Vehicle Transport Between Australia and New Zealand, Done Properly
Shifting stock for your business, selling to a Kiwi buyer, or even relocating to New Zealand – importing a car from Australia to New Zealand involves more moving parts than people expect. Jacanna handles the full process: export compliance, biosecurity, carrier coordination, and customs clearance on arrival. We offer hands-on support, from start to finish.
What’s Involved in Importing a Car from Australia to NZ
Shipping vehicles from Australia to New Zealand isn’t just booking space on a vessel. There’s export paperwork, biosecurity checks, MPI requirements on the New Zealand side, and customs documentation to get right before the car even reaches the port. Getting any part of it wrong means delays and the hassle of additional paperwork.
At Jacanna, we run all of it in-house. You’re assigned one person who manages your shipment from booking to delivery, so you can be sure your car is well taken care of.
Our vehicle shipping methods
Roll-on Roll-off
Commonly called ‘RoRo’, this is the easiest and cheapest method of shipping a car overseas. Your vehicle is simply loaded onto a ship at the port and unloaded at the destination. Simple and stress-free.
Container Shipping
Shipping your car in a large intermodal container is a good option if you have other items to ship at the same time, or if your car is very rare or valuable. This is a more expensive option.
Find what works for you
Not sure what the best option is? Get in touch and our friendly team will take you through the different shipping methods.
Who We Ship Cars For
Relocating to New Zealand
Bringing a car across when you move to New Zealand. We time the shipment to land when you need it.
Private Sellers and Dealers
Australian vehicles often sell well into the New Zealand market. We support private sellers, auction buyers, and dealers shipping a car from Australia to NZ for resale.
Businesses Shipping Multiple Vehicles
Recurring vehicle exporters get the benefit of our direct carrier contracts – reliable scheduling without the rate volatility that comes with relying on the spot market.
What’s Different About Car Shipping Aus to NZ vs Other Freight
Vehicle shipping Australia to NZ isn’t handled the same way as general cargo. Cars need to clear biosecurity inspection, carry the correct export documentation, and in most cases travel via RoRo vessels rather than standard container freight – so the process has its own set of rules.
If you’re arranging it for the first time, a few things catch people out:
- Biosecurity is non-negotiable. Any vehicle import vehicle from Australia to New Zealand needs to pass MPI inspection on arrival. Residual soil, seeds, or insects in the wheel arches or undercarriage will delay clearance.
- Documentation has to match exactly. Vehicle identification numbers, ownership details, and export paperwork all need to align with what New Zealand customs and MPI expect to see. Mismatches cause delays.
- Timing windows aren’t flexible. RoRo vessels run on fixed schedules, so missing a loading window can mean weeks added to your timeline.
This is where having one dedicated contact through Jacanna makes a difference. Rather than coordinating between a freight booking agent, a customs broker, and a biosecurity inspector separately, you’ve got one person tracking the shipment end to end and flagging issues before they become delays.
Cost of Shipping a Car from Australia to New Zealand
Pricing depends on a handful of factors:
- Vehicle size and weight
- Departure port (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Fremantle)
- Arrival port (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Lyttelton)
- RoRo or container shipping
- Vessel scheduling and availability
Why Choose Jacanna for Vehicle Transport from Australia to New Zealand?
Guaranteed Space, Stable PricingÂ
We have direct contracts with carriers which means guaranteed space on the vessel and pricing that doesn’t move with demand. No surprises!
Dedicated Service
Your dedicated handler manages everything from booking through to New Zealand customs clearance. We’re proud to offer a personalised service to our customers.
New Zealand Owned and Operated
Jacanna is Kiwi-owned and that shows in how we handle every shipment – hands-on, not outsourced.
Global Reach
Beyond the Tasman, we work with agents at ports and airports worldwide, so international car shipping doesn’t stop at Australia and New Zealand.
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
There’s a fair amount to coordinate – biosecurity, export documentation, customs clearance, port logistics on both ends. Jacanna manages all it, so you’re not trying to piece together a process you’ve never done before.
Once loaded, transit is typically 5-10 days depending on route and service. Add time either side for documentation, pre-loading checks, and customs clearance in New Zealand.
RoRo suits standard passenger vehicles and is the more cost-effective option. Container shipping gives extra protection – worth considering for classic or high-value cars, or if you’re shipping personal effects alongside the vehicle.
Yes. New Zealand’s biosecurity standards are strict. The undercarriage, wheel arches, and interior all need to be properly cleaned to pass MPI inspection on arrival. We’ll talk you through exactly what’s required.
Yes. We prepare the documentation needed and work with our partners on the ground to keep clearance moving smoothly.
Yes. We cover the full Tasman corridor both ways. Learn more about shipping vehicles from NZ to Australia.
Get in touch or request a free quote. You’ll be talking to the same person from your first enquiry through to delivery.