
Car Shipping Invercargill
Invercargill lies in the southwestern part of New Zealand. It is an active economic and commercial center in the Southland region. The city is in the heart of the vast expanse of the southern plains on the New River or the Oreti River.
Choosing Between RoRo and Container Shipping for Invercargill
Selecting the appropriate transport method is crucial when shipping a car to Invercargill. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is often more cost-effective and faster, ideal for standard vehicles without personal belongings. However, RoRo requires the car to be empty and accessible, as it will be driven on and off the vessel. On the other hand, container shipping offers enhanced protection and allows for the inclusion of personal items, making it suitable for high-value or classic cars. While more expensive, container shipping provides added security and flexibility, especially when transporting additional household goods alongside the vehicle.
Understanding New Zealand's Biosecurity Requirements
New Zealand maintains strict biosecurity measures to protect its unique ecosystem. Before your vehicle arrives in Invercargill, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned inside and out to remove any soil, plant material, or insects. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will inspect the vehicle upon arrival, and any contamination may result in delays or additional cleaning costs. It's advisable to have your car professionally cleaned before shipment to comply with these regulations and facilitate a smooth import process.
Cost & Time Examples For Hauling a Vehicle
To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
San Jose, CA to (California port) to Invercargill | $200 | $3450 | 5+28 days |
Boston, MA to (New York port) to the Area | $400 | $4250 | 5+35 days |
Local Delivery to (California port) to Portland, OR | $475 | $3450 | 6+28 days |
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to the Area | $550 | $3450 | 6+28 days |
Local Area to (New York port) to Charlotte, NC | $575 | $4250 | 6+35 days |
Local Area to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA | $700 | $4250 | 6+35 days |
Denver, CO to (California port) to the Area | $775 | $3450 | 7+28 days |
Invercargill to (New York port) to Memphis, TN | $800 | $4250 | 6+35 days |
Miami, FL to (New York port) to the Area | $925 | $4250 | 7+35 days |
Local Area to (California port) to Dallas, TX | $1,025 | $3450 | 7+28 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*Save on ground delivery costs by delivering the vehicle 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 a vehicle 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.
It is also approximately eighteen kilometers north of Bluff, located in the southern part of the South Island.
Importing your vehicle to New Zealand will take some planning, but it can be done. With the assistance of New Zealand Customer Service, you can find out the rules and regulations of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). If you want to move to Invercargill, New Zealand, you will need help importing. You can visit Invercargill for a short period, or you can move there for good. All vehicles must be inspected and approved by NZTA before being imported and driven. Inspecting your car will ensure that your vehicle adheres to the minimal frontal impact standards and has a working and accurate odometer.
The vehicle owner is responsible for obtaining the certificate required to make it legal in New Zealand. New Zealand doesn't have tariffs charged to importing vehicles as long as the cars are being used for personal use. However, this rule does not apply to motorhomes, which means that motorhomes will need to pay the customs duty of 10%. Suppose a vehicle is more than one thousand. In that case, the vehicle's owner must spend a minimum of thirty dollars and another seventeen dollars for the biosecurity system entrance fee.
Importing to Invercargill will mean that rules must be followed as set forth by the New Zealand Transport Rules and Regulations. You will need to pay a Goods and Services Tax (GST), which will depend on the value of your vehicle, the freight charges, and the insurance placed on your car. The current rate is approximately 15% if you move here permanently. You must have documentation to prove that your application information can be verified. Some documents to bring with you include:

- Current New Zealand visitor visa or permit.
- I am returning a residential visa or permit.
- Valid New Zealand residence visa or permit,
- Valid New Zealand work permit or visa.
- Australian passport/ New Zealand passport.
Once the vehicle enters New Zealand, the Ministry of Primary Industries will inspect it and clear it from customs before you can take possession of it. You will have two delivery methods: Roll-on/Roll-off and container shipping. Both of these options offer safe transit times and faster deliveries.
Container shipping is the most expensive method of delivery. It involves placing your vehicle inside the container and sealing it up before being loaded onto the ship's deck for the carrier. Container shipping allows you to load all your personal and household items with the car before the container is sealed. You may also want to consider sharing a container with someone to save money if your items do not fill the container.
Another popular choice is roll-on/roll-off shipping, the quickest and cheapest way to get a car to New Zealand. You pay for your vehicle's space on the transport ship's deck. The car is driven onto the ship's deck and secured there. It is then expelled from New Zealand whenever it arrives there.
You must have copies of all your documents to save time. You will need to make copies of the following:
- Bill of Lading.
- Insurance invoice.
- Freight cost estimate.
- Passport.
- A commercial invoice with the date of purchase and total paid is needed.
- Title to the vehicle.
- Registration.

You will not need to pay any tariff, which can lessen the amount you will pay to import your vehicle to NZ. Working with A1 Auto Transport will ensure that you have a smooth delivery and transit. You can learn more about transport by contacting the Embassy of New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required to ship a car to Invercargill, New Zealand?
To ship your car to Invercargill, you'll need the original vehicle title, a bill of lading, a purchase invoice, and a valid passport. Additionally, a New Zealand Customs Client Code is required for customs clearance. It's advisable to consult with a shipping agent or customs broker to ensure all paperwork is correctly prepared.
Are there any restrictions on the type of vehicles I can import into New Zealand?
New Zealand has specific regulations regarding vehicle imports. Vehicles must meet safety and emission standards, and left-hand drive vehicles are generally restricted unless they are over 20 years old or meet special interest criteria. It's essential to verify that your vehicle complies with New Zealand's import requirements before shipping.
How long does it take to ship a car from the USA to Invercargill?
Shipping a car from the USA to Invercargill typically takes between 30 to 45 days, depending on the shipping method and port schedules. Delays can occur due to customs clearance and biosecurity inspections, so it's recommended to plan accordingly and stay in contact with your shipping provider.
What taxes and duties will I need to pay when importing a car into New Zealand?
Importing a vehicle into New Zealand may incur Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 15% of the vehicle's value, including shipping and insurance costs. However, if you're a returning resident or new immigrant who has owned and used the vehicle for at least 12 months, you might be eligible for GST exemption. It's important to review the eligibility criteria for tax exemptions before proceeding.