Shipping vs Buying: Should You Ship Your Car from Australia to New Zealand?

If you’re relocating across the Tasman, one major decision looms: Should you ship your car from Australia to New Zealand—or buy a new one after you arrive? It’s not a simple yes or no.

Factors like cost, convenience, and compliance with New Zealand’s vehicle regulations all play a role.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the pros and cons of shipping your car from Australia to New Zealand versus buying locally, so you can make a confident, well-informed decision.

Quick Overview: Shipping vs Buying – What’s the Real Difference?

At a Glance

• Shipping your car is often cheaper if your vehicle is relatively new, well-maintained, and already meets NZ compliance standards.

• Buying locally may be better if your car is older, unlikely to pass inspections, or if you want to avoid the hassle of import paperwork and delays.

• Total cost, vehicle type, emotional value, and how long you’ll be in New Zealand all matter.

Want to dive deeper? Keep reading for a full breakdown.

Pros and Cons of Shipping Your Car from Australia to New Zealand Pros of Shipping

• Familiarity with Your Vehicle
  You already know your car’s service history, quirks, and reliability.

• Lower Cost for High-Value Vehicles
  If your car is worth over AUD $10,000, it may be cheaper to ship than buy something equivalent in NZ.

• Possible Tax Exemptions
  If you’ve owned the car for over a year and meet residency rules, you may be exempt from GST on import.

• No Need to Shop Around
  Saves you the time and stress of finding and inspecting cars in a new country.

Cons of Shipping

• Biosecurity and Compliance Checks
  Your car must pass strict NZ inspections—including cleanliness and emissions standards.

• Shipping Costs Add Up
  Roll-on/roll-off transport plus insurance and customs fees can range from AUD $2,000–$4,000+.

• Long Wait Times
  Expect 3–6 weeks for shipping and clearance. You’ll need temporary transport in the meantime.

Buying a Car in New Zealand: Is It Easier? Pros of Buying in NZ

• Faster Turnaround
  You can drive off within days—no waiting for shipping or paperwork.

• Cars Built to Local Specs
  No surprises with compliance or roadworthiness.

• Good Access to Used Imports
  NZ has a strong second-hand car market, especially for Japanese imports.

Cons of Buying in NZ

• Unknown History
  You may not know how well the car was maintained or if it was ever damaged.

• Upfront Cost
  Even second-hand cars in NZ can be pricey—especially for reliable makes like Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru.

• Time-Consuming Shopping
  Car yards, private sales, test drives—it can all be draining, especially just after a move.

Quick Guide: Real-World Dilemma – What’s the Best Choice? Scenario: Moving to NZ for 2+ Years

You’re relocating from Sydney to Wellington and debating whether to ship your 2019 Toyota RAV4 or sell it and buy in NZ.

Common Challenges

• Will my car pass NZ compliance checks?

• How much will shipping really cost me in the end?

• Can I get something equally reliable in NZ for the same price?

How to Solve It

• Get a Pre-Inspection in Australia
  Ensure your vehicle meets NZ’s frontal impact and emissions standards before you ship it.

• Use a Trusted Shipping Company
  Look for door-to-door quotes, marine insurance options, and help with paperwork.

• Calculate Total Cost vs. Market Value
  Add shipping, insurance, and compliance to your car’s value and compare with similar NZ listings.

• Check the Personal Import Concession
  If eligible, you might avoid GST—saving hundreds or more.

Why It Works

By running the numbers and confirming compliance in advance, you avoid nasty surprises and make the financially smarter move. For higher-value vehicles, shipping often wins out.

Need help calculating your costs or planning your shipment? Reach out to a trusted auto logistics provider.

Pro Tips for Making the Right Call

Pro Tip #1:
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) website for the latest vehicle import standards and approved frontal impact categories.

Pro Tip #2:
Use car valuation tools like Redbook to compare your vehicle’s resale value in both countries before committing.

Pro Tip #3:
Don’t forget quarantine cleaning. Your vehicle must be spotless—inside and out—to meet NZ biosecurity requirements. Even a leaf in the engine bay could lead to delays or extra cleaning fees.

FAQs: What Else Should You Know? Q: How long does it take to ship a car from Australia to New Zealand?

A: Typically 3–6 weeks, depending on departure ports, weather, and customs clearance.

Q: Will my Australian driver’s license work in NZ?

Yes—for most visitors or new residents, an Australian license is valid for up to 12 months. After that, you’ll need to convert it to a NZ license.

Q: Can I take personal items in the car when shipping?

Most shipping companies recommend against it—or prohibit it entirely—due to customs and liability concerns. Check with your provider.

Q: Is insurance included in the shipping quote?

Usually not. You’ll need separate marine insurance to protect your car during transit.

Conclusion: So, Ship or Buy?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but here’s the short version:

• Ship your car if it’s newer, reliable, and you’re staying long-term or emotionally attached to it.

• Buy in NZ if your car is older, non-compliant, or if you’d prefer a clean-slate, no-hassle experience.

By understanding the full costs, compliance process, and benefits of each option, you can choose the path that saves you time, money, and stress in the long run.