Shipping Your Belongings to New Zealand: Complete Guide & Cost Breakdown (2026)

One of the biggest practical challenges when moving to New Zealand is deciding what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to get your belongings across the world without breaking the bank. Should you ship everything in a container? Can you take just suitcases? What about your car?

Shipping costs are often underestimated and can significantly impact your overall moving budget. A poor shipping decision can cost you thousands of dollars or leave you without essential items for months after arrival.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your belongings to New Zealand in 2026, including realistic cost breakdowns, shipping methods, customs requirements, what to bring versus buy new, and practical tips to save money on your international move.

Understanding Your Shipping Options

There are three main ways to transport your belongings to New Zealand: sea freight (container shipping), air freight, and excess baggage. Each has distinct advantages, costs, and timeframes.

Sea Freight (Container Shipping)

Sea freight is the most common and cost-effective method for shipping large volumes of household goods. You can choose between a full container (20-foot or 40-foot) or a shared container service where your belongings share space with other customers' shipments.

A 20-foot container holds approximately 25-30 cubic meters of cargo and can fit the contents of a 2-3 bedroom home. A 40-foot container holds approximately 55-65 cubic meters and can accommodate a 4-5 bedroom home's worth of belongings. Shared container services (also called groupage or consolidation) are ideal for smaller shipments, typically starting from 1-2 cubic meters.

Transit time from major departure points varies significantly. From the UK or Europe, expect 6-10 weeks. From North America's west coast (Vancouver, Los Angeles), plan for 4-6 weeks. From the east coast (New York), it's typically 8-10 weeks. From Australia, shipping takes just 1-3 weeks. From Asia, expect 3-6 weeks depending on the specific port. From Africa (South Africa, Kenya, or other major ports), expect 5-8 weeks depending on your departure city and routing.

Air Freight

Air freight is significantly faster but considerably more expensive than sea freight. It's best suited for urgent items, essential belongings you'll need immediately upon arrival, or high-value items that you're uncomfortable shipping by sea.

Transit time is typically 5-10 days from major international airports, including customs clearance. However, the cost can be 5-8 times higher than sea freight, making it impractical for large volumes of household goods.

Excess Baggage

Most airlines allow you to purchase additional baggage allowance beyond the standard allocation. This can be cost-effective for smaller volumes (up to 5-10 boxes or bags) and has the advantage of traveling with you, so you have immediate access to your belongings.

Costs vary widely by airline but typically range from NZD $50-$150 per additional bag (23kg). Some airlines offer discounted rates if you pre-purchase excess baggage online before your flight rather than paying at the airport.

Realistic Cost Breakdown for 2026

Shipping costs depend on volume, distance, service type, and additional services. Here's what you can realistically expect to pay in 2026 based on current market rates.

Sea Freight Costs

For a full 20-foot container from the UK to New Zealand, expect to pay approximately NZD $6,000-$9,000 for door-to-door service (including packing, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to your New Zealand address). From North America, costs are similar, ranging from NZD $5,500-$8,500. From Australia, a 20-foot container costs approximately NZD $3,500-$5,500. From South Africa, expect to pay approximately NZD $5,500-$8,000, while from other African countries (Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt), costs typically range from NZD $6,500-$9,500 depending on the departure port and routing.

A 40-foot container typically costs about 1.5-1.8 times the price of a 20-foot container, not double, making it better value if you have enough belongings to justify it. From the UK, expect NZD $9,000-$14,000. From North America, approximately NZD $8,500-$13,000. From Australia, around NZD $5,500-$8,500. From South Africa, expect NZD $8,500-$12,500, and from other African countries, approximately NZD $10,000-$15,000.

Shared container services (groupage) are priced per cubic meter. Expect to pay approximately NZD $200-$350 per cubic meter from the UK or Europe, NZD $180-$300 per cubic meter from North America, NZD $150-$250 per cubic meter from Australia, and NZD $200-$320 per cubic meter from South Africa or other African countries. There's usually a minimum charge equivalent to 1-2 cubic meters even for smaller shipments.

Air Freight Costs

Air freight is priced by weight (per kilogram) or volume (per cubic meter), whichever is greater. Expect to pay approximately NZD $8-$15 per kilogram from most international origins. A typical shipment of 200kg (roughly 10-15 boxes) would cost NZD $1,600-$3,000 plus customs clearance fees and local delivery.

For context, shipping a single piece of furniture by air (like a sofa weighing 80kg) could cost NZD $640-$1,200, making it more economical to buy new in many cases.

Additional Costs to Factor In

Beyond the base shipping rate, budget for several additional costs. Packing materials and professional packing services typically add NZD $500-$2,000 depending on the volume and whether you pack yourself or use professional packers. Insurance is highly recommended and costs approximately 1-3% of your shipment's declared value. For a shipment valued at NZD $20,000, expect to pay NZD $200-$600 for insurance.

Customs clearance fees in New Zealand typically range from NZD $150-$400 for standard shipments. Storage fees apply if there are delays or if you're not ready to receive your shipment. Storage in New Zealand costs approximately NZD $50-$150 per week depending on volume and location. Unpacking and disposal of packing materials can add NZD $300-$800 if you use professional services.

As covered in our cost of living guide, these shipping expenses need to be carefully factored into your overall moving budget alongside your settlement funds.

What Can You Bring to New Zealand?

New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws designed to protect its unique environment and agriculture industry. Understanding what you can and cannot bring is crucial to avoid delays, fines, or confiscation of your belongings.

Prohibited Items

Certain items are strictly prohibited from entering New Zealand. These include most food items (particularly meat, dairy, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables), live plants and plant material (including seeds, bulbs, dried flowers), soil or items with soil on them (including hiking boots, golf clubs, sporting equipment), certain wooden items (particularly items with bark or untreated wood), and animal products (including feathers, shells, untreated leather).

These restrictions are taken extremely seriously. New Zealand Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) conduct thorough inspections, and violations can result in heavy fines (up to NZD $100,000) or prosecution in serious cases.

Restricted Items Requiring Declaration

Some items can be brought to New Zealand but must be declared and may require inspection, cleaning, or treatment. These include used sports equipment (bikes, tents, golf clubs), gardening equipment and tools, used furniture (particularly wooden items), outdoor gear (hiking boots, camping equipment), and bicycles.

If you're bringing these items, ensure they're thoroughly cleaned before shipping. Include detailed descriptions in your shipping manifest and be prepared for inspection and potential treatment costs (typically NZD $50-$200 per item) upon arrival.

Personal Effects and Used Household Goods

The good news is that personal effects and used household goods are generally duty-free if you've owned and used them for at least 12 months before shipping and you're moving to New Zealand to stay permanently or for at least 21 months.

This includes furniture, clothing, books, electronics, kitchenware, bedding, and other household items. You'll need to declare these items and may need to provide evidence of ownership and prior use (such as photos of items in your previous home).

Should You Bring It or Buy It in New Zealand?

One of the most challenging decisions is determining what's worth shipping versus what you should sell and replace. The calculation depends on the item's value, replacement cost in New Zealand, sentimental value, and shipping cost per item.

Items Generally Worth Bringing

High-quality furniture, especially custom or expensive pieces that you love, is often worth shipping since quality furniture in New Zealand can be expensive. Books and personal libraries are worth bringing if you're an avid reader, as books are pricey in New Zealand. Children's toys and comfort items are invaluable for helping kids settle in. Electronics you use regularly, like laptops, tablets, and phones, should definitely come with you (ensure they're compatible with New Zealand voltage - 230V, 50Hz).

Quality clothing and shoes are worth bringing, especially if you have items that fit well and suit your style, as clothing can be expensive in New Zealand. Professional tools and equipment are worth shipping if they're essential for your work. Kitchen appliances you use regularly can be brought, though check voltage compatibility (you'll likely need adapters or transformers for appliances from 110V countries). Sentimental items with personal or family significance should always come with you.

Items Generally Not Worth Bringing

Low-quality or IKEA-style furniture that's easy and cheap to replace is usually not worth shipping. Heavy items with low value, like basic dishes, towels, or cheap bedding, can be easily and affordably replaced. Worn-out or outdated items you were planning to replace anyway should be left behind. Large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or dryers (these are readily available and reasonably priced in New Zealand, plus voltage issues may apply).

Cars (unless you have a rare or valuable vehicle - import costs, compliance requirements, and modifications for right-hand drive make this impractical for most vehicles). Mattresses (quarantine and cleaning requirements can be expensive, and mattresses are widely available in New Zealand). Books you can access digitally should probably be left behind if possible.

The Break-Even Calculation

For each major item, do a simple calculation. If the cost to ship the item is more than 60-70% of what it would cost to replace in New Zealand, strongly consider selling it and buying new. For example, if your sofa would cost NZD $300 to ship and you could buy a similar quality sofa in New Zealand for NZD $400, it's probably worth shipping. But if shipping costs NZD $300 and a new sofa costs NZD $350, you might as well buy new and avoid the hassle.

Remember to factor in the convenience and immediate availability of buying new in New Zealand. You can furnish a basic home within days of arrival, whereas your shipping container might take 2-3 months to arrive.

Choosing a Shipping Company

Selecting a reliable international moving company is crucial to a successful move. Here's what to look for and how to avoid common pitfalls.

What to Look for in a Moving Company

Choose companies with established experience in New Zealand moves and good local knowledge. Check for membership in professional bodies like FIDI (International Federation of International Movers) or IAM (International Association of Movers). Read recent reviews on independent platforms, not just testimonials on the company's website. Ensure they offer comprehensive insurance options and verify they provide clear, detailed written quotes with all costs itemized.

Make sure they have local presence or reliable partners in both your departure country and New Zealand. Ask about their customs clearance process and support, and confirm they can provide door-to-door service, not just port-to-port.

Getting Quotes

Get at least 3-5 quotes from different companies. Be wary of quotes that are significantly cheaper than others - they may exclude essential services or have hidden fees. Ensure quotes include packing materials, packing services (if you want them), insurance, customs clearance, delivery to your New Zealand address, and any applicable taxes.

Ask specifically about what's NOT included in the quote and potential additional costs. Many horror stories come from people who didn't realize that "port-to-port" quotes don't include delivery to your home or that customs clearance is an extra charge.

Timing Your Shipment

Timing is crucial when planning your move. Ship your container to arrive 2-4 weeks after you arrive in New Zealand, not before. You'll need time to find permanent accommodation and organize delivery logistics. If you ship it too early, you'll pay expensive storage fees while you're still looking for a place to live.

Account for potential delays from weather, port congestion, or customs inspections. Add a buffer of 2-3 weeks to the estimated arrival time when planning your move timeline. Consider peak seasons - November to January is summer holiday season in New Zealand, which can cause shipping delays.

As discussed in our first 6 months guide, arriving with just suitcases initially and having your main shipment arrive a month later is often the smoothest approach.

The Customs Clearance Process

Understanding the customs process helps you avoid delays and ensures smooth entry of your belongings into New Zealand.

Required Documentation

You'll need several documents for customs clearance. Your passport and visa showing you're moving to New Zealand permanently or long-term are essential. A detailed inventory list (manifest) of all items in your shipment is required, with descriptions and approximate values. You'll need a bill of lading or air waybill (shipping document), and proof of residence in your previous country (utility bills, lease agreements). Include photos of your items in your previous home as evidence of ownership and prior use if available.

If you're bringing high-value items like jewelry, artwork, or electronics, keep purchase receipts to prove ownership and value. Your shipping company should assist with preparing the necessary customs declarations.

Customs Inspections

New Zealand Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) may inspect your shipment. Inspections are particularly likely if you're bringing items that typically carry biosecurity risks (outdoor gear, wooden furniture, sports equipment) or if your manifest includes vague descriptions or high-value items.

If your shipment is selected for inspection, expect delays of 1-5 days. If biosecurity concerns are found, items may need fumigation or treatment (costs typically NZD $100-$500) or in serious cases, items may be destroyed, and you could face fines.

The key to avoiding problems is detailed, honest declarations. Never try to hide items or falsely declare goods. The consequences of getting caught far outweigh any perceived benefit.

Duties and Taxes

Good news for genuine migrants: used personal effects and household goods are generally duty-free and GST-exempt if you meet the eligibility criteria (owned and used for 12+ months, moving permanently or for 21+ months).

However, new items purchased specifically for the move may be subject to GST (15%) and import duties. High-value items may face additional scrutiny. If you're bringing a vehicle, completely different rules and costs apply (beyond the scope of this guide, but generally not recommended due to high compliance costs).

Practical Tips to Save Money on Shipping

International shipping is expensive, but there are ways to reduce costs without sacrificing what you need.

Ruthlessly Declutter Before You Pack

Every cubic meter you ship costs money. Before even getting quotes, go through your belongings with a critical eye. Sell or donate items you haven't used in the past year. Remember, shipping costs often approach 10-20% of an item's replacement value. If something isn't valuable or meaningful to you, it's probably not worth shipping.

Many migrants report that decluttering before their move was liberating and that they don't miss the items they left behind. As you'll see when reading about New Zealand homes, living spaces here can be smaller than in some countries, so bringing less can actually make settling in easier.

Pack Strategically

Maximize space efficiency by disassembling furniture where possible, using boxes of similar sizes for easier stacking, filling hollow items (drawers, suitcases, appliances) with soft goods, and using vacuum-seal bags for clothing and bedding to reduce volume.

Professional packers are efficient, but if you're on a tight budget and have time, packing yourself can save NZD $500-$2,000. Just ensure you pack safely and keep detailed inventory lists.

Time Your Move Strategically

Shipping rates fluctuate based on demand. Avoid peak moving seasons if possible (Northern Hemisphere summer months of June-August, and Christmas holiday period). Mid-week shipments can sometimes be cheaper than weekend collections. Ask your shipping company about their quieter periods and whether they offer discounts for flexible timing.

Consider Hybrid Approaches

Instead of shipping everything by sea freight or air freight, use a combination. Ship the bulk of your belongings by sea (cheapest), bring essentials in your airline baggage allowance, and air freight a small box of items you'll need in your first 2-3 months while waiting for your container.

This approach gives you immediate access to necessities without the massive cost of air freighting everything, while keeping your sea freight costs reasonable.

What to Bring in Your Suitcases

Even if you're shipping a full container, you'll arrive in New Zealand weeks or months before your belongings do. Pack strategically for this interim period.

Essentials to Bring on the Plane

Bring enough clothes for 2-3 weeks (you can do laundry), including layers for variable weather. Pack essential toiletries to tide you over until you can shop. Include important documents (passport, visa, birth certificates, medical records, educational certificates, driving license). Bring your laptop, phone, tablets, and chargers. Include any prescription medications with at least 3 months supply plus prescriptions.

For families with young children, bring comfort items, favorite toys, and enough supplies for the first week. Pack basic kitchen items if you're bringing them (one pot, one pan, basic utensils can be helpful until you can shop). Include a few household basics like towels, sheets, and a blanket.

Purchase on Arrival

New Zealand has excellent shopping options, so don't stress about bringing everything. You can easily buy basics like food and groceries immediately, basic furniture (if needed) from stores like The Warehouse, Kmart, or IKEA, kitchenware and household items, bedding and towels, and cleaning supplies.

Many newcomers stay in temporary accommodation for their first few weeks, giving them time to shop before their container arrives. This is actually less stressful than trying to set up home immediately.

Final Considerations

Shipping your belongings internationally is complex and stressful, but with proper planning and realistic expectations, it can be managed successfully.

Start Planning Early

Begin researching and getting quotes at least 3-4 months before your planned move date. This gives you time to compare options, declutter properly, and organize documentation without last-minute stress.

Stay Organized

Keep all shipping documents, receipts, and correspondence in one place (digital and physical copies). Maintain detailed inventory lists with photos where possible. Track your shipment and stay in communication with your shipping company.

Expect the Unexpected

Despite best planning, delays happen. Ports get congested, weather causes delays, or customs inspections take longer than expected. Build buffer time into your plans and don't rely on your shipment arriving exactly on the estimated date.

Protect Your Belongings

Always take out comprehensive insurance. Even with careful packing, items can get damaged during international transit. The relatively small insurance cost (1-3% of value) is worth the peace of mind.

Take photos of valuable items before packing, keep receipts for high-value items, and pack fragile items with extra care or consider hand-carrying them if they're particularly precious.

Is It Worth the Cost?

For many migrants, shipping costs of NZD $5,000-$10,000 feel overwhelming. Is it really worth it?

The answer depends on what you're bringing and your personal circumstances. If you have quality furniture, sentimental items, children's belongings, and a household worth of goods you love, shipping often makes financial and emotional sense. The alternative - buying everything new in New Zealand - would likely cost NZD $15,000-$30,000 or more for a fully furnished home.

However, if you're young, moving from small accommodation, or have mostly basic furniture, arriving with just suitcases and furnishing your New Zealand home from scratch can be simpler and similarly priced once you factor in shipping costs, storage, and hassle.

There's no single right answer. Consider your circumstances, budget, and what truly matters to you. Many successful migrants have taken both approaches and been happy with their choices.

Whatever you decide, factor these shipping costs into your comprehensive moving budget alongside all the other expenses covered in our budgeting and savings guide.