How much does it cost to ship a car to Wellington, New Zealand?

Shipping a car to Wellington typically costs between $2,500 and $4,500 USD. The final price depends on factors like the vehicle's size, shipping method (RoRo or container), and origin port. Additional expenses may include customs duties and a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST) upon arrival.

How long does it take to ship a car to Wellington?

Transit times vary based on the departure location and shipping method. Generally, ocean freight from the U.S. to Wellington takes between 21 to 35 days. It's advisable to consult with your shipping provider for precise timelines.

What documents are required to ship a car to Wellington?

To ship a car to Wellington, you'll need the following documents: Original vehicle title or registration Bill of Sale Valid passport or driver's license Completed customs declaration forms Additional documents may be required by New Zealand customs authorities, so it's essential to confirm with your shipping provider.

Can I ship a non-running car to Wellington?

Yes, non-operational vehicles can be shipped to Wellington, but they require special handling equipment like winches for loading and unloading. This may incur additional fees, so it's crucial to inform the shipping company about the car's condition upfront.

Ship Car to Wellington, New Zealand Easily

Ship Car to Wellington with Reliable New Zealand Transport Experts

Car Shipping Wellington

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and the second-most populous urban area. It is located between the Rimutaka Range and Cook Strait at the south-western tip of the North Island. The 2014 Mercer Quality of Living Survey ranked Wellington 12th in the world.

The process of importing your vehicle to Wellington can be complex. However, the story can be slightly different if you have appropriate support from a well-established transport company. Also, in compliance with all legal requirements, the imported vehicles must pass a certification process by an approved certifier. During certification, your vehicle needs to pass the physical inspection and another test that ensures the efficient working of your car as per Wellington standards.

It is preferable to check the NZTA website before making any shipping arrangements. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that proof of certification is available before registration starts.

Pinned

New Deals are now available for shipping all types vehicles using our vetted reliable shippers. Compare price estimates & Unlock up 25% off.

Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Wellington

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Estimated Time
Whangarei to (New York port) to New York, NY	$275	$4150	5+34 days
Whangarei to (California port) to Los Angeles	$350	$3350	5+27 days
Whangarei to (New York port) to Boston, MA	$400	$4150	5+34 days
Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Whangarei	$450	$3350	5+27 days
Whangarei to (California port) to Seattle, WA	$550	$3350	6+27 days
Whangarei to (New York port) to Detroit, MI	$575	$4150	6+34 days
Chicago, IL to (New York port) to Whangarei	$675	$4150	6+34 days
Denver, CO to (California port) to Whangarei	$775	$3350	7+27 days
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Whangarei	$800	$4150	6+34 days
Dallas, TX to (California port) to Whangarei	$1,025	$3350	7+27 days

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

*Allow an additional ten days to process the documents.

Importing a vehicle to New Zealand involves various costs beyond shipping fees. These may include port charges, customs clearance fees, biosecurity inspection costs, and potential cleaning fees if the vehicle doesn't meet cleanliness standards upon arrival. For example, port charges for a container can be around NZ$475, and customs clearance fees may be approximately NZ$283. It's important to budget for these additional expenses to avoid unexpected costs.

Thorough Cleaning to Meet Biosecurity Standards

New Zealand enforces strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and contaminants. Before shipping, it's essential to have your vehicle professionally cleaned, both inside and out, to remove any soil, plant material, or insects. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will inspect the vehicle upon arrival. If contaminants are found, you may incur additional cleaning fees at an approved decontamination facility.

Entry Certification and Compliance Requirements

Once your vehicle arrives in Wellington, it must undergo an Entry Certification process to meet New Zealand's safety and emissions standards. This includes a physical inspection and verification of compliance with applicable regulations. Vehicles that pass will receive a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) or Certificate of Fitness (CoF), depending on the vehicle type. It's advisable to consult with an NZTA-approved entry certifier early in the process to understand specific requirements for your vehicle.

*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport 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 allows for faster shipments. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

A-1 Auto Transport Ships Worldwide.

Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Auto Shipping Quote.

Get my free quote now

or call us to do it for you:

Exemptions on Import duty.

Except for motorhomes liable to pay a 10% customs duty, no tariff duties are imposed on vehicles used for personal use in New Zealand. A small import entry transaction fee and a biosecurity system entry levy are imposed on cars worth $1000. The IETF costs around $29.26, whereas the biosecurity system entry levy is payable to the Ministry for Primary Industries, which costs $17.63. Also, charges under ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’ are calculated based on the CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value of the vehicle by New Zealand. Currently, 15% tax is the flat rate in New Zealand.

Are you planning to move to New Zealand permanently with your vehicle? In that case, you need to submit or verify your proof of residency on the importation date so that GST and customs duty for a motorhome will be waived. The following are examples of permit documents used to verify residency,

Current residence Visa for New Zealand or permit.
Current permit or RETURNING Visa.
Passport for New Zealand.
Passport for Australia.
Current working permit for at least 12 months in New Zealand or visa.
Current visitor’s permit for at least three years in New Zealand or visa.

The Ministry for Primary Industries inspects and cleans the vehicle immediately upon arrival in New Zealand. Then, it moves to the customs department for complete clearance.

Documents Needed for Import.

When the vehicle is being examined for final clearance, it is time for the necessary documents to be provided to the authority by the importer. The requested records include,

Passport.
Total cost and date of purchase of your vehicle.
Recent or last registration proof.
Title Certification.
Insurance invoice along with Freight Costs.
Landing Bill.
Odometer Reading.

Finally, be prepared with all necessary documents, clear all your doubts before signing the shipping contract, and seek help from a trustworthy and reputable automobile hauling company like A1 Auto Transport Service. Contact the Embassy of New Zealand for more details on vehicle import laws.

Final Steps Before Handover

Once your vehicle clears customs and passes its entry certification in Wellington, you must register it with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) before legally driving on local roads. This includes obtaining New Zealand plates and paying any applicable registration fees. Double-check that your insurance coverage is active before taking possession of the vehicle. Partnering with a seasoned auto transport provider can streamline these final logistics, helping you avoid delays or compliance issues.

Final Thoughts

Shipping your car to Wellington is a detailed process, but with the proper guidance and preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. From understanding New Zealand’s import rules to budgeting for fees and inspections, every step counts toward a successful delivery. Whether relocating, studying abroad, or simply making a long-distance move, being informed and working with experts can make all the difference in getting your vehicle safely to its new home.