned to you when you choose us to assist with your removal will be able to advise you with information regarding what you can and can’t take with you to New Zealand and also how you can prepare and clean your items for shipping. If you prefer, our expert packers can help you with this.

This information is essential as it can help you minimise customs inspection and quarantine fees that New Zealand Customs Service and Biosecurity may change.

United International Removals take great care to ensure your belongings are well-packed and taken care of during their journey. We only use accredited shipping lines and partners to ensure the highest levels of service.

However, due to the nature of international shipping and removals, it is recommended that you take out your own maritime insurance policy or shipment protection cover for complete peace of mind. Just like when you mail a parcel overseas, the shipping company cannot cover the full value of your goods in the unlikely event of something going missing or being broken.

We can offer and recommend Shipment Protection Cover that is highly flexible and will offer you lots of advantages.

This cover is simple and easy to put in place. All that is required is the completion of a shipment protection valuation form detailing the items that need to be covered and their value.

The shipment protection costs are calculated on the value that you want to cover and are based on whether you have packed the items or they have been packed professionally.

As cars are expensive and people drive on the left side in New Zealand, it is certainly worth considering shipping your car in a 40 ft container alongside your house contents.

New Zealand does have strict import criteria for cars so speak to our team to ensure that importing your vehicle is feasible and cost effective.

Some paperwork will be required but we can help you ensure it is all completed correctly and our agents will take care of customs clearance for you.

Entering the real estate market in New Zealand can feel somewhat daunting, particularly for those unfamiliar with the country’s property landscape. Although property prices tend to be higher than in the UK, particularly in main city centres, exploring residential areas in the suburbs or smaller towns can often uncover affordable and attractive housing options.

Recent shifts in the property market have seen a welcome downward trend in housing prices, which comes as excellent news for newcomers to New Zealand. Median property values across the country vary significantly, depending on location. Auckland, for example, boasts a median value of over $1 million, while in Wellington, the median is around $820,000. Lower values can be found in other regions, such as Christchurch and Tauranga, where the median property prices are $550,000 and $740,000 respectively.

Navigating the process of purchasing property overseas can be complex, and it’s where the expertise of a local real estate agent becomes invaluable. They can guide you through the unique aspects of New Zealand’s property market, such as the bidding process and legal requirements, which may be significantly different from what you’re accustomed to in the UK.

While buying a home might be your ultimate goal, it’s often wise to consider renting a property initially when you first arrive in the country. This allows you to take some time to familiarise yourself with different neighbourhoods, discover what amenities are important to you, and decide on the area that suits your lifestyle before making a long-term commitment. After all, purchasing a home is not only a financial investment but also an investment in your lifestyle and future.

If you intend to bring your furry family member, like a cat or dog, along with you to New Zealand, you’ll need to adhere to some specific requirements. First and foremost, your pet must have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted. You can consult with your vet, who can either verify the presence and compatibility of an existing microchip or implant a new one.

In New Zealand, biosecurity is taken very seriously to prevent the introduction of foreign diseases. Therefore, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) requires an official veterinary certificate confirming your pet’s fitness for travel. This documentation forms part of your import application, check the website here.

The MPI mandates that all pets entering the country must have a valid import permit, and they must undergo a mandatory quarantine period at an MPI-approved quarantine facility. The length of quarantine depends on the country of origin, but for most, it is 10 days for dogs and cats.

Due to the specific and sometimes complex regulations surrounding pet importation to New Zealand, many choose to engage the services of a specialist pet relocation company. Such firms can streamline the process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is completed correctly and that your pet’s move and transportation are as stress-free as possible. Always make sure the company you choose is familiar with New Zealand’s stringent pet importation regulations.

If you’re making the move to New Zealand with a job already secured, your transition will likely be significantly smoother. In such cases, your employer or recruitment agency will generally manage the fine details, ensuring all necessary paperwork and visa requirements are handled on your behalf. This support can be a significant relief, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.

However, if you’re setting foot in New Zealand in search of employment, it’s important to begin by conducting thorough research into the current job market. The demand for specific roles and skills fluctuates and is influenced by various factors, including the economy and immigration policies.

You’ll need to secure a visa or be a New Zealand citizen before moving and shipping your belongings to New Zealand. Various visa options are available; check the official government page here for more info, awarded on a points-based system, with points allocated based on factors like age, skill set, experience, and English language proficiency. It’s advisable to consult with companies that specialise in visa requirements for relocation.

Before moving to New Zealand, it’s crucial to apply for the correct type of visa suitable for your specific needs. New Zealand offers a range of visas for various purposes, including work, study, investment, or enjoying a vacation. You should consider if you need a shorter term working visa or a longer term permant residency visa if you’re planning to become a fully fledged Kiwi!

Work visas are among the most commonly sought, particularly the Essential Skills work visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List work visa. The Essential Skills work visa is for those with a job offer from a New Zealand employer in an occupation on the Essential Skills in Demand Lists. If your skills are listed in an area of long-term skill shortage, and you have a job offer in that occupation, you could opt for the Long Term Skill Shortage List work visa. For those planning to set up their own business in New Zealand, the Entrepreneur Work Visa could be a feasible choice.

Another major category is residence visas. The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is the most common type intended for highly skilled workers. Eligibility is determined using a points-based system, considering factors such as age, work experience, and qualifications.

There are no limits on money transfers, but for large sums like proceeds from selling a house, it’s advisable to consult with a foreign currency specialist. Timing your transfer well and getting better exchange rates can result in significant savings.

We hope this information proves helpful, and if you’re looking to relocate to New Zealand, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team to help you plan your packing and removal at every stage of the move.