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Shipping to New Zealand from the USA

Complete 2025 Guide for Cheap Shipping to NZ

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Planning a move to New Zealand? In this complete guide to shipping to New Zealand from the USA, you’ll learn about the best moving companies, container types, transport time, and the cost of shipping furniture and vehicles to New Zealand.

Key Takeaways

  • 20ft container: $6,500 to $7,500 from West Coast and $14,000 to $16,000 from East Coast (NY, Miami)
  • 40ft container: $12,000 to $13,500 from West Coast and $25,000 to $30,000 from East Coast
  • Shared container shipping (LCL) is most cost-effective for smaller moves
  • Door-to-door shipping is convenient for small or fragile shipments

Shipping Container to New Zealand Options

When moving from the USA, you can ship your household goods to New Zealand in a 20ft or 40ft container and choose between full or shared container shipping, depending on your budget and shipment volume. It takes approximately 21 to 31 days.

20ft vs. 40ft Container Sizes

  • 20-foot Shipping Container: For small moves (1-2 bedrooms) with ≈33 m³ (1,179 cubic feet) of space. Great for shared container shipping to New Zealand.
  • 40-foot Shipping Container: For larger households (3-4 bedrooms) with ≈66-76 m³ (2,330-2,684 cubic feet) of space, depending on the height.
  • High-cube shipping containers are taller and offer an extra foot in height.
When to Use Door-to-Door Shipping Boxes to New Zealand?

With door-to-door shipping to New Zealand, your boxes are picked up at your home in the USA and delivered directly to your new address in New Zealand. It’s great for small to medium household moves and fragile items.

FCL vs. LCL Shipping

  • Full Container Load (FCL): Your own container, ideal for large volumes or high-value goods.
  • Less than Container Load (LCL): Shared container shipping to New Zealand, ideal for smaller and budget moves. Transit time may be slightly longer.

Transit Times Freight Shipping to New Zealand

Shipping from the USA to New Zealand by sea typically takes 21 to 30 days, depending on the port of departure and route. For example, Los Angeles often offers faster transit compared to Houston or New York.

Costs to Ship to New Zealand from USA

Prices for shipping a container to New Zealand from the USA vary. For a 20ft container, prices generally range from $6,500 to $7,500 from the West Coast (LA, Seattle) and $14,000 to $16,000 from the East Coast (New York, Miami). A 40ft container typically costs $12,000 to $13,500 from the West Coast and $25,000 to $30,000 from the East Coast.

Average Costs to Ship Belongings to New Zealand per City

How much does it cost to ship a container to New Zealand from USA? Prices vary depending on container size, origin city, volume, season, and included services. For example, the cost to ship a 20ft container from California to New Zealand ranges from $6,500 to $7,500 for sea freight, making it one of the most affordable departure points.

Origin20-foot container40-foot container
New York$ 14,000 – $ 15,500$ 25,000 – $ 30,000
Chicago$ 18,000 – $ 20,000$ 34,000 – $ 37,000
Los Angeles$ 6,500 – $ 7,500$ 12,000 – $ 13,000
Houston$ 13,000 – $ 15,000$ 25,000 – $ 28,000
Seattle$ 6,500 – $ 7,500$ 12,000 – $ 13,500
Miami$ 14,000 – $ 16,000$ 26,000 – $ 30,000

Disclaimer: These container shipping rates are estimates and can fluctuate depending on the carrier, season, and volume.

Calculate Your Costs Shipping From America to New Zealand

Shipping costs from to
20ft Container
40ft Container

Cheapest Shipping to New Zealand From USA

The cheapest way to ship to New Zealand is by sharing container space (LCL), downsizing your shipment, and comparing multiple quotes from international moving companies.

With a shared “Less than Container Load” shipment, you only pay for the space you use. It’s more affordable and widely used for cost-effective household or personal goods shipping.

Top Companies for Moving a Container to New Zealand

Hiring a trusted international moving company, such as US International Movers, makes shipping to New Zealand safer, faster, and more reliable. Use Sirelo’s database to find your mover.

Shipping household goods to New Zealand involves logistics, paperwork, and careful handling to avoid delays or damage. Professional movers manage packing, container loading, customs clearance, and transport, ensuring a smoother move.

Sirelo helps you compare and select the right company to ship to New Zealand. Our database features verified company profiles, locations, services, certifications, and real customer reviews, making it easy to find a mover that fits your budget and needs.

Free Quotes for Shipping Household Goods to New Zealand

Find the cheapest way to ship to New Zealand by comparing quotes from international moving companies. Fill out the form and receive up to five free quotes in your inbox, no strings attached.

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Shipping Household Goods to New Zealand

The average cost of shipping furniture to New Zealand from the US ranges from $6,500 to $20,000 for a 1-bedroom house and $12,000 to $37,000 for a 3-bedroom house.

Calculate the volume of your household goods shipping to New Zealand below:

Car Shipping From USA to NZ Costs

Shipping a car from the USA to New Zealand in 2025 typically ranges from $2,000 to $7,000, depending on factors like departure port, shipping method, and vehicle specifications.

Car Shipping Methods

  • Shared Container Shipping: Multiple vehicles share one container. Costs start at $2,000, and the transit time is approximately 25-30 days. Great for standard vehicles.
  • Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): Vehicles are driven onto the ship and secured for transport. More affordable than container shipping, but not available for all destinations.
  • Air Freight: Fastest shipping with 3-10 days, but costs range from $12,000 to $18,000. Best for high-value or urgent shipments.

Estimated Car Shipping Costs to New Zealand

Additional costs are a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15%, applied to the vehicle’s value. If your vehicle doesn’t meet NZTA standards, modifications might be necessary. After importing, register and license your vehicle and comply with the Clean Car Standard.

Departure Port20ft Container Cost
New York$ 16,000 – $ 22,000
Chicago$ 20,000 – $ 26,000
Los Angeles$ 9,000 – $ 13,000
Houston$ 15,000 – $ 21,000
Seattle$ 9,000 – $ 14,000
Miami$ 16,000 – $ 22,000

These car shipping rates from USA to NZ are estimates and can vary based on vehicle size, shipping method, and additional services.

Shipping a Motorcycle From USA to New Zealand

Shipping a motorcycle from the USA to New Zealand typically costs between $750 and $4,250, depending on size, shipping method, and destination port. These price ranges do not include pickup, import fees (around $350), and cargo damage protection.

When shipping a motorcycle from USA to New Zealand, add 15% GST of the purchase price to the quoted price. Upon arrival, NZTA and MPI inspections are required for safety and biosecurity compliance. You’ll also need a Temporary Registration and Warrant of Fitness (WoF).

Frequently asked questions

How Much to Ship to New Zealand?

Is It Worth Shipping Furniture to New Zealand?

What Is the Best Way to Ship to New Zealand?

How Long Does Shipping a Container to New Zealand Take?

What Items Are Prohibited From Being Imported into New Zealand?

What Items Require a Special Permit to Import into NZ?