Complete Guide to Shipping Your Car from Australia to New Zealand

If you are preparing your family car, motorbike, motorhome or vintage car for shipment?  There are a few things you should do keep customs happy and reduce the likelihood of unwanted insects/rodents ‘setting up home’ in the destination country. 

Empty it.

Chip packets, receipts, drink bottles and the like. Make sure there aren’t any food items, dirt from the garden centre or dog chew toys in your car. Such items can stop or vehicle from boarding the ship on time and put a bit dent in your travel plans. 

The fuel tank also needs to be emptied too – no more than a quarter full, or your vehicle can’t be shipped (increases cargo weight). 

If possible, avoid any inner cargo as well eg: suitcases of clothes, sports equipment, etc, as this can also delay Customs clearance.

Wash it.

It is very important to give your tyres a thorough clean beforehand.  Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) will be checking your vehicle thoroughly for dirt, leaves, seeds and plant material in general, as well as mud.  Give your vehicle a good clean, inside and outside and keep an eye out for food crumbs.

Shoot it.

Take a few photos of your vehicle before it is shipped (both inside and out).  This way you will know where existing scratches, dents, and any marks on the upholstery exist.   

Damage to vehicles is highly unusual as we have longstanding relationships with our suppliers but taking a few digital snaps can give you proof and peace of mind, should the unexpected happen.   

By following these simple steps your vehicle should not have any compliance issues boarding/unloading from the ship, plus, it will look and smell its best once it reaches your door in the new country.  

At McCullough Shipping, we have transported, Customs cleared, bio-security cleared vehicles/boats all over the world, so we comprehensibly understand all: MAF, Customs and Port requirements in NZ and overseas.  We offer customers the ability to consolidate your vehicle/boat to ensure you get the best possible shipping rate.