International Moving Company New Zealand

International Movers New Zealand

Moving to a new country such as New Zealand can be thrilling and exciting, but it can also be challenging at the same time. Three Movers offers comprehensive international moving services to ensure your relocation goes smoothly. Whether you’re a family moving to New Zealand for a new life or a business relocating overseas, our experienced team of US to NZ movers handles every detail. As one of the top US moving companies for global relocations, we provide end-to-end support – from packing your belongings to clearing customs in New Zealand. Below, learn about our services and how we make moving from the USA to New Zealand easy and stress-free.

Residential and Commercial Moves to New Zealand

Three Movers specializes in both residential and commercial moves across international borders. We understand that household moves and business relocations have unique needs:

• Residential Moves: We carefully pack and transport your furniture, appliances, clothing, and personal items to anywhere in New Zealand. Our team will inventory all your household goods and ensure they meet New Zealand’s import regulations for residential moves​. We handle everything from studio apartments to multi-bedroom homes, making sure your cherished belongings arrive safely.
• Commercial Moves: Relocating an office or business to New Zealand? We have you covered. Our movers are trained to handle office furniture, IT equipment, and sensitive documents. We coordinate the move to minimize downtime, whether you’re moving a small office or an entire company division overseas.
• Customized Planning: Every move starts with a personalized plan. A dedicated moving coordinator will assess your needs, timeline, and budget. We’ll tailor our international moving services to fit your schedule – including any temporary housing or storage needs during your transition.
• Experienced Crew: Our professional movers have extensive international experience. They use quality packing materials and techniques to protect your belongings throughout the journey. From fragile items to bulky furniture, we treat your possessions with the utmost care.

By choosing Three Movers for your residential or commercial relocation, you get peace of mind that experts are managing your move. We pride ourselves on being US to NZ movers who make your satisfaction our top priority.

Cost of International Hauling Companies Near Me

The cost of a moving company can vary quite a bit. You might pay $3,000, or you might pay as much as $20,000. A few main factors will determine where the cost of your move will fall in the range.

You will likely pay more if you have to move from far away. The further you need to travel to move, the more it will cost. This is also the case with a more minor move than a more significant move. Most companies will base your hauling estimate on the volume or weight of the goods you need to move.

When you’re trying to figure out how much your relocation will cost of New Zealand international movers, we can help. Let us give you a free hauling quote for your upcoming move. Our team will provide a transparent and accurate quote for your moving budget.

Estimated Time for Moving To Or From New Zealand

Getting the right plan in place for your overseas move to or from New Zealand is important. Without the right plan, you will struggle to pull off your relocation within time. There are many things that go into figuring out how to move overseas including hiring the right international movers.

Most full-container moves from the United States to New Zealand take roughly 4 to 6 weeks door-to-door. This accounts for:

1. Packing and Pickup (1-5 days): Depending on your home size, we may take a day (for a small apartment) or several days (for a large house or office) to pack and load your items into the container. Once loaded, the container is picked up and drayed to the port.
2. Ocean Transit (2-3 weeks typical): The sea journey from a U.S. port to New Zealand can be around 14–21 days. For example, shipments from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland are on the shorter end (around two weeks at sea), whereas shipments from the U.S. East Coast (via the Panama Canal) might take closer to three weeks or more.
3. Port Clearance and Delivery (1-2 weeks): After arrival in New Zealand (Auckland is the busiest port for imports, but we also service Wellington, Christchurch/Lyttelton, and others), allow some time for customs & MPI biosecurity clearance. This usually takes a few days to a week, assuming documents are in order and any required inspections are done promptly. Following clearance, we’ll deliver the container to your new residence (or unload into a smaller truck if direct container access isn’t possible) and handle unpacking if you've opted for that service.
4. Air Freight Timeline: Air shipments can drastically cut down the waiting time. An air freight move might reach NZ in as little as one week (including customs clearance). This is ideal if you have a small shipment or need certain items quickly. Many clients choose a combination: send most goods by sea, and ship a few essentials by air so they have immediate necessities upon arrival.

Shipping Methods and Options for Moving to New Zealand

International moves to New Zealand typically involve either sea freight or air freight, and we offer multiple shipping methods and options to suit your needs. Your coordinator will help you decide the best option based on your timeline, volume of goods, and budget:

• Ocean Shipping (Sea Freight): This is the most common and cost-effective method for moving large volumes. Your goods will travel in a sealed shipping container by cargo ship. We offer both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL) options:
  • FCL: You get a dedicated container (20-foot or 40-foot) exclusively for your belongings. A 20ft container typically holds a 2-3 bedroom home’s contents, while a 40ft can hold a larger household​. FCL offers faster transit since the container goes direct, and enhanced security for your items.
  • LCL: If you don’t have enough cargo to fill a whole container, we offer LCL (groupage) shipping. Your goods share a container with other shipments, allowing you to pay only for the space you use​. This is ideal for small moves, excess baggage, or a few pieces of furniture. It’s budget-friendly, though transit might be slightly longer due to consolidation.
  • Shipping Duration: Ocean transit from the US to NZ varies by origin and route. Direct sailings can take around 2-3 weeks port-to-port (for example, from the U.S. West Coast to Auckland). Allow approximately 4-6 weeks door-to-door for FCL shipments, and possibly 6-8 weeks for LCL, to account for packing, inland transport, customs clearance, and delivery to your new home.
• Air Freight: If you need your items quickly, air shipping is the fastest method. We recommend air freight for small shipments (like a few boxes or urgent items) due to higher cost. Your belongings can arrive in New Zealand within days of departure – often 5-10 days door-to-door including customs. Air freight is more expensive than ocean freight, but it’s a great option for critical items you want soon after you arrive (documents, essential clothing, laptops, etc.).
• Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) for Vehicles: Should you need to ship a car or motorcycle, RoRo shipping is available. Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized vessel and secured for the voyage. RoRo is typically the cheapest way to ship vehicles overseas. If you’re moving and want your car in NZ, we’ll assist with the logistics. (For vehicle shipments, we also offer a partnership with A1 Auto Transport – see our note on auto transport below.)
• Containerized Vehicle Shipping: High-value or classic cars might go in a container for extra protection. We can load your vehicle into a 20ft or 40ft container (often alongside other household goods if space permits). This method adds security and allows you to combine shipments.

Our team will explain each shipping option in detail. We handle all booking with ocean carriers or airlines, and we’ll secure the best rates through our network of trusted partners. With Three Movers’ international moving services, you have flexible options to transport your belongings to New Zealand safely and efficiently.

Container Hauling Rates

FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container shipping to New Zealand of up to 45,000lbs.

LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to New Zealand.

International House moving to New Zealand services - quick, easy, and cheap.

International auto transport services to New Zealand via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.

New Zealand International Moving Companies Rates

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and other factors. Get a quote custom-tailored to you.

Customs Regulations and Required Documentation

International moving isn’t just about shipping – navigating customs regulations is crucial for a smooth move to New Zealand. Our experts at Three Movers will guide you through the paperwork to ensure your shipment clears customs without issues. Here’s what you need to know:

• Personal Effects and Duty-Free Import: New Zealand allows new residents and returning citizens to import used household goods and personal effects duty-free in most cases. If you are moving to NZ for the first time (or returning after 21+ months abroad), you generally won’t have to pay GST or import duty on your used personal belongings. (This concession does not apply to new items or vehicles​ – new goods may incur tax, and vehicles have separate duties/GST unless exceptions apply.)
• You Must Be Present in NZ: New Zealand customs requires that you arrive in the country before your shipment does. In fact, you’ll need to provide your arrival information on the paperwork. Your goods cannot be cleared until you are in New Zealand. Typically, people plan to arrive in NZ a bit before their shipment, or around the same time. We’ll coordinate timing so your container isn’t stuck waiting. If you can’t be there before it arrives, you may need to arrange storage or have a representative (like our destination agent) hold the shipment until you’ve arrived.
  

• Required Documentation: We will help you prepare all necessary documents for customs. Key paperwork includes:
  • NZCS 218 – Unaccompanied Personal Baggage Declaration: This is the official New Zealand Customs form for importing your household goods shipment. All immigrants and returning residents shipping goods must complete this form. It asks for your personal details, travel history, and an itemized list of what you’re bringing. Three Movers will provide this form and assist you in filling it out correctly.
  • MPI Personal Effects Supplementary Declaration: New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) may require an additional form if you have items that could pose biosecurity risks​. This supplementary declaration covers things like wooden items, outdoor gear (camping equipment, bikes), garden tools, or anything that might carry soil, insects, or plant matter. Declaring these helps MPI decide if inspection or fumigation is needed. We’ll advise if this form is needed based on your inventory.
  • Inventory/Packing List: A detailed inventory of your shipped items is mandatory. Our movers will prepare a packing list as we pack your goods, numbering each box and noting its contents​. This inventory is used for customs clearance and to facilitate any inspections. It’s important that you declare any restricted or high-risk items (e.g. alcohol, food, wooden items, sports or camping gear). We’ll guide you on NZ’s prohibited and restricted items so you can avoid packing anything that’s not allowed.
  • Copy of Passport: Customs will require a copy of your passport (photo page) to verify your identity and entry status. If you’re not a New Zealand citizen, you should also have your visa or residence permit handy (e.g. work visa, resident visa) as proof that you’re allowed to move to NZ.
  • Arrival Documents: Sometimes you may need to show proof of your arrival date, such as an airline ticket or entry stamp, to confirm you were in NZ before the shipment’s arrival.
  • Customs Delivery Order / Bill of Lading: As your moving company, we handle the bill of lading and will obtain the customs delivery order once your shipment is cleared. These are more behind-the-scenes documents, but we’ll ensure they’re in order.
• Customs Inspection & Quarantine: New Zealand is very strict about biosecurity. MPI officers may inspect your shipment upon arrival, especially if it contains items like outdoor equipment, wooden furniture, or any declared risk goods. Sea containers are always inspected as a precaution. If inspection is required, it will be done at an approved transitional facility (warehouse). We coordinate these inspections and keep you informed. In some cases, items might need fumigation or cleaning (for example, outdoor gear or wooden items with bark). We advise cleaning all outdoor gear thoroughly before packing to reduce the chance of quarantine treatment.
• Prohibited Items: There are certain things you cannot ship in your household goods to NZ. These include firearms and ammunition (without proper permits), explosives, illegal drugs, and some hazardous materials. New Zealand also restricts importation of plants, seeds, soil, and certain food items. We’ll provide a detailed list of prohibited and restricted items so you don’t pack something that will cause issues at customs.
• Duties and Taxes: If you do not qualify for duty-free entry (for instance, if you are sending items that are new or you’re not taking up permanent residence), customs may levy import duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST in New Zealand is 15% on the value of goods. Import duties vary by item category. Most people moving household goods won’t pay these for used items, but if you bought new furniture or appliances right before moving, be prepared that those could incur charges. We can advise on any potential duties and help with the payment process to customs if needed.
• Customs Clearance Process: Don’t worry – Three Movers will handle the customs clearance on your behalf through our local agent in New Zealand. We’ll submit all the forms and guide you through any questions from customs or MPI. Typically, if paperwork is in order and no issues are found, clearance is done quickly. In many cases, household goods shipments clear customs without physical inspection – but MPI will still inspect the container itself and any flagged items. We aim to make this process seamless so you can receive your goods promptly.

By staying informed and preparing the proper documentation, you can avoid delays. Our team’s expertise in New Zealand’s import regulations means we’ll help you for a hassle-free move. Moving to New Zealand doesn’t have to be intimidating – we’ll walk you through the customs requirements step by step.

Why Choose Three Movers for Your Move to New Zealand?

With so many logistics involved in an overseas move, you need a moving partner you can trust. Three Movers stands out among international moving services and has earned a reputation as one of the top US moving companies for international relocations. Here’s why customers choose us for moves to New Zealand:

• Extensive International Experience: We have over 20 years of experience handling moves worldwide, including countless successful relocations to and from New Zealand. Our knowledge of shipping routes, customs regulations, and international logistics means we can anticipate challenges and solve them before they affect your move.
• All-Inclusive Service: From the first planning call to the final unpacking, we manage it all. Packing, shipping, customs clearance, delivery – leave it to us. Our door-to-door services mean you don’t have to juggle multiple vendors or worry about hand-offs. We coordinate with shipping lines, customs brokers, and local delivery agents seamlessly on your behalf.
• Personalized Attention: Every move is different. We assign a dedicated move coordinator who will be your single point of contact. They will work closely with you, answering questions, adjusting plans as needed, and keeping you updated. Our team is known for friendly, responsive customer service – you’ll never feel like just another number.
• Competitive Pricing: We know an international move is a big expense, so we strive to keep our rates affordable while maintaining top quality. By optimizing shipping methods and leveraging industry discounts, we offer some of the most competitive pricing in the market for US to NZ movers. Plus, our quotes are transparent – no hidden fees on moving day.
• Safety and Security: The safety of your belongings is our priority. We use the best packing practices and partner with reliable carriers. Our track record speaks for itself – extremely low damage claims and high customer satisfaction. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured for international relocations, so you can trust that your move is in compliant and capable hands.
• Global Partner Network: Over the years, we’ve built a strong network of vetted partners worldwide. In New Zealand, we work with reputable destination agents and customs brokers who uphold our service standards. This network ensures you get local expertise (for delivery, assembly, debris removal, etc.) with the convenience of dealing only with Three Movers for the entire move.
• Customized Solutions: Perhaps you have a unique request – moving a piano to Auckland, or relocating laboratory equipment for a business, or ensuring your pet’s relocation aligns with your household move. We handle special circumstances and can connect you with the right ancillary services (pet relocation experts, specialized crating, etc.). No request is too big or small – we strive to accommodate your needs to make the move perfect.
• Positive Reviews and Testimonials: Our clients often refer us to friends and family – a testament to the quality we provide. We’re proud of the positive feedback and reviews highlighting our punctuality, professionalism, and problem-solving in international moves. When you choose Three Movers, you’re choosing a company that others have trusted and loved.

Moving from the USA to New Zealand is a major life event. With Three Movers, you’ll have a partner who simplifies the journey, handles the heavy logistics, and genuinely cares about your successful transition. International moving services are our specialty – let us put our expertise to work for you, so you can focus on looking forward to life in New Zealand!

Ready to Move? Get Your Free Quote Now!

Ready to get started? Contact Three Movers today for a personalized consultation and a free quote for your move to New Zealand. Let our friendly team answer your questions, guide you through the process, and customize a moving plan that fits your needs.

Don’t leave your overseas move to chance – trust the professionals who have done it countless times. Call us at (888) 202-0036, and take the first step toward a smooth, successful relocation. With Three Movers, your journey to New Zealand will be handled with care every step of the way. We look forward to being your partner in this exciting adventure – let’s get you moving to your new Kiwi home!