Shipping a vehicle internationally can be a smart move, but only if you understand the process, paperwork, and costs involved.
This guide explains what to consider, how it works, and what’s required for destinations like Australia. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or adventure, we’ll help you weigh your options and plan a smooth vehicle move.
Should You Ship Your Vehicle Overseas?
Shipping a vehicle overseas can make sense, but it isn’t the right option for everyone. Here are the main pros and cons to help you decide.
Why it may be worth it:
- Familiarity – You keep your own car, which can be reassuring in a new environment.
- Compatibility – New Zealand and many other countries, including Australia, drive on the left, and share similar vehicle standards.
- High value – If your vehicle is nearly new, a specialty model, or expensive to replace, shipping it may be more cost-effective than selling and buying again.
- Personal import schemes – If you’ve owned the car for over 12 months, you may qualify for reduced restrictions under specific schemes in countries like Australia.
When it might not be ideal:
- Strict rules – Some countries have tough entry standards (like ADR compliance in Australia), and you may need vehicle import approval in advance.
- Upfront costs – Between shipping, duties, modifications, and biosecurity clearance, total costs often range from NZD 2,000 to NZD 8,000+.
- Time-consuming – The process can take several weeks, especially with paperwork and compliance checks.
- Potential resale challenges – Imported vehicles may have reduced resale value and limited insurance options in the destination country.
Bottom line?
Shipping makes sense if your vehicle is newer or valuable, and you’re committed to relocating long-term. Otherwise, selling locally and buying after arrival might be easier.
How the Vehicle Shipping Process Works
Here’s a simplified breakdown of what to expect when you arrange international car shipping from New Zealand:
- Research & Preparation
- Confirm the import rules of your destination.
- Check your vehicle’s age, emissions, and safety eligibility.
- For Australia, apply for vehicle import approval via the ROVER system before shipping.
- Choose a Shipping Method
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO): Affordable and suitable for standard cars.
- Container shipping: Ideal for luxury or modified vehicles needing extra protection.
- Get Quotes and Book Your Move
- Contact trusted international relocation companies to compare full-service options.
- Ensure quotes include customs clearance, biosecurity inspections, and delivery fees.
- Clean and Prepare Your Vehicle
- Thoroughly wash the car inside and out, especially the undercarriage, to meet quarantine inspection requirements.
- Remove personal items, reduce fuel to ¼ tank, and document vehicle condition with photos.
- Transit and Arrival
- Shipping typically takes 4-30 days, depending on your destination.
- Once the vehicle arrives, it undergoes biosecurity checks and customs processing.
- Post-Arrival Steps
- Register your vehicle locally.
- If needed, make compliance modifications (e.g. to mirrors, lighting, or emissions).
- Arrange vehicle transport insurance if not included in shipping.
Importing a Vehicle into Australia: What You Need to Know
Australia is a common destination for Kiwis relocating with a car, but also one of the more regulated.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Approval First – Apply for vehicle import approval through the ROVER system before your car departs. Importing without this can lead to fines or your vehicle being denied entry.
- ADR Compliance – Your car must meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) covering safety and environmental standards.
- Cleaning – Australia enforces strict biosecurity laws. You must clean your vehicle thoroughly or risk delays, cleaning fees, or quarantine.
- Fees – Expect to pay GST (10%), customs duties, inspection fees, and potential modification costs.
- Registration – After arrival and clearance, you’ll need to register your car with local state authorities, often following a compliance check.
Whether you’re planning to move from New Zealand to Australia, or somewhere else, starting your paperwork early is essential.
Required Paperwork for International Vehicle Transport
Shipping a car abroad involves quite a bit of paperwork. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- Proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration)
- Valid passport
- Vehicle import approval (if required)
- Customs declaration forms
- Bill of lading or air waybill from the shipping company
- Quarantine clearance documentation
- Insurance details
- Compliance certificates (if applicable)
Check the regulations for your specific destination early to avoid delays or rejections.
Expert Tips from Crown for a Stress-Free Car Move
As an experienced international relocation company, Crown Relocations makes relocating with a car easier by offering full-service support and expert guidance at every stage.
Here’s how they help:
- Door-to-door car relocation services tailored to your needs
- Full assistance with import approval, compliance, and document preparation
- Support with quarantine cleaning and customs clearance
- Flexible options like container shipping or RORO, depending on your vehicle type
- Secure insurance coverage for your car in transit
- A dedicated move manager to keep you updated from start to finish
- On-the-ground support for vehicle delivery and registration in Australia
If you’re looking for reliable vehicle transport and relocation services, Crown offers the expertise to handle every step of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Your Car Overseas
Yes, you generally can. However, each country has different import regulations. Always check your destination’s rules before planning to ship your car.
Costs vary by destination, vehicle size, shipping method, and import taxes. Expect to pay between NZD 2,000 and NZD 8,000 in most cases.
You’ll need proof of ownership, passport, import approval (if required), shipping paperwork, and biosecurity clearance documentation.
You must obtain import approval through the Department of Infrastructure, meet ADR compliance, and pass biosecurity inspections before registration.
Yes. Most countries including Australia require thorough cleaning, especially the undercarriage, to pass biosecurity checks.
Ready to Relocate Your Car with Confidence?
Whether you’re planning to move overseas or stay closer to home, the right guidance makes all the difference. Crown Relocations offers comprehensive expertise to handle everything from documentation and customs to delivery and compliance.
If you’re ready to plan your move, get a moving quote now and let Crown take care of the details, so you can focus on the road ahead.
