Cost To Ship a Motorcycle to New Zealand
Shipping a motorcycle to New Zealand or any other vehicle is easy when you hire A1 Auto Transport Service. With over twenty years of service, you can expect only the best when you choose us.
You can rely on our agents to treat your motorcycle with the utmost care, whether it's a Harley Davidson or an F1 Superbike, throughout its time away from you. Our US-based agents offer worldwide shipping services. To make things simpler for you, we provide door-to-door and door-to-port services. Leave your motorcycle at the location specified, and we will handle the rest. You can pick up your bike from one of our many handy departure sites in any major city or small town.
Motorcycles most commonly leave from the west coast, Los Angeles, when headed for New Zealand because the travel on the water is shorter from there than if the motorcycle left from New York or other locations.
Ways to Transport Your Motorbike To The Country
You will have three shipping methods to choose from when organizing your shipping date to New Zealand. You can choose from air freight, roll-on/roll-off services, or containers. If you select the air shipping method, you will find that your motorcycle will reach New Zealand very quickly; however, it is the most expensive way to ship. If you choose the roll-on/roll-off shipping method, you will have a more affordable way to ship your motorcycle. This shipping method is suitable if you have only one motorcycle to ship. Container shipping is more expensive than the roll-on/roll-off method of shipping. However, your bike will be placed in a container where you can share it with others to save on costs. Motorcycles are cheaper to ship than automobiles using the container shipping method.
Important Notes for Hauling
You can currently ship to three ports - Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. A1 Auto Transport agents can assist you when you are ready to ship. They can handle all customs documentation and ensure that you have everything you need to import and meet the requirements. You must familiarize yourself with the road requirements before putting your motorcycle in New Zealand. Viewing the rules and regulations will help you to avoid any modification fees that could occur once you arrive. It will also prevent your motorcycle from being quarantined.
Paying Duties and Taxes.
Where you plan to go will determine how much you will pay in duties and taxes. You may be required to pay goods and service tax. If you bring your vehicle into New Zealand, you will have up to one year before you must pay any taxes or fees. If you are moving to New Zealand, you will be exempt from the required duties and taxes as long as you can prove that you have lived outside New Zealand for over twenty-one months and have owned your bike for over a year. Your bike will also need to meet all road requirements.
Before Freight
You will need to prepare your motorcycle for shipping by doing the following:
- Disconnect the battery.
- Drain almost all fuel from the motorcycle except for what is in the reserve tank.
- Find a shipping crate for your motorcycle.
Unless other arrangements are made, your motorcycle must be shipped in a shared container, so be sure to pack your bike so it's secure. Other items will most likely be packed around it. A1 Auto Transport can pack your bike for you if you cannot find a crate. If you decide to build your crate yourself, you must ensure that the lumber you use is ISPM15. The GST is payable at 15% on the value of your motorcycle plus the freight and insurance cost. This is also known as CIF. You may qualify for the GST exemption when importing your bike. It is critical to consider that A1 Auto Transport will apply on your behalf to customs, and each case is reviewed independently. If you meet all criteria, you will be exempt. The criteria include:
- Be a first-time immigrant to New Zealand or a returning citizen.
- If you live abroad, you must have been out of the country for over twenty-one months.
- You must sign a deed and agree not to sell your motorcycle for at least two years.
- You must be the owner of the motorcycle for at least twelve months.
- You will need actually to be in New Zealand to claim the exemption.
You will need to have the following documentation:
- Proof that you have owned the motorcycle for at least twelve months.
- Provide your purchase receipt for your motorcycle, or you will need a current New Zealand valuation from a local dealer. These documents will contain the weight, dimensions, and location of your bike. This information will be used to calculate the freight you will pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle to New Zealand?
Most riders see $1,200–$2,500 for standard ocean freight to New Zealand. Prices shift with engine size, crating needs, distance to the nearest port, and seasonal congestion. Roll-on/roll-off is usually cheaper than crated container service. Shipments from the West Coast tend to price lower because of shorter port routes. Use our motorcycle shipping cost calculator to compare rate ranges for different bike types.
How long does motorcycle shipping to New Zealand take?
Transit usually takes 20–35 days, depending on your U.S. departure port and the carrier’s sailing schedule. West Coast ports tend to offer the quickest departures, while East Coast routes add additional transfer time. Customs processing in New Zealand can add several more days, especially if the bike requires cleaning or documentation verification. Factors like weather, port backlog, or holiday blackouts may also extend timelines.
What is the cheapest way to import a motorcycle to NZ?
The lowest-cost method is typically roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping, which avoids crating and reduces handling fees. It’s best for running motorcycles with no major modifications. Costs also drop when you deliver the bike directly to a major U.S. port and choose flexible sailing dates. Fuel surcharges and port fees in Auckland or Wellington may still apply. For broader international option planning, review our international motorcycle shipping guide.
What documents are required to ship a motorcycle into New Zealand?
You’ll need a bill of sale or title, passport copy, carrier bill of lading, and New Zealand customs forms. NZ’s Ministry for Primary Industries also requires the motorcycle to be clean and free of soil, and customs may request proof of ownership for at least 12 months for returning residents. If the bike enters temporarily, different rules apply. For step-by-step guidance, you can begin with our motorcycle shipping overview.
Do I need to crate my motorcycle for shipping to NZ?
Crating isn’t always required. RoRo services allow roll-on loading with tie-downs, but container shipping often benefits from a secure crate to reduce movement and qualify for better insurance rates. Crates are recommended for high-value models, custom builds, or bikes with fragile accessories. Crating adds cost but improves stability during long ocean routes and port transfers.
How are customs, taxes, and quarantine charges calculated when importing a motorcycle to New Zealand?
New Zealand typically applies import duty, GST, and quarantine inspection fees. Duty may be waived for returning residents meeting specific rules, but GST is usually charged on the motorcycle’s value plus freight and insurance. Quarantine cleaning fees apply if the bike isn’t fully cleaned before arrival. Charges vary with declared value, shipping method, and port assessments during inspection.
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