We’re your specialists for moving to Australia

Moving to Australia

As well as branches across New Zealand, we have branches throughout Australia in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Townsville. Wherever you’re moving to in Australia, we have the country covered. Whether you’re moving a few items or the entire contents of your home, we can tailor a service to move you door-to-door.

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What kind of move are you doing?

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Moving To Australia

Why choose us to move to Australia?

We make moving to Australia easy, as we coordinate the move internally, so you’re always dealing with us at every stage. Plus, we’ve got the latest information about Australian border control regulations for customs, quarantine and CITES. We have the experience, expertise and infrastructure to make your move to Australia a pleasurable event. So, if you’re returning to Australia or moving there for the first time, contact us for a great Trans-Tasman service at competitive rates.

Economy sea freight to Australia

We provide Economy Container Sea Freight services to Australia. This is where your goods are loaded into a shared container with other peoples goods and you only pay for the space your goods take up. With a shared container it is not always possible to advise shipping dates as they are subject to a container being filled with other peoples goods. We can provide you with an estimated door to door transit time based on historic activity. However, your shipment may arrive sooner or later depending on the level of market demand to your destination at the time.

How much does it cost to move to Australia?

Any international move is expensive, but Australia is by far the most affordable for New Zealanders, which is why it’s such a popular destination. You should plan and budget for your move carefully. We can give you an accurate quote once we have the details for your move. We’ll need to know the following:

  • Where are you moving from in New Zealand, and where are you moving to in Australia?
  • How many belongings do you need to move, i.e. your full household or just a few items?
  • Do you have any items that require special handling, i.e. a piano?
  • When are you planning to move to Australia?
  • Do you require packing services for your furniture and boxes?
  • Are you planning to transport your car with your belongings?
  • Will you need short or long-term storage?
  • Will you want to add moving insurance for peace of mind?

CITES regulations

Australia has strict requirements for importing household items that contain CITES species.
Common CITES items found in household moves include.

  • elephant ivory (eq piano keys)
  • rosewood furniture
  • hunting trophies (eq animal mounts, floor rungs)
  • wildlife souvenirs (eq corals, some shells, animal skulls)
  • handbags or shoes made from crocodile or snake.

If the household lot contains CITES species you will need to obtain CITES permits before sending the items to Australia. Learn More.

Australian customs regulations

When moving goods to Australia, it is important to know that your goods must be cleared for entry by the Australian Customs Service. We will undertake this formality on your behalf as part of our service. You are required to provide a copy of your passport and complete an Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (B534). We will submit these documents to Customs along with your inventory of goods being shipped.
 
As a general rule, you are able to import your used personal effects and household goods into Australia without having to pay customs duty and tax, provided you meet the following criteria:
  • The goods are your personal property, and you have owned and used them in New Zealand for at least 12 months before moving to Australia.
  • You are an arriving person who is a permanent resident returning to Australia or a first-time migrant taking up permanent residency.
  • You can also import inherited goods without paying duty or tax, provided you can show proof that the goods have been willed or given to you as part of the estate of a person who has passed away.
If you include any alcohol or tobacco products in your shipment, you will have to pay import duty and tax on them. There are also very tight controls on prohibited and restricted goods. Please be aware that some goods are prohibited, while others may require special permits for importation.
It is important to be fully aware of the requirements, so visit Australian Customs to obtain up-to-date, detailed information.

Australian quarantine regulations

Like New Zealand, biosecurity is vitally important to Australia, as the country is more reliant on agriculture and its unique natural environment than any other developed country. Australia’s indigenous flora and fauna are precious to Australians and tourists alike. Australia has unique native species that are a core part of the natural heritage and culture, and Australians pride themselves on enjoying high standards for agricultural products, lifestyle and wellbeing.
 
Unfortunately, the importation of personal effects can create a pathway for the introduction of unwanted pests and diseases. As a result, there are very strict controls put in place by the Department of Agriculture. All shipments of household goods and personal effects entering Australia are subject to a quarantine inspection before they can be released and allowed entry into Australia. We will undertake this inspection and release process on your behalf as part of our service. In order to do so, we will need you to complete an Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (B534). We will submit this to quarantine along with the inventory being shipped.
 
SPECIAL NOTE: We do not charge quarantine inspection fees on shipments upon arrival in Australia.
 
Most households will have a number of common items of quarantine concern that must be declared. In some instances, certain items may require some form of treatment before they are released for entry, and some may even be destroyed or ordered to be re-exported.
 
It is important to be fully aware of the requirements, so visit the Department of Agriculture to obtain up-to-date, detailed information.
 
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
During the period of 1 September to 30 April, any shipment containing commercial goods, vehicles and other high-risk items from countries identified as having Brown Marmorates Stink Bug risk will be subject to further quarantine treatment. Follow the link to see the latest advice from the Department of Agriculture.
 
Khapra Beetle
Considered the number two National Priority Plant Pest, the Khapra Beetle is a highly invasive pest not present in Australia. It poses a major threat to Australia’s grain industry. To prevent the arrival of the Khapra Beetle, the Department of Agriculture is banning the importation of high-risk plant products. This includes many common household food items. As a result, we highly recommend excluding food from all shipments. Follow the link to see the latest advice from the Department of Agriculture.

Shipping your vehicle to Australia

The importation of motor vehicles and motorcycles into Australia is highly regulated, and as such, there are a number of requirements you need to be aware of over and above our shipping services.
 
Australia allows the importation of motor vehicles and motorcycles, provided they meet applicable safety and emissions requirements. You must also have acceptable proof of entitlement to the vehicle and standards of compliance at origin. Please visit the Department of Infrastructure website, where you will find the most up-to-date information. It is critical that you ensure your vehicle meets the requirements before considering shipping to Australia. Please visit their website, where you will find the most current information.
Upon arrival in Australia, all motor vehicles and motorcycles will need to be cleared with Australian Customs. Depending on your residential status and length of ownership of your vehicle, you may be able to import it free of GST. Please visit their website, where you will find detailed information.
 
All motor vehicles and motorcycles will require a physical internal and external biosecurity inspection upon arrival in Australia by the Department of Agriculture to ensure they are clean and free of any quarantine-risk material. This is a service that we will arrange for you as part of our process. However, if any risk material is found in or on your motor vehicle, motorcycle, or trailer, then additional cleaning services may be required and incur additional expenses.
All motor vehicles require a border structural inspection in order to check for any structural and water damage, verify the particulars of the vehicle, including make, model, VIN or chasis, and check the odometer reading. This will be conducted by Independent Verification Services Limited (IVS), and the results will be submitted to Australian Customs.
 
Next, all motor vehicles and motorcycles must undergo an Australian Design Rule (ADR) with an entry certifier to verify and certify that they meet safety and emission standards, check that they are in good condition, decide if they need any repairs or specialist certification, and arrange state and territory registration authorities.

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