Freight Forwarding UK to NZ
Shipping between the UK and New Zealand means moving cargo about as far as it gets – two countries on opposite sides of the globe, connected by a handful of long sea and air routes.
Commercial cargo, personal effects, and vehicles all make the journey through the same network. Jacanna handles freight forwarding UK to NZ both ways, with sea and air options depending on what you’re shipping and how fast it needs to get there.
What We Ship Between the UK and NZ
At Jacanna, we work with businesses and individuals to get your goods where they need to be. No job is too big, or too small.
Here’s a rundown of some of what we ship between the United Kingdom and New Zealand regularly:
- General Cargo
Commercial stock, personal effects and household goods - Commercial Freight*
Recurring shipments for businesses trading between the United Kingdom and New Zealand - Vehicles
Including cars, motorhomes and caravans - Project Cargo
Heavy machinery and oversized loads
*The 2023 United Kingdom-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (UK-NZ FTA) means that qualifying goods made in the UK do incur duties or tariffs. Our trusted Customs Brokerage team can assist with digital clearance to ensure you get the preferential 0% duty rates, where applicable.
Sea Freight NZ to UK and UK to NZ
Sea freight is the standard route for general cargo and commercial shipments between the UK and NZ, whether you’re sending a full container or sharing space with other cargo.
We work directly with carriers, so you get guaranteed space and stable pricing – no third-party wholesalers marking up your booking or bumping you when space gets tight.
Shipping a container from NZ to UK works the same way in reverse: full documentation, guaranteed space, and one contact managing the booking through to delivery at the other end.
Air Freight NZ to UK
When cargo can’t wait for a vessel, air freight NZ to UK moves it in days rather than weeks. It costs more than sea freight, but it’s the right call for time-critical shipments, urgent commercial stock, or high-value goods that need tighter control in transit.
Air freight also suits smaller volumes where sea freight’s transit time doesn’t stack up against the cost saving – documents, spare parts, samples, and urgent commercial orders all move regularly this way. Cargo is typically consolidated through freight hubs, with customs clearance handled on both ends so nothing sits waiting once it lands.
We’ll help you weigh sea against air based on what you’re shipping, your timeframe, and your budget – and for shipments that don’t need to move fast, sea freight will usually save you money without the wait mattering.
Shipping a Car to NZ from the UK
Car shipping UK to NZ involves export documentation, biosecurity inspection on arrival, and NZ compliance checks – particularly for left-hand drive vehicles from Europe, which face additional requirements. Importing left-hand drive cars to NZ isn’t excluded, but it does mean extra paperwork and inspection steps we manage on your behalf.
Whether you’re shipping a car to New Zealand from the UK as part of a relocation, or moving a motorhome or caravan, we handle the process end to end with one dedicated contact from booking through to clearance.
Our vehicle shipping methods
Roll-on Roll-off
If you’re looking for vehicle shipping UK to NZ, RoRo is the most cost-effective method. Your vehicle is driven onto the vessel at the departure port and off again at the destination – straightforward, and cheaper than container shipping.
Container Shipping
Whether you’re shipping general cargo, furniture, household goods or even a vehicle, container shipping is what you’ll be looking at for the journey from the United Kingdom to New Zealand. If you don’t have enough to fill a full container, less than container load (LCL) means you share space and split the cost with other shipments heading the same way.
Talk to Us
The right shipping method depends on your vehicle, your other cargo, and your budget. We’ll talk you through RoRo, container and LCL options and give you an upfront, accurate quote – no guesswork required.
Why Choose Jacanna?
Twenty years in the freight game means we’ve shipped just about everything – standard cargo, project cargo, oversized loads, the awkward shipments other forwarders turn away.
Direct carrier relationships give you guaranteed space and stable pricing, with sea and air freight access whatever the job calls for. One person manages your shipment throughout, and we’re Kiwi-owned and hands-on – not a multinational running a local desk.
Insurance
We provide specialist insurance coverage for imported vehicles and general cargo at no extra cost. Cover includes fire, pilfering, stranding, general average, mishandling, theft, earthquake, sinking, and collision incidental to loading and unloading.
For full details, visit our Insurance page.
Shipping to NZ: What You Need to Arrange
Customs Client Code
Before cargo can clear NZ Customs, you’ll need a Customs Client Code. Apply directly with NZ Customs yourself, free of charge, or we can do it on your behalf.
Shipping Documents
Cargo is released against an Original Bill of Lading (OBL), issued once payment reaches your overseas agent. Jacanna cannot release cargo without the original – copies aren’t accepted.
Payment
We’ll issue an invoice ahead of arrival covering freight charges, the NZ Government Transaction Fee, and applicable GST. This must be paid before the vessel or flight arrives.
Delivery Address
We offer door-to-door delivery across New Zealand, arranged once your shipment clears customs.
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.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Frequently asked questions
RoRo is generally the cheapest and easiest method. Costs vary with vehicle type, destination and season – talk to the team for an accurate quote.
Yes. Container shipping lets you consolidate a vehicle with household goods or commercial stock in one shipment.
Transit time depends on route and method – sea freight takes several weeks, air freight days. We’ll confirm sailing and flight schedules against your timeframe when you get a quote.
Once cargo clears Customs and Quarantine, delivery is typically 5-7 business days, depending on inspection requirements.