Trusted Vehicle Shipping Between Australia and New Zealand
Shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand is straightforward when managed by an experienced automotive logistics provider. DAZMAC is the Australian agent for the Autohub Group, offering reliable vehicle shipping solutions for individuals, auction buyers and private purchasers moving vehicles across the Tasman.
Whether you are relocating, purchasing through an Australian motor auction or buying privately, DAZMAC manages the shipping process from start to finish. This page outlines the key requirements, compliance considerations and preparation steps involved when shipping vehicles from Australia to New Zealand so you can plan with confidence.
Shipping Vehicles from Australia to New Zealand
There are generally three types of vehicle shipments from Australia to New Zealand:
- Personally owned vehicles
- Vehicles purchased through auctions
- Vehicles purchased privately from individuals or businesses
Each shipment type has different compliance and documentation requirements, and DAZMAC provides guidance to ensure your vehicle is prepared correctly before departure.
Moving to New Zealand
If you are moving to New Zealand with your vehicle, certain GST exemptions and compliance concessions may apply depending on ownership length.
- GST exemptions apply for some personally owned vehicles
- GST reductions apply on a sliding scale based on ownership from 3 to 12 months
- Vehicles owned for more than 12 months may be GST free
- Compliance concessions apply to vehicles owned by the importer for more than 21 months
CLICK HERE to download an information sheet
Compliance Requirements
Vehicles shipped from Australia to New Zealand must meet specific compliance requirements before they can be registered.
Key Compliance Standards
- Euro emissions requirements
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) requirements
- Concessions may apply for vehicles owned by the importer for more than 21 months
- PPSR check confirming no water damage or finance owing
- PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) for new vehicles
If you are unsure about compliance requirements, it is recommended to contact one of the approved New Zealand compliance authorities.
Compliance Authorities
AA NZ Ltd
Level 16, 99 Albert St, Auckland
NZ T (INTL): +64 9 966 8688
T (NZ): 0800 500 444
W: www.aa.co.nz
VINZ
Unit C, 26–30 Vestey Dr
Mt Wellington, Auckland
NZ T: +64 9 573 3230
E: enquiries@vinz.co.nz
W: vinz.co.nz
VTNZ
Level 5, 15 Willeston St
Wellington 6011
NZ T: 0800 88 88 69
W: vtnz.co.nz
Moving to New Zealand Checklist
Before shipping your vehicle, complete the following checklist to help avoid delays or additional compliance costs:
- Remove registration plates
- Complete deregistration
- Prepare purchase invoice or valuation
- Record odometer reading
- Cancel insurance
- Ensure current PPSR is available
- Finalise any finance owing
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly
- Confirm compliance requirements at destination
Immigrants and returning NZ citizens can find further guidance here.
Buying from an Australian Motor Auction
DAZMAC can arrange GST claim-back services for auction purchases, helping reduce costs before the vehicle is even shipped.
To understand your shipping costs, you first need to confirm:
- The condition of the vehicle
- The vehicle’s location within Australia
DAZMAC offers shipping from all major Australian ports:
- Brisbane
- Sydney (Port Kembla)
- Melbourne
- Adelaide
- Perth (Fremantle)
Destination ports in New Zealand include:
- Auckland
- Wellington
- Nelson
- Christchurch (Lyttelton)
The two main Australian auction houses are:
www.manheim.com.au
www.pickles.com.au
Many auctions also operate outside metro areas, including locations such as Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Gateshead NSW, Fyshwick ACT, Townsville, Cairns and Mackay QLD. Local transport costs should always be considered when purchasing from regional auction sites.
Vehicle Condition Categories for Shipping
For shipping purposes, vehicles are classified into three condition categories:
- Running
- Rolling
- Forklift
There may be additional costs for towing or forklift handling when loading a vehicle onto a vessel, so this should be confirmed before shipping.
Important Vehicle Preparation and Compliance Checks
Before shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand, there are several important factors to consider.
Compliance
Before purchasing a vehicle, confirm it meets Euro emissions standards and ESC requirements. ESC is required for MC class vehicles and also for MA class vehicles over 2000cc inspected at the NZ border from 1 March 2018.
Further information:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/importing-a-vehicle/
http://www.transport.govt.nz/land/electronic-stability-control/
Insurance
Accident-damaged or statutory write-off vehicles can generally only be insured for total loss. DAZMAC aims to perform gate-in surveys where possible, but this may depend on vehicle location. Contact us before shipping if door-to-door insurance is required.
Missing Keys
Vehicles purchased through auctions may sometimes be supplied without keys. DAZMAC can arrange automotive locksmith services in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane at the owner’s expense to replace keys or access the vehicle for odometer verification.
Dead Battery or No Battery
If a vehicle has a dead or missing battery, we can arrange replacement or charging where required to prepare the vehicle for shipment.
Odometer Reading
A correct odometer reading must be recorded before a vehicle leaves Australia. Without this, NZ Customs and NZTA compliance authorities may classify the vehicle as parts only, preventing compliance in New Zealand. DAZMAC depots verify this on your behalf.
Damaged or Flat Tyres
Flat or damaged tyres may prevent Roll-on Roll-off shipping. Repairs or replacements can be arranged so the vehicle can be shipped using the most cost-effective method.
Air Bags Deployed or Warning Lights
DAZMAC facilities in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane can remove deployed airbags or arrange electrical work so vehicles can be accepted for Roll-on Roll-off shipping, provided they are rolling. Port staff will not drive vehicles with deployed airbags or warning lights illuminated.
Cracked or Smashed Windscreens
Damaged windscreens should be replaced before shipping. Vehicles inspected at the NZ border with damaged screens may be classified as water-damaged, which can significantly increase compliance costs and may require replacement of electrical systems.
Parts Inside a Vehicle and Work Completed in Australia
Any parts inside a vehicle must be declared on NZ Customs entry forms with supporting invoices. Any work performed on the vehicle before shipping must also be declared. Failure to declare these items may result in fines or confiscation.
Export Quarantine Cleaning
Roll-on Roll-off carriers will not accept dirty vehicles. All visible soil and contamination must be removed before shipping. Proper cleaning may also reduce MPI costs on arrival in New Zealand.
PPSR Checks
A PPSR check is strongly recommended before purchase to confirm a clear title and ensure the vehicle has not suffered water damage, which can significantly increase compliance costs.
Vehicle Location Before Purchase
Always confirm vehicle location before purchase. Local transport within Australia can be expensive, especially outside metro areas, and DAZMAC can provide transport quotes where required.
Why Choose DAZMAC for Australia to New Zealand Vehicle Shipping
DAZMAC provides experienced, end-to-end vehicle shipping services between Australia and New Zealand. As the Australian agent for Autohub Group, we assist with auction purchases, compliance guidance, shipping preparation and logistics coordination across all major ports.
Our team helps ensure vehicles meet NZ requirements before departure, reducing delays and unnecessary costs while keeping the process simple for importers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a car from Australia to New Zealand?
Yes. DAZMAC arranges vehicle shipping from Australia to New Zealand, including logistics coordination, compliance guidance and shipping support.
Do GST exemptions apply when moving to New Zealand?
In some cases, yes. GST exemptions or reductions may apply depending on ownership length and eligibility requirements.
What condition does my vehicle need to be in for shipping?
Vehicles are generally classified as running, rolling or forklift condition, which determines handling requirements and shipping costs.
Can I ship auction vehicles to New Zealand?
Yes. DAZMAC regularly assists customers purchasing through Australian auctions and can also help with GST claim-back services.
Do I need a PPSR check?
A PPSR check is strongly recommended to confirm a clear title and avoid compliance issues related to water damage or finance owing.
What ports does DAZMAC service?
DAZMAC ships from major Australian ports including Brisbane, Sydney (Port Kembla), Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle to key New Zealand destinations.
Quote Today
Get a Quote for Shipping a Car from Australia to New Zealand
If you are planning on shipping a car from Australia to New Zealand, DAZMAC can help manage the process from start to finish. Contact our team today for advice or request a no-obligation quote to begin your vehicle shipment.