Trusted Vehicle Shipping from NZ to Australia
Moving a car across the Tasman doesn’t need to be complicated. Jacanna has spent more than 20 years helping people with vehicle shipping from NZ to Australia, managing every stage from collection through to the port – leaving you free to get on with the rest of your move.
From dealers bringing stock across, to businesses relocating fleet vehicles, to individuals shipping a car from NZ to Australia for a permanent move, we take care of the details so you don’t have to.
Door-to-Door Car Shipping from New Zealand to Australia
Juggling multiple freight providers is the last thing you need in the middle of an international move. That’s why Jacanna offers a complete door-to-door service – we collect your vehicle from your New Zealand address and deliver it right to your destination in Australia.
With trusted transport agents at both ends, your car is looked after throughout the entire journey, not just during the sea crossing. Heading in the opposite direction? We handle car shipping to New Zealand as well.
Your Options for Shipping a Vehicle from NZ to Australia
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) Car Shipping
For most standard vehicles, RORO is the budget-friendly choice for car shipping NZ to Australia. Your car is simply driven aboard the vessel in New Zealand and driven off again at the Australian port. It’s a proven, no-fuss method that works well for road-registered vehicles and larger volume shipments alike.
Container Vehicle Shipping to New Zealand
Got a classic, modified, or high-value vehicle? Container shipping gives your car its own dedicated space for the voyage, with extra protection from the elements throughout transit. It’s also a practical choice if you’re moving several vehicles at once.
Unsure which option is right for you?
Have a chat with our team – we’ll walk you through both and provide a no-obligation quote.
Importing a Car from NZ to Australia: What the Rules Say
There’s more to importing a car from NZ to Australia than booking a spot on a vessel. These are the key regulatory boxes you’ll need to tick:
Vehicle Import Approval
Australia requires a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) before your car can be shipped. Applications go through the Australian Government’s ROVER portal, and approval must be in place before your vehicle leaves New Zealand – so get this underway early.
Biosecurity and Cleaning
Australian biosecurity rules are strict. Before departure, your car needs a thorough clean inside and out, with no traces of soil, plant matter, or food. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) inspects arriving vehicles, and anything that fails inspection can face cleaning fees, delays, or even re-export.
Asbestos Requirements
Vehicles containing asbestos cannot enter Australia. Responsibility for proving your car is asbestos-free sits with you as the importer, and older vehicles may need testing before they ship. Learn more about asbestos requirements for imported vehicles.
Customs Clearance
Every imported vehicle needs an import declaration lodged with the Australian Border Force, along with any duty and GST owing. Jacanna’s in-house customs brokerage team manages this for you, reducing compliance risk and keeping things moving.
Preparing Your Car for the Journey
A little preparation goes a long way when importing car from NZ to Australia. Before your vehicle leaves New Zealand, make sure you’ve done the following:
- Secured your Vehicle Import Approval
- Deregistered the vehicle with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
- Cleaned the car thoroughly, including the undercarriage
- Emptied it of all personal belongings
- Organised your paperwork – proof of ownership, registration/deregistration documents, and your import approval
If your shipment has any specific documentation requirements, our team will point you in the right direction.
Explore Other Vehicle Shipping Routes
Our Global Network Keeping Us Connected
Working with shipping agents all across the world, our global network keeps us connected to seaports and airports everywhere, ensuring a truly international freight forwarding service. If you’re looking for cargo or container forwarding services for international destinations, we’re your partner.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping a Car from NZ to Australia
Yes – as long as you hold a Vehicle Import Approval before shipping and your car meets Australian import standards. Talk to our team and we’ll confirm exactly what applies to your vehicle.
Expect the sea voyage itself to take around 3-5 days. On top of that, allow time for customs clearance, biosecurity inspection, and port handling once your car lands in Australia. Get in touch for the latest sailing schedules.
It depends on your vehicle and chosen method. RORO tends to be the cheapest way to ship a standard car, while container shipping costs more but adds protection – often worth it for classic or high-value vehicles. We’ll help you weigh up the options against your budget.
Absolutely. Multi-vehicle shipments are something we arrange regularly for dealers and businesses – contact us to talk volume pricing and scheduling.
We strongly recommend it. Import compliance ultimately rests with you as the importer, and a licensed broker takes the guesswork out of it. Jacanna’s experienced customs brokerage team can handle the whole thing on your behalf.