THE COMPLETE GUIDE: How to Ship a Vehicle from Australia to New Zealand

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide on shipping your car from Australia to New Zealand, aimed at people moving to New Zealand with their personal vehicles. Melody from Wheel Ship International shares essential information, from vehicle compliance checks and costs to the shipping process, including biocsecurity inspections and registration in New Zealand. It covers the GST exemption, transit insurance, and all the required documents, while also offering tips on vehicle cleaning and cargo preparation to avoid additional fees. A real-life example demonstrates how the costs and logistics come together, ensuring a smooth transition for your car to New Zealand.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure your vehicle meets New Zealand's compliance regulations before shipping. Not all vehicles are eligible for road use.
• 😀 Vehicles older than 20 years can typically be registered under the 20-year import rule, making compliance easier.
• 😀 For vehicles between 2005 and 2016, the Euro5 emission standard must be met unless you qualify for the immigrant exemption.
• 😀 Cars manufactured after 2016 should meet all necessary compliance and emissions requirements but still need to pass safety inspections.
• 😀 The total cost of shipping a vehicle from Australia to New Zealand includes freight, compliance checks, registration, insurance, and cleaning.
• 😀 Roll-on roll-off shipping is the most cost-effective and popular method, with the vehicle securely lashed to the deck during transit.
• 😀 New Zealand charges a 15% import GST on the vehicle’s landed value, but you may qualify for an exemption if you're an immigrant or returning citizen.
• 😀 Transit insurance is optional but recommended, costing around 1.75% of the vehicle’s value and freight costs with a minimum premium of $455 AUD.
• 😀 Compliance checks and registration in New Zealand range between $800 and $1,200 NZD, and additional charges may apply for high-emission vehicles.
• 😀 Clean the vehicle thoroughly before shipping to avoid biocurity issues. Cleaning and treatment fees for failed inspections can start at $750 NZD.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on the process of shipping a personal car from Australia to New Zealand, covering eligibility, costs, compliance, and necessary steps for a successful car shipment.

Who is the target audience for this video?

The video is primarily geared toward people who are moving to New Zealand and wish to bring their personal car with them. It does not apply to those shipping vehicles for temporary purposes or company transfers.

What are the three main categories of vehicles when shipping to New Zealand?

The three categories are: vehicles more than 20 years old, vehicles older than 2016 but newer than 20 years old, and vehicles manufactured after 2016.

What is the '20-year import rule'?

The 20-year import rule allows vehicles older than 20 years to be more easily complied with New Zealand's regulations, bypassing stricter compliance standards that apply to newer vehicles.

What is the immigrant exemption, and how does it apply to shipping cars to New Zealand?

The immigrant exemption allows vehicles manufactured between 2005 and 2016 to bypass Euro5 emission standards if the owner has lived outside New Zealand for at least 21 months and has used the vehicle in Australia for at least 12 months.

What are the different shipping methods available for sending a car to New Zealand?

The two main shipping methods are roll-on roll-off (RO-RO) shipping, which is the cheapest and fastest, and container shipping, which allows personal items to be shipped inside the vehicle.

How does New Zealand's Clean Car Standard impact vehicle shipping costs?

New Zealand's Clean Car Standard imposes extra charges on vehicles that exceed certain CO2 emission targets, while low-emission vehicles may qualify for credits. These fees can significantly affect the final cost of shipping.

What documents are required for shipping a vehicle to New Zealand?

Documents include proof of purchase, proof of payment, proof of ownership, registration documents, passport or visa, and a completed New Zealand customs number application, among others.

What is the role of the biocurity inspection in the vehicle shipping process?

The biocurity inspection ensures that the vehicle is free from soil, seeds, insects, and other contaminants. If the vehicle fails, cleaning and treatment may be required, which can lead to additional costs.

How much does it typically cost to ship a car from Brisbane to Auckland, based on the example provided?

The total cost for shipping an Isuzu D-Max from Brisbane to Auckland is approximately $5,000 Australian, including shipping, insurance, compliance, and registration fees. This includes a $2,795 shipping cost, $455 insurance, and other associated costs.