How to Ship Your Belongings to NZ
So, you’re thinking about moving to New Zealand. Perhaps you’ve already secured a job offer from one of our friendly GP clinics. Or maybe you’re still in the early stages of researching and planning your move down under.
Whatever stage you’re at, this guide offers impartial advice on shipping to New Zealand and preparing for life as a local GP.
Shipping your belongings overseas isn’t a simple task. It takes careful planning—and often professional support. But before you get quotes or book containers, it’s important to start with the basics: deciding what to bring with you.
How to Decide What to Bring When Moving to New Zealand
Fitting your life into a shipping container can be challenging, especially if you’ve lived in one place for a long time. While it can be difficult to part with sentimental items, shipping everything can quickly become expensive.
Start by asking yourself:
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Does the cost of shipping outweigh the item’s value?
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Is it irreplaceable or particularly meaningful?
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Would having familiar belongings help you or your children settle more easily?
Next, consider your new home. Will you be downsizing? New Zealand homes often differ from UK properties in layout and storage, and many rentals already include large appliances or basic furniture.
Electrical Items
Although New Zealand uses the same voltage as the UK, the maximum current is only 10 amps (compared with the UK’s 13 amps). This means some appliances may not work safely.
Check each item carefully—particularly heat-generating appliances such as kettles, toasters, hairdryers, and lamps. This information can usually be found on the item label or the manufacturer’s website.
What You Can’t Ship to New Zealand
New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws designed to protect its unique ecosystem. Some items are prohibited outright, while others require inspection, treatment, or additional documentation.
Strictly Prohibited Items
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Weapons and firearms
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Most food items
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Items made from animal by-products (e.g. coral, snakeskin, whalebone, shells, fur)
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Medicines containing musk, horn, or bone
Items That May Require Quarantine or Extra Documentation
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Herbs and spices
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Taxidermied animals
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Bamboo, cane, rattan, basketry, and mats
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Unprocessed wool or animal hair
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Dried flowers or bulbs
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Saddles and riding equipment
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Wooden artefacts (e.g. carvings, shields, masks)
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Camping equipment
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Vacuum cleaners
You should always check the status of individual items on the New Zealand Customs Service before shipping.
Bringing Restricted Items: What You Need to Do
If you plan to bring any restricted or controlled items, you must declare them on your arrival documentation.
While not all shipments are inspected, failing to declare items can result in:
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Significant fines
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Charges for inspection, cleaning, or treatment
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Disposal or export of items at your expense
Customs inspections are charged by the hour, so thorough cleaning and clear labelling can help keep costs down.
How to Pack Your Belongings for Shipping to New Zealand
Controlled Items
As part of the packing process, it’s important to clean anything that’s come in contact with freshwater or soil. For example, you’ll need to clean items like camping equipment, fishing supplies, hiking shoes, and watersport accessories like dive suits or life vests.
After you’ve cleaned these items, make sure to pack them in the same box and clearly label what’s in the box. Customs offers charge by the hour, so anything you can do to speed up their work will reduce the overall costs if your container is inspected.
Clothes
Remember that New Zealand’s seasons are the opposite of the UK’s. Pack clothing for the current season in New Zealand last so it’s easy to access when you arrive.
Many people also pack a suitcase or two to take on the plane, giving them clothes to wear while their container clears customs.
Electrical Goods
As mentioned earlier, appliances that require more than 10 amps should not be shipped. Heat-producing items are the most common issue, so double-check specifications before including them in your shipment.
Shipping a Car to New Zealand from the UK
Shipping your car may sound appealing, but most professional relocation companies advise against it.
Importing a vehicle into New Zealand is expensive, complex, and heavily regulated. Vehicles must meet strict standards, particularly around emissions, and many UK cars require costly modifications to comply.
Some employers may offer relocation assistance, but even then, buying a car locally is often simpler and more cost-effective. If you’d like to explore the requirements further, you can find detailed guidance on the NZ Transport Agency website.
Documents You’ll Need Before Moving to New Zealand
Once you’ve decided what to ship and contacted a moving company, you’ll need to prepare the required documentation. Most people will need:
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A copy of their passport and visa
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A combined customs and quarantine declaration form
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A numbered inventory or packing list
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A personal effects supplementary declaration (for items posing a biosecurity risk)
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Valid treatment certificates for fumigated, heat-treated, or cleaned goods
Your shipping company can advise on any additional forms you may need.
How to Ship Your Belongings to New Zealand
When it comes to shipping your items, you have a few options depending on how much stuff you plan on bringing with you.
Sole use containers. Best for people looking to ship most of their belongings, sole use containers are one of the cheapest and quickest methods. You can use either a 20ft container, which is generally large enough to fit a 2- 3 bedroom house. Or, a 40ft container, which can hold a 3- 4 bedroom house. From door-to-door, sole use containers take eight to ten weeks to arrive in New Zealand.
Groupage. If you only plan on bringing a small amount of items (i.e. less than a 2-3 bedroom house), groupage consignment might be a good option as your stuff is grouped with other items which will reduce the overall cost. However, this method normally takes a bit longer at about 10-14 weeks.
Cost of Moving Belongings to New Zealand
Costs vary depending on the volume of goods, container type, and final destination. You’ll also need to factor in:
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Customs clearance and inspection fees
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Insurance
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Storage (if required)
Most families typically pay between £4,000 – £7,000, but it’s always worth shopping around to find the best service and value.
Transition Medical — Helping GPs Make the Move Down Under
Here at Transition Medical we specialise in helping UK GPs relocate to New Zealand. From connecting you with attractive GP vacancies to advising on moving your family pet or finding schools for your children, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Take a look at our other related blogs for more guidance on making your move to New Zealand as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Further Reading
