Removals to New Zealand | Simpsons International Removals

The Move

New Zealand sits at the far end of the earth, and we know the route well.

British families have been settling in New Zealand for generations, and it remains one of the longest journeys a household can make. Your belongings may travel by sea for a couple of months, so we plan every stage carefully and keep you updated the whole way.

Sea freight is the natural choice for a household move to New Zealand. Air freight suits anything you would rather have sooner.

Popular destinations we ship to

AucklandWellingtonChristchurch HamiltonTaurangaDunedin Queenstown

Typical Transit Times

Sole-use container8–10 weeks

Shared (groupage) container10–14 weeks

Air freight1–2 weeks

Times shown are to port. Please allow additional time for New Zealand customs and biosecurity clearance on arrival. We recommend booking 3 to 6 months ahead of your move date.

Your options

Choose the right way to ship

Every move to New Zealand is different, so we shape the service around yours.

Sea · Sole-use

Your own 20ft or 40ft container

Your belongings travel alone, packed and sealed at your door and not opened again until they reach you. The fastest and most secure sea option.

Best for: full household moves

Sea · Shared

Groupage / part-load container

Your goods share container space with other shipments heading to New Zealand, splitting the cost between several moves. Slightly longer transit, but excellent value.

Best for: smaller moves, flexible budgets

Air Freight

Fast-track for essentials

Air freight suits the things you need soon after you land, such as documents, clothing and everyday items. It arrives in a fraction of the time.

Best for: essentials & smaller shipments

Excess Baggage

A few boxes or suitcases

Not moving a whole household? Our excess baggage service is a simple, affordable way to send personal items and smaller consignments overseas.

Best for: light movers & students

Good to know

New Zealand’s biosecurity checks are the strictest we work with

New Zealand protects its environment with famously thorough border checks, and a few everyday items need attention before they travel. We prepare your declaration in advance, so your shipment clears without delay.

Wooden items

Untreated timber and wooden furniture may need certified treatment before shipping.

Plants, soil & seeds

Live plants, soil, and gardening equipment are tightly restricted or require inspection.

Food & certain foodstuffs

Most food items can’t be shipped at all — we’ll advise what needs to stay behind.

Outdoor & camping gear

Hiking boots, tents and bikes are inspected closely and usually need a thorough clean first.

★★★★★

We were nervous about a move this far, but Simpsons made the two months feel completely manageable. Regular updates, careful packing, and everything arrived in Wellington in perfect condition.

Illustrative example · UK to Wellington, New Zealand

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International Removals to New Zealand