No, the UK and New Zealand have different plugs, but have very similar electrical systems. This means that most UK electrical items should work in New Zealand with an adapter or a simple plug change.
1st Move International have been helping UK movers ship their electrical appliances to New Zealand for over 25 years, so we’re on hand to guide you through the process. In this guide, we’ll cover the key differences between UK and NZ plugs, what electrical goods you can bring, and what to consider before shipping larger appliances.
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Will My UK Electrical Appliances Work in New Zealand?
Yes, although the plug type is different, both countries use 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency, so most appliances that use less than 10 amps will work with the use of an adapter or by getting your plugs rewired. You should look for 220–240V or 230V on the label of your items, as this matches New Zealand’s standard of 230V. If the label says only 110V or 120V, it won’t work in New Zealand without a transformer.
UK vs New Zealand Electrical Systems Explained
The UK and New Zealand have the same voltage (230V) and frequency (50Hz), but slightly different amperage, with UK plugs supporting 13 and New Zealand just 10. This means that UK appliances that use more than 10 amps, like some irons, tumble dryers, and kettles, may underperform, trip circuits, or fail to work at all in New Zealand.
| Feature | UK | New Zealand |
| Plug Type | Type G | Type I |
| Plug Shape | 3 rectangular prongs | 2 flat angled prongs + 1 vertical pin |
| Voltage | 230V | 230V |
| Frequency | 50Hz | 50Hz |
| Amperage (Typical) | 13A | 10A (some sockets support 15A) |
Converting UK Plugs to New Zealand
The UK uses a Type G plug, whereas Type I is used in New Zealand. For larger items that use more power and are used daily, you’re better off in the long term to change the plugs than to use an adapter.
It’s always recommended to hire a professional electrician who has experience converting UK plugs to New Zealand plugs. This is a great option for high-use appliances like washing machines and fridges. They should use SAA-approved plugs, which are the standard in New Zealand.
When Should You Rewire Instead of Using an Adapter?
- For daily-use appliances that are costly to replace, like fridges, washing machines, and microwaves
- For items that use over 10 amps
- For high-wattage items (over 2000W)
- When an adapter doesn’t fit securely in the wall socket
- If you plan to stay long-term in New Zealand
What Electrical Appliances Can I Use in New Zealand?
You can use most of your UK electrical appliances in New Zealand with the correct adaptations. Certain smaller, low amp items like phone chargers, laptops, tablets, blenders, etc, are safe to use with a Type G to Type I plug adapter. Here is a list of items you can use with just an adapter:
- Phone and laptop chargers
- Camera chargers
- Electric toothbrushes and shavers
- Power banks
- Devices with USB charging
Small Kitchen Appliances:
Many UK kitchen appliances draw more than 10 amps, which usually exceeds New Zealand’s limit. There are often simple solutions to still use your everyday items:
- Toasters – These are typically between 1200 – 2400W, so some dual models are fine to use. Certain high-end models may pass the limit of 2300W, so you will need a plug conversion.
- Microwaves – These typically output 800 – 1100W, so are safe to use with plug conversion. Large combination or grill microwaves may draw more power, so you are better off buying a New Zealand one in this case.
- Coffee Machines – As long as they are under 10 amps and fit the voltage, they are safe to use with a UK to NZ plug conversion.
- Kettles – These are typically high voltage, between 2500 – 3000W, so unless they are a compact travel size kettle, you are often better off buying one on arrival in New Zealand.
- Hairdryers – Although they are compatible voltage and frequency-wise, large designer hairdryers and hair appliances typically draw more than 10 amps, which could trip the socket and become a fire hazard. Travel hairdryers and appliances are typically safe to use.
Top Tip: When using an adapter, make sure the plug isn’t loose or it will pose a fire hazard risk.
Larger Appliances:
Larger kitchen appliances use higher wattage, so they often require extra caution. You can hire an electrician to hardwire your UK appliances into a dedicated circuit in New Zealand. A 15-amp circuit or a transformer with built-in overload protection should ensure your larger items work.
- Ovens – UK ovens may be compatible in terms of voltage, but they often need installation by a licensed electrician. Some have specific wiring or current requirements that exceed standard NZ wall sockets.
- Fridges – Using UK fridges in New Zealand usually works well if the amperage is 10 or under. Under 10A, it may be fine with just a plug change. Over 10A may require professional installation or a dedicated circuit.
- Tumble dryers and washing machines – These are typically high power, but if they are labelled under 2300W or 10A, you can use them with a plug adapter. These large items are worth getting rewired for your move to New Zealand.
Top Tip: Have large appliances assessed by a qualified electrician before you ship, so you know whether they’ll need rewiring or extra installation support in New Zealand. This can help you budget moving costs for arrival.
Can I Ship Lawnmowers and Vacuum Cleaners to New Zealand?
Yes, you can ship UK lawnmowers and vacuum cleaners to New Zealand, but they must be cleaned thoroughly to comply with New Zealand’s strict biosecurity rules. All items must be dry and free from soil, grass, seeds, or organic matter.
Cordless vacuums or battery lawnmowers can be used if the charger is rated 230V, 50Hz. Many are dual voltage (100–240V), so always check the charger label. If it’s not dual voltage, you may need a step-down transformer or replace the charger with a New Zealand-compatible version.
Rules on Shipping Batteries to NZ
It’s important to note that New Zealand has shipping rules for shipping items with lithium-ion batteries, like cordless vacuums and laptops. Common items that use lithium-ion batteries are:
- Cordless vacuums
- Laptops and tablets
- Smartphones and power banks
- Electric scooters or lawn equipment
They will typically need special packaging, labelling, and documentation, which your removal company can take care of.
Shipping Electrical Appliances From the UK to New Zealand
You can ship all electrical goods to New Zealand, but you must declare all items through a NZ Customs Declaration (NZCS 218) form. Rest assured, your shipping company will take care of this for you, providing you with the forms and helping where you need it.
You can also ship household goods and personal effects, including electrical appliances, to New Zealand duty-free, provided you’ve owned and used the items for at least 12 months before moving. Some used electrical goods with removable parts, such as vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers, may be inspected for biosecurity risks, and must be clean and free from soil or organic matter.
You should only ever use a reliable and experienced international removal company to help ship your electrical appliances to New Zealand. 1st Move International is an expert in the industry and has been helping UK movers relocate to New Zealand for over 25 years. We take care of the packing, shipping, customs clearance, and unloading at your new home.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Electronics to New Zealand?
The cost of shipping electronics to New Zealand from the UK starts at roughly £4,825.00 for a small, 20ft container move. The average cost to ship a 40ft container to New Zealand is around £8,200, and a shared container starts at £1,285. For costs to ship to specific areas of New Zealand, use our international removals calculator.
Removals to New Zealand
When you’re ready to get the ball rolling and organise your shipping to New Zealand, get in touch with our expert team at 1st Move. Simply enter a few details of your move into our quick and easy form, and we’ll provide you with a free personalised quote. We use professional shrink-wrap packaging to ensure even your most fragile electrical items are protected throughout the move.
About 1st Move International
1st Move International are a specialist international moving and shipping company offering packing, shipping and shipment protection cover for shipping household goods and personal effects overseas. We have a global reach covering over 80 countries and 6500 worldwide destinations. You can get an international removals quote here or find more information on our international removals UK to New Zealand service here.
