How far in advance should I book a move to or within New Zealand?
Moving to New Zealand over summer and Christmas? Booking your international move at least 2 months before our peak moving season can help your move go more smoothly.
If you’re shifting houses within NZ – such as from Auckland to Wellington or Invercargill to Napier, booking 2 months in advance of your move over this time can help secure the dates you prefer.
During the rest of the year, 1-2 weeks notice can be enough for a domestic move, with at least 21 days notice for an international relocation.
What are the busiest times of year for moving to or within New Zealand?
The busiest time of the year for moving to or within New Zealand is over the summer holidays. In NZ this happens at the end of the year, along with the Christmas and New Year break. Moving for new jobs or tertiary study starting in the new year is common during this time.
Families often want to be settled into their new homes before the Christmas holidays, and get their children enrolled before the school year starts in February. Along with generally better weather, you can understand how busy the end of the year can be in New Zealand!
Why this summer could be busier than usual?
This year could be even busier than usual, with our New Zealand general election in November. Elections can influence the timing of people’s moving decisions, with some choosing to wait until after the election. This could have a knock-on effect with more people buying and selling after the election, adding to this summer season’s moving peak.
Make sure your moving dates are sorted first, as these are usually the least flexible when tied to work or study start dates, school terms and flights. If your shipment arrives before finding a new home, storage can fill the gap until everything is sorted.
When should I start planning my move to or within New Zealand?
Start planning as early as possible for a move to or within New Zealand, especially over our peak summer season. Whether you are moving within NZ or from overseas, here are 3 main things to sort early:
Book your move at least 2 months ahead:
Whether you plan to arrive before Christmas or after New Year, booking at least 2 months prior to the date you want to move can help you secure your preferred dates. Having some flexibility around your moving dates is also useful.
Allow for delays:
International shipping times can vary depending on a number of different factors, such as where your household goods are coming from and the shipping option you choose.
Changes to shipping company schedules, port congestion, Customs clearance and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) inspections can all affect timing, and these are completely outside of your moving company’s control.
Inter-island moves between New Zealand’s North and South Islands can also be delayed by changes in ferry schedules and bad weather in the Cook Strait.
So plan around possible shipping delays and keep essential items with you.
Plan around Christmas and New Year closures:
New Zealand doesn’t completely shut down over Christmas and New Year. But if you’re arriving in late December or early January, be aware that many businesses and stores close on the public holidays and have reduced hours during the Christmas and New Year break. Local and regional public transport services often have limited or no services on Christmas Day, and reduced timetables until early or mid January.
If you’re planning on buying furniture to see you through till your shipment arrives, this may be harder than expected, depending on holiday closures and where in NZ you’re moving to. Hotels and other accommodation are usually open, but can be heavily booked over the summer.
So it’s best to organise any temporary accommodation, moving and storage services, and any essential household needs well in advance.
How long will my container take to arrive?
It’s a good idea to allow around 2-3 months for a shipping container from the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe, not counting delays. Shipping from Australia is considerably shorter and is measured in weeks, depending on where your shipment is being sent from. Inter-island moves within New Zealand are usually measured in days.
After booking your moving dates, the shipping timeframe starts once your household goods are packed and loaded. Sea or air freight times, Customs and MPI clearance, and delivery to your final destination are all part of the timeline as well.
What happens if I arrive before my household goods?
Arriving in NZ before your household goods is a fairly common scenario. Ideally you would have accommodation already lined up for when you arrive, as accommodation is at a premium over the summer holidays. Good options include staying with friends or family, or in furnished accommodation, such as motels, when you first arrive.
Crown can secure temporary furnished accommodation for you in advance, so you know exactly where you are going once you arrive in NZ.
If you are looking to buy a property before moving, Crown offers a Home Find service to help you find a property in the area you want to live. If you have already secured a property, but your shipment of household goods won’t arrive for some time, Crown offers furniture hire so your new home has furniture and other essentials as needed.
When moving within NZ, any delay in your household goods arriving is usually only a few days. Crown keeps you updated throughout your move, so you’ll know early enough to plan around it.
Can my belongings be stored until I’m ready for delivery?
Yes, when moving with Crown, your belongings are able to be stored until you are ready to have them delivered. This can be at either end of your journey whether moving within NZ or from overseas.
Arranging storage at your original location can be the preferred option if you’ve sold your home, but you’re not yet ready to fly to New Zealand. With branches in over 54 countries worldwide, Crown can store your items at origin while you finalise your new home or accommodation plans for NZ.
If your new home in New Zealand isn’t available to move into, or move-in dates aren’t lining up with the arrival of your container, Crown can store your household goods at one of our branches, until you’re ready for them to be delivered.
Crown offers flexibility with both short-term and long-term storage available, helping to reduce stress when dates don’t line up as planned.
How can I get my preferred moving dates this summer?
Summer is peak moving time in New Zealand. Along with a general election in November, this summer could be busier than usual.
Booking at least 2 months ahead gives you the best chance of securing the dates you want. Storage gives flexibility when flights, shipments, and your new home’s availability don’t line up.
Get in touch with us at Crown for a no-obligation quote and any questions around planning your move this summer.
FAQs
Yes, depending on availability. Outside peak season, domestic moves are usually booked 1–2 weeks ahead and international moves at least 21 days ahead. Over summer, dates fill quickly, so get in touch as soon as you can and be flexible on dates if possible.
Contact your Crown Move Manager as soon as possible to discuss your options. During peak season, alternative dates may be limited, so the earlier you tell us the more options you’ll have. Any changes or cancellation charges depend on the timing, which is set out in the terms and conditions in your Crown service proposal.
In most cases, your belongings are packed and collected from your home shortly before you leave, then shipped while you travel. Because sea freight from the UK, Europe or North America takes 2–3 months, you’ll usually arrive well before your shipment. Keep essentials with you, or ask about air freight for anything you may need sooner.
It depends on your priorities. Arriving before Christmas gives you time to settle in before the school year starts in late January or early February, but it’s the busiest time for moves and accommodation. Arriving after New Year can be quieter, but many businesses don’t reopen fully until mid-January, which can slow down setting up your new home.
