Removals from the UK to New Zealand
If you’re considering emigrating to New Zealand, John Mason’s international removals service offers full export packing, loading, shipping, customs clearance, delivery, and unpacking. We can also arrange storage in New Zealand and pet relocation to ensure your animals arrive in New Zealand safely and securely. Relocating to New Zealand has never been easier with our efficient shared container service keeps the cost as low as possible for you by only paying for the space you use.
We carry out removals to New Zealand for thousands of families every year but each move is treated on an individual basis by our highly experienced International Move Managers. Whether you need help with shipping, visas, insurance, currency exchange, or even help with the cleaning, handy work, or the school search, John Mason is here for you every step of the way with our range of relocation services. If you are moving to New Zealand, let us help you achieve a stress-free and successful emigration.
Cost of Removals to New Zealand
The cost of removals to New Zealand ranges between £1,500 GBP and £10,500 GBP for shipping or freight containers. How much removals cost will depend on the location, the amount and type of goods, how it’s being shipped, and the size of the container you need. We can also ship excess baggage from as little as £150 GBP. You can get an instant cost estimate of overseas removals to New Zealand by using our Instant Online Quote generator.
Removals to New Zealand – Transit Times
Exclusive Use Container / Full Container Load (FCL)
If you are shipping your furniture and household effects in an exclusive sole use container, the container will arrive at your residence in the UK and then go straight to the port to be loaded onto a vessel. The sailing time from the UK to New Zealand is approximately 7-8 weeks. Please allow 2 weeks at destination for customs clearance and delivery. The overall transit time for removals to New Zealand is therefore approximately 8 – 10 weeks, door to door.
Shared Container Service
A shared container or groupage service is a good option if you are shipping small volumes or if you are looking for a more cost-effective way to ship your household items for removals to New Zealand. The approximate transit time for a shared container service to New Zealand is between 12 and 16 weeks depending on the destination in New Zealand.
Shipping a Car to New Zealand
International removals to New Zealand will often include the shipping of a car too. Please note when shipping your car to New Zealand household effects are not permitted to be shipped in your car as these items cannot be cleared under the Motor Vehicle Clearance. You may also be required to attend an interview with New Zealand Customs if importing under concession rules.
Moving a Pet to New Zealand
While most pets are allowed into New Zealand (following guidelines) including cats, dogs and chinchillas from the UK. Birds, ferrets, mice and rats, reptiles and snakes are not allowed to be imported into New Zealand. Some dog breeds are also prohibited from entering New Zealand unless they are a guide or hearing dog, a registered companion dog and dog that are registered under the Dog Control Act 1996.
Generally, all we need is between one and six weeks’ notice (depending upon the nature and destination of your move) and we’ll arrange everything you need for your pet′s travel plan. Our pet relocation team are all animal lovers, and treat customers’ pets as if they are their own. Read more about moving a pet to a different county.
Why move to New Zealand?
New Zealand is truly jam-packed with opportunities. From a wealth of cultural diversity to life-changing career opportunities, moving to New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity for many. The fantastic cities across New Zealand are immensely diverse, whether you fancy the vibrant city of Auckland, the historic town of Christchurch, or the picturesque capital of New Zealand, Wellington, this beautiful country offers so much more. If you’re considering emigrating to New Zealand, then our international removals service is perfect for you.
Prior to moving to New Zealand, ensure you consider any legal requirements and regulations that may be in place. Whether you are planning to move to New Zealand for a career change, or a fresh start, our international removals services will ensure your move goes smoothly. Our expert international removals team are on hand to assist with any questions or queries you may have.
Storing your belongings in New Zealand
If you are initially moving into a rental home and require storage for some or all of your household effects, we will be able to provide storage services in New Zealand for you at competitive rates.
All of our partners in New Zealand are approved by H.M Customs and MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries). Their premises are fully secured and monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week including the use of CCTV, assuring you peace of mind whilst your possessions are in our care.
Customs Regulations in New Zealand
There are a number of customs regulations in New Zealand to consider including:
- Firearms need a special permit from the New Zealand Police Department and must be stored last in your shipment so that the Customs Office can gain easy access
- Household effects can be imported duty and GST free (i.e. concessionary entry) when shipping to New Zealand provided the guideline criteria is met
- Alcohol is permitted to be imported duty free as long as the criteria is met
- If you hold a visitor permit (a work visa permit for less than one year), you will not be able to receive duty free entry and therefore GST will be payable on the shipment.
What can’t I bring to New Zealand?
The prevention of harmful pests and diseases is taken very seriously in New Zealand. Goods that possess any form of risk are prohibited and will be disposed of. This includes:
- Any food – regardless of whether it is cooked, uncooked, fresh, preserved, packaged, or dried.
- Plants or plant products
- Other biosecurity risk items – this included animal medicines, biological cultures and soil or water
- Animals or animal products – including meat, fish, honey, and dairy products,
- Items that have been used for outdoor or farming activities
Buying a house in New Zealand
Buying a home in New Zealand can really have you feeling settled down in your new life but before you start house hunting, it’s important that you research the following:
- Different ways of buying a house – including auction, tender or at an advertised price
- Research the estate agency you’re working with – make sure they are registered and keep an eye out for reviews to see complaints in the last few years
- As is the case in any country, the cost of living will vary depending on where you are. However, in general, you can expect the cost of living to be slightly higher in New Zealand than it is across the UK.
Getting a visa for New Zealand
If you’re planning to move to New Zealand for work, then you’ll need a visa. There are a number of different visa options available to you in New Zealand, each with its own conditions, criteria, and application process.
- Resident visa – Resident visas generally allow you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely and access most publicly funded services.
- Residence from Work visa – Alternatively, you can apply for a Residence from Work visa and wait 24 months, then you may be eligible to apply for a Resident Visa.
- Temporary Visa – Temporary visas allow you to live and work in New Zealand for a set period of time. Working temporarily can be used as a step towards gaining residence and settling here permanently.
Find out more about getting a visa for New Zealand.
Import to the UK from New Zealand
Imports to the UK from New Zealand entails a variety of legal requirements and regulations that need to be met prior to import. The process of imports to the UK can be a stressful and costly process at times, and as a result, leave you feeling unsteady. John Mason not only provide an efficient service in international removals and shipping, but also across imports to the UK.
If you are looking to import your personal or business-related possessions from New Zealand to the UK, then John Mason can provide. Our specialist international removal service team are here to provide a diligent and comprehensive service through the start of your import, through to finish. Whether you are seeking a service provider to import your personal possessions, or business-related goods, then our import to UK services are here to ensure you can do so. For more information surrounding imports to the UK, be sure to get in touch with the John Mason team.
Get a quote for removals to New Zealand
If you would like a free quotation for international removals to New Zealand, please contact us to arrange a pre-move survey which will take place in your home. During the survey, the International Consultant will walk through your home with you on a room by room basis in order to create an inventory of items for shipping to New Zealand. The International Consultant will also discuss aspects of living in New Zealand, moving dates, transit times, customs regulations for international removals to New Zealand and other relevant information with you.
If you are in the early stages of planning your move to New Zealand and would like a guideline price for removals, you can get an instant quote using our shipping calculator. The tool will provide you with an approximate cost and volume for your international move.
All of the above is mentioned in more detail in our ultimate guide to moving to New Zealand.
More About New Zealand
Other Popular Destination Countries
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Middle East
- Singapore
- South Africa
- USA
- Rest of the World
- Leaving United Kingdom
FAQ
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.
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.
There are several items that are prohibited from being imported into New Zealand due to the country’s strict biosecurity regulations. These items include:
- Any food, regardless of whether it is cooked, uncooked, fresh, preserved, packaged, or dried
- Plants or plant products
- Other biosecurity risk items such as animal medicines, biological cultures, and soil or water
- Animals or animal products, including meat, fish, honey, and dairy products
- Items that have been used for outdoor or farming activities
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.
