Moving to New Zealand offers an exceptional quality of life, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a peaceful environment ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Whether you’re relocating for work, education, or lifestyle, New Zealand is known for its safety, clean environment, and strong work–life balance.
At A1 Relocations, we ensure your international move to New Zealand is smooth, efficient, and stress-free, from expert packing and secure shipping to full customs assistance and final delivery to your new home.
🌏 Why Move to New Zealand?
New Zealand is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable countries. Cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch offer modern infrastructure, stable job markets, and easy access to nature.
Key highlights:
- English-speaking, multicultural society
- World-class outdoor lifestyle (mountains, beaches, national parks)
- High-quality healthcare and education systems
- Safe, peaceful environment ideal for families
- Strong work–life balance focus
- Skilled worker opportunities with various visa pathways
Whether you prefer vibrant city life or calm coastal towns, New Zealand offers a welcoming environment for newcomers.
💰 Cost of Living in New Zealand
Cost of living varies depending on the city, with Auckland and Wellington being more expensive, while Christchurch and Dunedin offer more affordable options.
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1-bedroom, city center) | 1,300–2,000 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | 140–220 |
| Groceries & dining out | 450–700 |
| Public transport | 100–180 |
| Private healthcare visit | 45–90 |
Employers often provide relocation packages or housing allowances for expatriates.
🏡 Housing & Neighborhoods
New Zealand offers a mix of modern apartments, townhouses, and standalone homes.
Auckland – The country’s largest city; diverse neighborhoods, coastal lifestyle.
Wellington – Political and cultural capital; creative, compact, and scenic.
Christchurch – Affordable, family-friendly, and rapidly developing.
Hamilton – Ideal for families, growing tech and education sectors.
Queenstown – Picturesque resort town with tourism and hospitality opportunities.
A1 Relocations coordinates safe and timely delivery of your belongings directly to your new home.
📦 Importing used household goods and personal effects & Customs Regulations
Importing used household goods and personal effects into New Zealand requires specific documentation and strict adherence to biosecurity regulations. A1 Relocations will guide you through each step to avoid delays, inspections, or additional charges.
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) – Provided by A1 Relocations
- Treatment / cleaning certificates (if applicable)
- CITES permit (if applicable)
- Detailed inventory (valued, in English)
- Prescriptions for any medicines
- MPI supplementary declaration form (if applicable)
- Unaccompanied personal baggage declaration
- Wine collection list + proof of collection history
- Receipts for newly purchased items
- Residence visa / permit (if applicable)
- Work visa / permit (minimum 12 months)
- Visitor visa issued for at least 3 years
- Trade Single Window client registration (if applicable)
⚠️ Important Customs Information
Duty-Free Eligibility
Household goods can be imported duty-free if the shipper has arrived in New Zealand and holds ONE of the following:
- New Zealand / Australian passport
- NZ residence visa or returning resident visa
- NZ work visa issued for minimum 12 months
- Permanent resident visa
- Australian returning resident visa
- Visitor permit issued for at least 3 years
Dutiable Items
If not eligible for duty-free entry, the following rules apply:
- Duty: 5% on household goods (furniture, some electronics, kitchenware)
- GST: 15% on the landed value (cost + freight + insurance + duty)
- Total payable = Duty + GST
Duty-free items: Personal jewelry, books, clothing.
🪵 Wood Packaging & ISPM 15 Compliance
All wooden crates, pallets, and timber packaging must be ISPM 15 compliant.
Non-compliant materials may be:
- Destroyed
- Treated
- Re-exported
All at the owner’s expense.
🛂 Arrival Requirements
The owner must be in New Zealand at the time the shipment arrives.
If not:
- Duty/GST will be charged even if the goods would normally qualify for concession.
- Payments cannot be refunded later, even if a qualifying visa is obtained afterward.
🧪 MPI Quarantine — Biosecurity Screening
Almost all shipments are inspected by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Common items of biosecurity concern include:
- Food of any kind
- Animal products: meat, dairy, eggs, honey, skins, feathers, ivory, coral
- Plant items: seeds, bulbs, flowers, dried fruit, wooden ornaments
- Outdoor equipment: camping gear, tents, BBQs, hiking boots
- Sporting equipment: golf shoes, bicycles, water gear
- Tools/equipment: gardening tools, fishing gear, pet equipment
- Vacuum cleaners
- Christmas, Easter decorations
- Pooja items
Some items may require cleaning, fumigation, or destruction.
We strongly recommend thoroughly cleaning anything that may have been exposed to:
- soil
- grass
- Water
- vegetation
- insects
- animals
🏛️ Inherited Goods
Permanent residents of New Zealand may import inherited goods duty-free with:
- Death certificate OR letter from a solicitor
- Will OR certified extract naming the beneficiary
🧳 Moving to New Zealand: What to Expect
- Transit time:
- Sea freight: 3–5 weeks from Asia
- Air freight: 5–7 days
- Customs clearance:
- 7–14 days depending on inspection requirements
- 7–14 days depending on inspection requirements
- A1 Relocations Services:
- Door-to-door international moving
- Professional export packing
- Short- & long-term storage
- Customs and MPI clearance assistance
- Final delivery and unpacking
🌴 Life in New Zealand
Life in New Zealand is calm, balanced, and nature-focused. Residents enjoy:
- Hiking, skiing, beaches, cycling
- Clean, safe communities
- Strong education system
- English-speaking environment
- Friendly locals and multicultural society
It is an ideal destination for families and professionals seeking long-term stability.
✈️ Move to New Zealand with Confidence
A1 Relocations ensures a seamless transition from your home country to New Zealand. Our experienced team handles every detail — ensuring your belongings arrive safely, all customs procedures are managed correctly, and your relocation experience is smooth and stress-free.
📞 Contact Us
Ready to relocate to New Zealand?
Get in touch with A1 Relocations today for expert guidance and a personalized moving plan.
A1 Relocations – Making Your Move to New Zealand Effortless.
