Moving to New Zealand Guide

Moving to New Zealand Guide

Bishop’s Move have years of experience in moving people and their property to and from New Zealand.

Our New Zealand removals experts have come up with this mini guide for relocation to New Zealand and to the UK from New Zealand.

Household Effects

Duty free entry is granted providing you are taking up residency in New Zealand for the first time or you are a returning New Zealander who has been away from the country for over 21 months.

All household and personal effects entering New Zealand are subject to physical examination by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF). All items which appear dirty or may have come into contact with soil and vegetation such as gardening equipment; bicycles; patio furniture; golf clubs; vacuum cleaner bags etc will be inspected. All such items should be thoroughly cleaned prior to move day although extra cleaning costs may still be incurred upon inspection.

Inspections in main city areas will be held at the residence upon offloading. Residences in more rural areas will require that the inspection is carried out at the bonded warehouse which will incur additional fees.

Required documentation from client:

  • Original Passport
  • Personal effects supplementary declaration
  • Unaccompanied Baggage declaration

Motor Vehicles

First time residents may import motor vehicles (and most boats) Tax and Duty free providing: the owner intends to take
up permanent residence in New Zealand for the first time; has personally used the vehicle for at least one year before their departure date; is importing the vehicle for their own use; and will undertake in writing not sell or dispose of the vehicle within two years after importation. Returning New Zealanders may import a motor vehicle subject to payment of GST on the CIF value of the car. A statement of Compliance verified by either the LTSA or NZAA must be obtained prior to shipping any vehicle.

Immediately prior to shipping, all motor vehicles must have their chassis and wheels steam cleaned and the inside valeted (if applicable.). Vehicles can only be shipped with a minimal amount of fuel in the tank.

Required documentation from client:

  • Verified Statement of Compliance from manufacturer
  • Vehicle registration form
  • Sales or purchase invoice
  • Evidence of intended permanent residence in New Zealand
  • Driving licence

If you would like to view a pdf version, please click here. Find out more about our International Removal Services.