Shipping a Container to New Zealand from the UK
Moving to New Zealand? On this page, you will find details of our current international container shipping schedules for our house removals services to New Zealand. Get a free quote from us to receive an estimate for your shipment in 24 hours.
Container Shipping & Removals Services to New Zealand
We are the only company to utilise a unique household goods packing systems (ShrinkFast) to ensure guaranteed weekly international shipping to New Zealand and the safest way to ship your goods overseas.
We offer fast weekly shipping, our unique price guarantee and a dedicated New Zealand Move Manager who will give you expert guidance every step of the way.
Check out the benefits of 1st Move's international container shipping services to New Zealand and find out how we can get you there, Faster, Safer and Smarter.
How Long Does it Take to Ship a Container to New Zealand?
Planning a move to New Zealand? Get dates and port to port transit times for each vessel departing from the UK.
Short Answer: Typically the port to port transit times to New Zealand are between 54-56 days, however this can vary depending on your destination port. For more detailed times for each port/vessel please see our table below.
| Destination | Vessel Name | Last Moving Date to Meet Vessel | Sailing Date | Port to Port Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | ONE Mackinac | 28/11/2023 | 12/12/2023 | 44 |
| YM Wreath | 05/12/2023 | 19/12/2023 | 44 | |
| ONE Milano | 12/12/2023 | 26/12/2023 | 44 | |
| ONE Millau | 19/12/2023 | 02/01/2024 | 44 | |
| Lyttleton / Christchurch | ONE Mackinac | 28/11/2023 | 12/12/2023 | 45 |
| YM Wreath | 05/12/2023 | 19/12/2023 | 45 | |
| ONE Milano | 12/12/2023 | 26/12/2023 | 45 | |
| ONE Millau | 19/12/2023 | 02/01/2024 | 45 | |
| Wellington | ONE Mackinac | 28/11/2023 | 12/12/2023 | 59 |
| YM Wreath | 05/12/2023 | 19/12/2023 | 59 | |
| ONE Milano | 12/12/2023 | 26/12/2023 | 59 | |
| ONE Millau | 19/12/2023 | 02/01/2024 | 59 |
Container Tracking
Once your goods have been loaded you will receive a unique container number. We offer a container tracking service through trace-track.com, allowing you to track your container in real-time. Simply enter your container number to get the latest information about your shipment:
Restricted and Prohibited Items for Shipping to New Zealand
Planning a move to New Zealand or intending to ship your personal effects to this beautiful island nation? Understanding the import regulations of your destination is crucial to a smooth and hassle-free move. At 1st Move International, we're committed to keeping you well-informed and ready to meet the customs regulations of New Zealand. Here's a concise guide on what's permissible, restricted, and prohibited when shipping to New Zealand.
Prohibited Items
New Zealand has strict guidelines on items that are prohibited for import, and violations can lead to severe penalties. Prohibited items include:
- Knives and other weapons
- Objectionable materials on videotapes or CDs
- Equipment for drug usage
Always refer to the official New Zealand Customs Service website for comprehensive information.
Restricted Items
Certain goods require the necessary permits before they can be imported. These include:
- Animal or Plant-Based Items: Items derived from plants or animals, such as ivory, and ornaments made from sea turtle shells, require a permit.
- Live Species: You will need a permit for importing certain live species and carnivorous plants.
- Children's Paint: Some substances in children's paint may be considered toxic, hence, restrictions apply.
- Ozone-depleting Substances: Aerosols and refrigeration equipment fall under this category and have specific import guidelines.
Stay updated with the latest regulations to ensure compliance.
Packing and Paperwork
When packing for your move, partnering with a professional company like 1st Move International ensures your belongings are shipped securely and swiftly to New Zealand. We offer tailored packing services, adhering to stringent requirements for exporting from the UK and importing to New Zealand.
We'll assist you in creating an inventory list and completing all necessary paperwork for your items to clear New Zealand customs without any issues.
Declarations
After your inventory list is ready, you'll need to declare all items. This process can be carried out in advance before leaving the UK. Our team is at hand to help you, or you can use the online declaration system provided by the New Zealand government.
With 1st Move International, our team provides all the assistance and organization you require to ensure your move is a success. For more information on removals to New Zealand, or to get your free moving quote, get in touch today.
Main Container Shipping Ports in New Zealand
New Zealand boasts an array of bustling and sophisticated ports, establishing itself as a key player in global trade and shipping across the Southern Hemisphere.
Port of Auckland - It is the largest container port in New Zealand, handling about 31% of the country's total container trade. In 2022, the port handled 818,238 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). A unique aspect of the port is its proximity to the country's largest city, Auckland, facilitating quick and efficient distribution of goods.
Port of Tauranga - This is the busiest port in New Zealand in terms of cargo volume and the second busiest in terms of container throughput. It is situated in the Bay of Plenty region and is known for its advanced logistics solutions and world-class productivity rates. It handled 1.24 million TEU in 2022, with a record of handling 1369 ships in the fiscal year 2022.
Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) - The third-largest container port in New Zealand, the LPC is the South Island's major deep-water port. It provides a crucial connection between South Island businesses and global markets. In 2022, the port moved 502,210 TEUs.
Port of Napier - Also known as Napier Port, it is located on the east coast of the North Island and is a crucial gateway for goods flowing in and out of Central New Zealand. The port handled 254,000 TEUs in 2022.
Port of Otago - Serving the Otago region on the South Island, the Port of Otago is primarily known for exporting commodities like dairy, meat, and forestry products. It also plays a crucial role in the region's tourism industry, and in 2022, handled 166,200 TEUs of container shipments.
Port of Wellington (CentrePort Wellington) - This port is strategically located on the southern tip of the North Island and handles mixed cargo types, including cars, bulk fuel, bulk cargo, and containers. It's an essential hub for Cook Strait ferries connecting the North and South Islands, and handled 89,892 TEUs of container shipments in 2022.
Trust Us with Your Move to New Zealand
With over two decades of experience in shipping personal effects and household goods to New Zealand via container, and as trusted members of British International Freight Association (BIFA) and the British Association of Removers (BAR), you can be sure that 1st Move International will provide an exceptional container shipping service tailored to your needs.
We're proud of our faster shipping & safer packing, ensuring reliable & secure container shipping to New Zealand.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for our container shipping and removals services today.
Your life, carefully wrapped, beautifully packed, and protected for the journey ahead.
We are extremely proud of our unique packing process. We are the only international removals company in the UK that uses this tried and tested method to ship your treasured personal possessions overseas.
This is our craft - lives packed with care and attention for their journey overseas. Visit our Facebook page to find a snapshot of each shipment captured as the final pallet is wrapped.
We're proud to post these images, showcasing our removals team's passion and skill. Your personal effects are in the very best hands and are now destined for new adventures abroad.
Come and have a look.
