Whether you are bringing over a rare collector car, a luxury vehicle, a specialist model or the family car you already know and love, we make the journey from New Zealand to Australia easier to manage.
At Vehicle Shipping Australia, we coordinate the process from shipping and import approvals through to customs, quarantine, compliance and Australian delivery.
You will have an experienced team guiding you along the way, with clear advice and a shipping solution tailored to your vehicle.
Planning to import a car from New Zealand to Australia? Speak with our team for advice and a personalised quote before you arrange shipping.
contact usThere is more to a successful vehicle import than booking space on a vessel. The right transport method, import requirements, timing and overall costs all need to work together.
We help you make those decisions with confidence.
Our team has experience coordinating vehicle movements between New Zealand and Australia. We manage the logistics, work with established freight partners and guide you through the requirements at each stage.
Whether you are importing one vehicle or have more specialised transport needs, we tailor the approach around your vehicle and where it needs to go.
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We bring together international vehicle logistics experience, established freight relationships and practical import support under one service.
Our network allows us to coordinate cars, motorcycles, boats, trailers and other vehicles between origin and destination. If your vehicle has unusual dimensions or handling requirements, we can also develop a transport solution to suit.
For suitable shipments, we use the R-RAK vehicle racking system. This secure metal system allows vehicles to be carefully positioned within a container while making efficient use of the available space.
Most importantly, you do not have to coordinate every stage yourself. We help manage the paperwork, freight arrangements and Australian import process while keeping you informed along the way.
We keep the process structured and easy to follow.
We start by reviewing your vehicle and circumstances to help determine the appropriate import pathway, whether it is a personal import, dealer import or another eligible option.
The relevant application and supporting documentation need to be organised before shipping. We guide you through what is required and help keep the process moving.
We coordinate the appropriate transport solution from New Zealand based on your vehicle, location, timing and shipping requirements.
Marine insurance can provide additional protection while your vehicle is in transit. We can help you understand your options before the vehicle is shipped.
Once the vehicle arrives in Australia, it must complete customs clearance and any applicable duties and taxes need to be addressed.
We help coordinate this stage so the vehicle can progress through the arrival process efficiently.
Your vehicle must also satisfy relevant Australian quarantine and import approval requirements. We guide you on preparation and help coordinate the required processes after arrival.
Once the vehicle has cleared the necessary requirements, it can move towards registration in your state or territory, including any applicable compliance and insurance requirements.
There is no single shipping method that suits every vehicle.
The right option depends on your vehicle’s type, condition and value, as well as your timing, destination and budget.
Containerised transport can provide a secure solution for vehicles requiring additional protection. Where appropriate, our R-RAK system can also help make efficient use of container space.
We will talk you through the available options and recommend a solution that makes sense for your particular shipment.
Are you looking to import a car from New Zealand to Australia? Before beginning the process, there are a few things you need to take into account before shipping your vehicles, such as the cost of shipping, insurance to protect your car, duties and taxes, and associated expenses.
Here is a breakdown of those costs:
As you can see, there are a few costs associated when you import a car from New Zealand to Australia. We can help you consider all of these into your broader budget when shipping your vehicle.
If you’re in the market for a new car, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to import a vehicle from overseas. There are a few things to consider before making your decision and several scenarios where importing a car from New Zealand to Australia can be a great option:
You’re looking for a rare or hard-to-find vehicle
If you’re trying to track down a specific make and model that’s not readily available in your area, importing may be your best bet. You’ll have a much better chance of finding the exact car you want if you widen your search to include international sellers.
You’re looking for a lower price
In some cases, you may be able to find the same make and model of car for a lower price if you’re willing to import it from another country. This is especially true if you’re looking at luxury vehicles or models in high demand.
You’re looking for a specific feature or option
Importing may be your only option when you prefer a car with specific features or options that aren’t commonly available. For example, you might want a vehicle with a particular engine type or specific aftermarket modifications.
You’re looking for a classic or vintage car
If you’re interested in buying a classic or vintage car, you’ll likely have better luck finding what you’re looking for if you import it from another country. This is because classic and vintage cars are often more plentiful and less expensive in other parts of the world.
If you’re prepared to take on these challenges, importing a car from New Zealand or elsewhere overseas can be a great way to find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
The total cost of importing your vehicle will depend on the vehicle itself, the transport method and where it needs to go. We help you understand the main cost areas before you proceed.
Shipping costs vary based on factors such as vehicle size, weight and destination. We provide a tailored quote based on your shipment.
Marine insurance provides additional protection against certain risks while your vehicle is in transit.
Applicable customs duty, GST and other government charges will depend on your vehicle and import circumstances.
Depending on the shipment, additional costs can include fumigation, vacuuming, cleaning and inspection fees.
After arrival, you may also need to allow for compliance, registration and insurance costs within your state or territory.
Understanding these costs early gives you a much clearer picture of the overall investment before shipping begins.
Customers choose to import vehicles from New Zealand for many different reasons.
Expanding your search to New Zealand can give you access to makes, models and vehicles that may be difficult to source in Australia.
For certain vehicles, purchasing in New Zealand may offer attractive value. The important consideration is the complete landed cost once shipping, taxes and other import expenses are included.
You may have found a vehicle with the exact engine, features, specification or modifications you have been searching for.
New Zealand can also provide opportunities for collectors looking for particular classic, vintage or enthusiast vehicles that are difficult to find locally.
Before purchasing or arranging shipment, it is important to understand whether your vehicle is eligible for import and which pathway applies.
Depending on your vehicle and circumstances, this may include:
Eligibility depends on the individual vehicle and circumstances. We recommend confirming your options before committing to purchase or shipping.
Customs clearance, quarantine and compliance can all affect how quickly your vehicle is released after arriving in Australia.
Vehicle cleanliness, documentation and inspection requirements are particularly important. Preparing correctly before departure can help reduce avoidable delays and additional costs.
We guide you on what needs to be organised and coordinate the relevant stages once your vehicle arrives.
Learn more about the compliance process.
Every vehicle import follows a slightly different timeline.
Shipping schedules, the vehicle’s location in New Zealand, import approval, customs processing, quarantine and compliance can all influence how long the process takes.
If you are relocating or need the vehicle within a particular timeframe, it is worth planning early. We provide realistic guidance around the main milestones so you can make arrangements with greater confidence.
Our support can continue beyond the international journey.
Vehicle Sourcing, Appraisal & Compliance
We can assist with vehicle sourcing opportunities, inspections, appraisal and compliance support where required.
Tours & Race Meets
We coordinate specialist vehicle logistics and temporary import requirements for tours, performance vehicles and race events.
Domestic Trucking
Once your vehicle has cleared Australian requirements, we can arrange local or interstate transport to your garage, dealership or another nominated destination.
Our New Zealand vehicle import service can be tailored for:
Whether you are moving one vehicle or managing a larger requirement, we tailor the logistics around your situation.
Every vehicle is different, and eligibility, shipping options and compliance requirements can vary.
If you are planning to import a car from New Zealand to Australia, speak with us before purchasing or arranging shipment where possible. We can review your requirements, explain the next steps and provide a personalised shipping quote.
From initial planning through to Australian clearance and delivery, our team is here to make the process easier to manage.
Need to ship a car from Australia to New Zealand instead? We can also help you explore the appropriate outbound vehicle shipping options.