Ship Car To Auckland


Car Shipping Auckland
Auckland is a city in the North Island of New Zealand. It is the most populous and largest urban area in the whole country. Very few towns worldwide have two different harbors on two other large water bodies, and Auckland is one of them. Manukau Harbor on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbor on the Pacific Ocean are the two such harbors. Moreover, the Economist Intelligence Unit considered it the 9th World’s Most Livable City in 2015. Thus, if you are moving here temporarily, are a returning citizen, or have a residency permit, you would like to import your car when you move.
Cost & Time For Shipments
| To/From Auckland | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Auckland | $200 | $3200 | 5+26 days |
| Los Angeles to the Area | $350 | $3200 | 5+26 days |
| City Limits to Portland, OR | $475 | $3200 | 6+26 days |
| Local Delivery to Seattle, WA | $550 | $3200 | 6+26 days |
| Columbus, OH to this City | $550 | $4000 | 5+33 days |
| Local Area to Charlotte, NC | $575 | $4000 | 6+33 days |
| Auckland to Atlanta, GA | $700 | $4000 | 6+33 days |
| Denver, CO to the Area | $775 | $3200 | 7+26 days |
| Local Delivery to Memphis, TN | $800 | $4000 | 6+33 days |
| Houston, TX to this City | $1,075 | $4000 | 7+33 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save the ground cost by delivering to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to haul internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
The process of importing into a new country can be complex and demanding; however, with correct factual information by your side and the support of a reputed agency, the process can be completed easily. Any auto must have a certification provided by a NZTA-approved certifier with all legal requirements to import into NZ. This ensures that the vehicle meets/exceeds specific standards and complies with its age and type. To get certification, a physical inspection will take place verifying some things like (not limited to):
- The automobile must have an accurately working odometer.
- The auto must meet the minimum frontal impact standard.

The importer’s responsibility is to obtain proof of the certification mentioned above before registering it. Visit the New Zealand Transport Agency website for more information. New Zealand is one of the few countries that do not impose tariff duties for personal use. However, Motorhomes are exceptions and charge 10% custom duty. For vehicles that cost more than $1000, there is a nominal import entry transaction fee of $29.26 and a biosecurity system entry levy of $17.63.
Although NZ does charge Goods and Service Tax which is calculated based on its value as complied by the CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) (subtracting any deductions for depreciation). Currently, this tax is on a flat percentage of 15%. GST can be waived if you are permanently moving to New Zealand and have proof of residence when importing. Documents to verify residency include (not limited to):
- Current New Zealand residence permit or visa.
- Current returning residence permit or visa.
- NZ passport.
- Australian passport.
- Current NZ WORK visa or permit( can be issued for a minimum of 12 months).
- Current NZ VISITOR’S visa or permit (can be issued for at least 3 years).
Once the auto enters Auckland, it will be immediately inspected by the MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) for inspection and cleaning. Later, it will be transferred to customs for clearance. Here, you will be required to show documents like:
Documents Requested.

- Passport.
- Commercial Invoice (must show the price paid and date of purchase)
- Certificate of Title.
- Bill of Lading.
- Current Registration.
- Freight Costs and Insurance Invoice.
- Odometer Reading.
New Zealand has no tariffs, so the import process costs less compared to other countries. You need to work with a reliable international service, such as A1-AT service, for smooth transit and delivery. Contact the New Zealand Embassy for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ship a car to Auckland from the USA?
You ship a car to Auckland by transporting it to a U.S. departure port, loading it onto an ocean vessel, and clearing New Zealand customs on arrival. Most vehicles ship from West Coast ports like Los Angeles or Long Beach to reduce transit time. Common methods include Roll-on Roll-off and container shipping. A licensed provider coordinates port handling, export paperwork, and overseas logistics through established international car shipping services.
Can I ship a car to Auckland using Roll-on Roll-off shipping?
Yes, Roll-on Roll-off shipping is commonly used for shipping cars to Auckland. Vehicles are driven directly onto the vessel and secured for ocean transit. RoRo is cost-effective for operable standard vehicles but does not allow personal items inside the car. Protection is more limited than container shipping, making RoRo less suitable for high-value or classic vehicles.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Auckland?
Shipping a car to Auckland typically costs between $2,800 and $6,500. Pricing is driven by vehicle size, shipping method, departure port, and seasonal ocean rates. West Coast routing is usually more affordable than East Coast shipping. Port handling, fuel surcharges, and customs processing also affect totals. Cost variables and pricing ranges are outlined in the car shipping cost guide.
How long does it take to ship a car to Auckland?
Transit time to Auckland generally ranges from 21 to 35 days once the vehicle departs a U.S. port. West Coast sailings average three to four weeks, while East Coast routes take longer due to canal crossings and additional port stops. Weather conditions, vessel availability, and customs inspections may extend timelines. Ocean transit expectations are explained further under international car shipping by sea.
Are there import taxes or compliance requirements in New Zealand?
New Zealand may apply GST, import duties, and inspection fees based on the vehicle’s age, value, and origin. Vehicles must comply with NZTA safety, emissions, and biosecurity standards. Left-hand-drive vehicles face additional restrictions. These charges are assessed after arrival and are separate from U.S. export and ocean freight arrangements.
What documents are required to ship a car to Auckland?
Required documents include the original vehicle title, bill of sale, passport copy, and export authorization. Vehicles with liens must include lender approval. New Zealand also requires biosecurity declarations and ownership verification on arrival. Missing or inaccurate paperwork can delay export clearance. A full breakdown of required paperwork is covered under international car shipping documentation.

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