Car Shipping to New Zealand
2026 Guide
Car shipping to New Zealand is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to New Zealand, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with New Zealand’s vehicle standards and biosecurity rules and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to New Zealand
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to New Zealand– Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to New Zealand — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to New Zealand– Key Takeaways
Transit time: 30 days (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
GST: 15% on landed (CIF) value
Cost: $3,200–$7,500+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch)
Import duty: generally none for most passenger vehicles
Required inspection: NZ Transport Agency entry certification and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity inspection
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to New Zealand
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in New Zealand
Our local broker handles all New Zealand Customs paperwork and the 15% GST.
Delivered & Registered in New Zealand
Your vehicle passes the MPI biosecurity inspection and NZTA entry certification before registration and release.
New Zealand Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to New Zealand starts around USD $3,200, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Auckland is the most common New Zealand port of entry, with additional service available to Wellington, Lyttelton, Tauranga, Napier and Otago. The estimated transit time is approximately 30 days, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Auckland | $3,400 | $4,200 | $6,200 | Contact for Pricing |
US West Coast → Auckland | $3,200 | $3,500 | $4,800 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
New Zealand Destination Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple destination locations for car shipping services in New Zealand. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in New Zealand
Auckland
Wellington
Lyttelton (Christchurch)
Tauranga
Napier
Otago
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the New Zealand government. Some of these fees could include:
NEw Zealand Import and Registration Fees
Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 15% of the CIF value (vehicle value + freight + marine insurance)
Customs duty (generally not applied to most passenger vehicles)
Customs entry fee
MPI biosecurity levies and any cleaning charges
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
NZTA entry certification fees
Compliance inspection and certification costs
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Registration and licensing fees
Road User Charges (where applicable)
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. New Zealand generally does not apply import duty to most passenger vehicles, but GST at 15% is charged on the landed (CIF) value of the car regardless of duty, unless you qualify for a concession.
New Zealand Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 15% GST plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Immigrant / New Resident Concession | Immigrants arriving in New Zealand for the first time may be able to import a personal vehicle without paying GST if they satisfy New Zealand Customs that they are taking up permanent residence, have owned and used the vehicle for at least 12 months, and agree to continue using the vehicle for at least 2 years after import. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Pre-1990 vehicles only need to meet some of the standards under the entry certification process. Older vehicles may have a simpler compliance pathway, but still require NZTA entry certification before they can be used on public roads. |
Off-Road or Private-Use-Only Vehicles | Controls under the New Zealand Land Transport Rules only apply to whether vehicles may be used on public roads. You may legally import any type of vehicle for public display, private-road use, or off-road use without going through full entry certification. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in New Zealand.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to New Zealand, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to New Zealand.
- Any imported vehicle that will be used on public roads must pass entry certification administered by the NZ Transport Agency.
- Your vehicle must meet New Zealand’s safety and emissions standards, including frontal impact and emissions requirements. Modifications or additional inspection by an Approved Inspection Organization may be required.
- Pre-1990 vehicles need only meet some of the standards.
- Vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned of soil, plant matter and pests before arrival, or they may undergo MPI cleaning at additional cost.
- New Zealand drives on the left. U.S. left-hand-drive vehicles can be registered but must pass entry certification.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to New Zealand:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or New Zealand authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in New Zealand, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to NZ Customs Service
Evidence of GST payment or eligibility for concession
MPI biosecurity clearance
NZTA entry certification documentation
Application to register a motor vehicle form (MR2A)
Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness
Proof of identity and residency status in New Zealand
Proof of motor insurance
Vehicle Registration in New Zealand (NZ Transport Agency)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to New Zealand must successfully complete Customs clearance, MPI biosecurity inspection, and NZTA entry certification before they can be registered for road use. The standard sequence is: clear NZ Customs and pay GST (or claim a concession) → pass MPI biosecurity inspection (with the MPI sticker applied) → complete entry certification with the NZ Transport Agency, including a structural inspection (Transport Agency sticker applied to the driver’s-side windscreen wiper arm) → receive the MR2A form and a Warrant or Certificate of Fitness → apply to register the vehicle and receive plates.
Registration and licensing fees vary according to vehicle type, engine size, the period of the licence (six or twelve months), and the vehicle’s intended use.
If your vehicle requires modifications to meet New Zealand standards, such as lighting, emissions or frontal-impact compliance, these will need to be handled before entry certification. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic or an Approved Inspection Organization where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in New Zealand, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
New Zealand Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to New Zealand.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in New Zealand?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is NZTA entry certification?
Entry certification is the NZ Transport Agency’s process for confirming that an imported vehicle meets the country’s safety and emissions standards before it can be registered for road use. It includes a structural inspection by an Approved Inspection Organization and results in the issue of a Warrant or Certificate of Fitness and the MR2A application form.
What does MPI inspect when my car arrives?
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) carries out a biosecurity inspection on every imported vehicle, checking for soil, plant matter, insects and other contamination that could threaten New Zealand’s environment. Vehicles that arrive dirty may be held and cleaned at the owner’s expense.
Can I drive a left-hand-drive (LHD) car in New Zealand?
Yes. LHD vehicles can be imported, registered and driven in New Zealand. New Zealand drives on the left, so you should be mindful of visibility when overtaking. Many classic and specialty vehicles in New Zealand are LHD imports.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.