Relocating to Christchurch? John Mason International excels in efficient moves to this 400,000-resident gem, with bespoke packing, Metro transport insights, and biosecurity guidance amid Avon River beauty and quake-resilient spirit. Enjoy the oldest NZ bridge and cultural vibrancy while our experts manage every detail from survey to unpacking.
Christchurch is an increasingly popular destination for UK expats and families seeking a relaxed, outdoor-focused lifestyle in one of New Zealand’s most vibrant regional hubs. With its English heritage, growing job market, and easy access to beaches, mountains, and national parks, the city offers a familiar feel with a distinctly Kiwi twist.
Many young professionals choose Christchurch to take advantage of opportunities in sectors such as engineering, construction, healthcare, education, and technology, supported by ongoing regeneration and infrastructure projects across the city. The relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger centres like Auckland and Wellington also makes Christchurch attractive for those looking to balance career progression with a high quality of life.
Our team are exceptionally well trained, kind and very experienced movers that you can rely on to get you from A to B as efficiently as possible. We are always happy to hear from anyone considering using us for their international removal and delivery so if you have any questions please get in touch.
We provide fully bespoke door-to-door shipping services from the UK to your new home in Christchurch.
With our international removals services, our expert packers situated in both the UK and Christchurch can take care of the packing, loading, shipping, and unpacking of your personal belongings, as well as:
As well as international removals, we can also assist with additional relocation services, including:
Contact us to discuss your requirements, and our international team will guide you through the relocation process.
As the UK’s most trusted international removals company, we have been helping customers with their international removals for over 140 years. Our team aims to make your relocation to Christchurch as stress-free as possible.
To start off your moving process with us, book a free home survey or get an instant quote today.
Your dedicated account manager will be available to answer any questions you have about moving to Christchurch, including our processes, time frames, and any special requirements you may have.
Our expert team of packing professionals will pack your belongings securely and with the utmost care, keeping to a time frame that ensures that they arrive in your new home in time for your arrival.
Our removal experts will deal with customs clearance when your goods arrive in Christchurch and deliver them safely to your new home.
Our costs for international removals to New Zealand vary depending on several factors, including:
The volume of household goods you are shipping
The type of service and transportation you choose (sea or air)
Your collection and delivery access
The time of year and current shipping conditions
Because every move is different, the best way to understand your international removals to New Zealand costs is to request a tailored quotation for your specific requirements. For a clearer indication of costs for your move from the UK to New Zealand, get a no obligation personal quote today.
When shipping your belongings to Christchurch, there are two main options to consider: sea freight and air freight. Each shipping method has its own benefits, so it is important to choose the option that best suits your budget, timescales, and volume. Your dedicated account manager will talk you through each option and help you decide on the most suitable solution for your move.
Both sea freight and air freight will require certain documentation. Obtaining and preparing these documents is included as part of our removals service and typically covers:
A detailed packing list / inventory
Copies of passports and visas or residency documents
Relevant customs and biosecurity declarations for New Zealand
Sea freight is one of the most cost-effective methods of getting your belongings safely transported to Christchurch, and can be shipped in two ways:
A full container load gives you exclusive use of a 20ft or 40ft container, offering greater flexibility over packing dates and transit times. A 20ft or 40ft container is generally suitable for the contents of an average family home, and your Move Manager will recommend the right size based on your survey.
Shared container shipping is a more economical option if you are not sending a full household. Your belongings are loaded into a shared container alongside other consignments bound for New Zealand, and you only pay for the space you use. Transit times can be a little longer than FCL, but this option is ideal for smaller moves to Christchurch.
Transporting your items via air freight is significantly faster than sending everything by sea. Many customers choose to ship a small consignment of essentials by air – such as clothes, children’s items, work equipment, or key household items – so they have what they need soon after arriving in Christchurch, while the remainder travels by sea. Your account manager can arrange either a full air freight move or a combined sea and air solution.
Relocating overseas can be complex, so our goal is to make your move to Christchurch as smooth as possible, including support with shipping your vehicle if required. In some situations, selling or storing your car in the UK can be costly or impractical, and vehicle shipping can be added to your overall international removals quote.
Vehicles must comply with New Zealand import, safety, and biosecurity regulations, which may include standards for emissions, cleanliness, and left‑hand/right‑hand drive requirements. You will usually need documentation such as:
Vehicle registration documents
Export or deregistration certificate (where applicable)
Proof of ownership
Copies of passports and relevant New Zealand entry or residency documents
Additional inspections, modifications, or duties and taxes may apply to vehicle imports, and your move manager will guide you through the process and advise if shipping your vehicle to Christchurch is the right option for you.
There are some items which you are prohibited from shipping to Christchurch due to New Zealand customs and biosecurity regulations. These will be explained to you by your dedicated account manager as part of the removals process, and your shipment will be coordinated to minimise any risk of delay or additional inspection. You do not usually need to be present during inspections, but you may be contacted if there are any questions about possible prohibited or restricted items in your consignment.
New Zealand has strict rules around biosecurity and public safety, so items such as illegal drugs, weapons and ammunition, high‑risk food products, certain chemicals, plants, soil, untreated wood, and some animal products may be prohibited or require special permits. Your move manager will advise you which items should not be shipped, and which may be better purchased locally once you have settled in Christchurch.
To find out more, check out our Customs guide to New Zealand
A country’s customs requirements can change on a regular basis. Please contact us to clarify the customs requirements applicable to your shipment.
Illegal drugs and certain prescription medicines without appropriate documentation
Firearms, weapons, ammunition, and explosives without New Zealand permits
Plants, seeds, soil, and untreated or rough‑sawn wooden items
Certain foodstuffs, animal products, and organic materials that may carry pests or diseases
Hazardous chemicals, flammable liquids, and other dangerous goods
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Household goods imported into Christchurch are subject to New Zealand Customs and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity checks, and some shipments may incur duties, Goods and Services Tax (GST), and inspection or treatment fees depending on the nature and value of the goods. Personal effects may be eligible for concessions if they have been owned and used for a specified period before your move, but this is subject to New Zealand’s current regulations and evidence being provided.
To complete customs clearance, you should be prepared with all required import documentation for your household goods and any vehicle, which typically includes detailed inventory lists, passports, visas or residency documents, and any relevant import permits or declarations. Customs and MPI officials use detailed tariff schedules and biosecurity risk assessments to determine what duties, taxes, or treatments apply to individual items, and your dedicated move manager will guide you through the paperwork and process to help ensure your consignment clears into Christchurch as smoothly as possible.
At John Mason International, we are dedicated to providing transparent, efficient services that you can trust. With over 100 years of experience in international removals and relocation, we help over 10,000 people move overseas every year.
Our team of experts are trained to take the utmost care of your possessions, managing all the relevant shipping requirements and dealing with customs clearance on your behalf. We will keep you up-to-date throughout the entire moving process and answer any questions you have accurately and clearly.
In 2024, we were awarded The King’s Awards for Enterprise’s award, recognising our contributions to international trade, customer service, and operational excellence.
Read our independent reviews on Trustpilot.
Read more about our Kings Award for Enterprise award.
Christchurch has a metro system which covers bus services operating throughout the city and suburbs, as well as the local ferry, which crosses Lyttelton harbour, running between Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour. All services within the Metro system can be paid for using a metrocard. The metrocard offers discounted prices for under 18s and free off-peak travel for senior citizens.
There is also the option of using Christchurch Tramway, which operates a one-way circuit around the city centre. The Tram is mainly a tourist attraction, but is useful for some commuters who want to purchase a season ticket.
Like most large cities, Christchurch has plenty to offer. There are a variety of museums including the Air Force Museum and the Canterbury Museum, and Quake City offers an interactive re-telling of the disasters of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. For entertainment, Christchurch has multiple theatres showcasing various forms of art. The city is often nicknamed ‘garden city’ due to its masses of green space, consisting of many parks and gardens.
We have an extensive range of resources, containing helpful information about moving overseas and what it’s like to live in Christchurch.
For further details or to ask us any questions about international removals to New Zealand and the various benefits of moving t this beautiful and culturally rich country then please visit the New Zealand main page or the Auckland & Wellington International Removals pages. You can also find out more in our ultimate guide to moving to New Zealand.
Yes, UK citizens can indeed move to New Zealand. The process involves selecting the appropriate visa, making sure you meet eligibility criteria and completing the application with the required documents. It is important to be prepared for health checks and character references, and we always recommend allowing for varying visa processing times. Once approved, follow entry requirements, make arrangements for accommodation and employment, and consult official sources for guidance. This is where we come in, John Mason’s international removals service offers comprehensive support, including packing, shipping, customs clearance, delivery, and even pet relocation. Our experienced team of professionals are on hand to provide personalised assistance for a smooth transition.
When bringing pets to New Zealand, remember that strict regulations exist to protect the environment. Requirements vary on the pet type, including vaccinations, health checks, and quarantine, for example microchipping and rabies vaccinations are a must for cats and dogs, costs for these treatments should be expected. Most pets are allowed in New Zealand, such as cats, dogs, and chinchillas from the UK. However, birds, ferrets, mice, rats, reptiles, and snakes are prohibited. Certain dog breeds also have restrictions unless meeting specific criteria, like being a registered service animal. Our dedicated pet relocation team ensures excellent care for your animals, during all aspects of your move to New Zealand.
Yes, it is possible to move to New Zealand when you’re retired. But there are specific visa options and rules you need to meet. One of your options is the Parent Retirement Resident Visa, which is for parents who rely on financial support from their adult child in New Zealand. Alternatively, the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa is designed for individuals aged 66 or older, allowing a stay of up to two years with requirements including adequate funds and insurance. Keep in mind that visa rules can change, and that there are financial and sponsorship criteria for these visas. You may also need to consider things like healthcare and the cost of living before you decide to make the big move to New Zealand.
There are several items that are prohibited from being imported into New Zealand due to the country’s strict biosecurity regulations. These items include:
It’s important to note that prohibited items will be disposed of upon arrival in New Zealand, so it’s best to leave these items behind when packing for your move.
Moving to New Zealand without a job can be challenging, as most immigration pathways require a job offer or proof of relevant skills to obtain a job once in the country. The visa options without a job include, Partner of a New Zealander Visa, Dependent Child Resident Visa, Parent Resident Visa and more. As always, we recommend you check the latest immigration policies, and consider the financial aspects of relocating to New Zealand without a job.
The cost of relocating to New Zealand varies based on factors like visa type, location, and personal situation. Core expenses include visa fees, airfare, lodging, daily living, healthcare insurance, shipping, settling costs, education charges, and transport. Shipping belongings to New Zealand typically ranges from £1,500 to £10,500 for containers, the final price depends on where you’re moving from, what and how much you’re moving, how you’re shipping it, and the container size you need. We can also ship extra baggage starting at £150. For a quick cost estimate of your removal to New Zealand, try our Instant Online Quote generator. For additional information on any of the above this can be found in our expert online moving guides.
The visa requirements for moving to New Zealand can vary depending on your situation. Generally, if you are planning to move to New Zealand for work, you will need a work visa. If you are planning to move to New Zealand permanently, you will need a resident visa. There are also temporary visas available for those who want to live and work in New Zealand for a set period of time. The application process for visas can be complex, so it’s important to work with a trusted and experienced immigration advisor to ensure that you comply with all relevant regulations.
