Moving to New Zealand from Australia? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re moving to New Zealand from Australia, this guide will help you understand exactly how to prepare, pack, and clear customs without unnecessary delays or fees. Whether you’re relocating permanently, moving on a work visa, or returning home, OSS World Wide Movers can manage your international removals to New Zealand with complete confidence.
Relocating to New Zealand from Australia is common under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, but that doesn’t mean it’s without red tape. From MPI declarations to restricted items, this quickstart guide covers everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and compliant shipment of your personal belongings.
Who can bring their belongings to New Zealand duty-free?
Australians and other eligible individuals can import used personal effects and household goods duty-free, provided the following criteria are met:
Permanent or long-term visa holders (NZ or Australian passport holders, or valid residence/work visa holders)
- You must have lived outside New Zealand for at least 21 consecutive months and personally owned and used the goods before departing for NZ.
- Goods must be for personal use only. No resale, gifting or disposal allowed.
Diplomats
- Require a signed declaration by the consulate and complete customs forms.
- Personal effects and official-use items are generally exempt from duty/tax if deemed reasonable.
Essential Paperwork You’ll Need With You
To gain duty-free entry and avoid delays, the following documents must be submitted:
- Inventory of goods
- MPI Personal Effects Supplementary Declaration
- Unaccompanied Personal Baggage Declaration (NZCS218) and Supplementary (NZCS218A)
- Copy of passport (identification page and visa if applicable)
- Proof of eligibility for residence (e.g. NZ/Australian passport, residence/work/long-term visitor visa)
- Purchase receipts (for any new items or vehicles)
Important
Ensure all documents are submitted to OSS well before your shipment departs to streamline customs and MPI inspection.
Getting Cleared at the Border – What to do Step by Step
Complete all required declarations and supply documents to OSS prior to packing.
OSS will submit your shipment to MPI for quarantine and customs inspection.
Your container will be unloaded at an MPI-approved transitional facility – direct delivery is not permitted.
Once cleared by MPI and NZ Customs, OSS will deliver to your address.
Important
Nearly all shipments are physically inspected. Grouping and labelling similar items (e.g. books, tools, sporting goods) speeds up inspection.
What Items Are Restricted or Banned When Moving to New Zealand?
New Zealand has strict import rules. Here’s what to look out for when moving to New Zealand
| Item | Rules | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
|
New items, gifts, furniture |
May incur GST (15%) |
Receipts required. Subject to Customs valuation |
| Motor Vehicles | Duty-free if owned/used 12+ months and not sold for 24 months | Must pass NZTA safety & emissions standards |
| Pets (dogs & cats) | Require Import Permit and health certificates | Some breeds are prohibited. Quarantine may apply |
| Food, plant & animal products | Most are restricted or prohibited | DO NOT include meat, dairy, honey, popcorn, or untreated seeds |
| Firearms | Require a permit and a NZ firearms licence | Prohibited without prior approval from NZ Police |
| Tobacco | Prohibited without prior permit |
No duty-free allowance. It will be destroyed if no permit is held
|
| Prohibited items | Narcotics, pornography, certain weapons, ivory, and endangered species products | Will be confiscated and may incur fines |
| Wood packaging | Must meet the ISPM 15 standard | Non-compliance results in treatment, destruction or re-export |
Fees You Might Still Pay After Importing Your Goods to New Zealand
New or unused goods: May attract 15% GST
Vehicles (non-qualifying): GST applies based on CIF value (no duty unless motorhome)
Storage, inspections or re-treatments: Costs apply for non-compliant wood, dirty vehicles, or flagged biosecurity issues
Clean Car Standard: May result in extra costs for newly registered vehicles based on CO₂ emissions
Pre-Move Checklist for People Moving from Australia to New Zealand
Before moving from Australia to NZ, ensure you’ve ticked off all the critical steps
Book OSS World Wide Movers 4-8 weeks in advance and prepare documentation
Complete MPI and Customs forms before packing
Clean vehicles thoroughly to avoid MPI re-cleaning orders
Confirm your visa and residential status match duty-free import eligibility
For pets, apply for permits and vaccinations early
Vehicles must pass NZTA compliance checks before use on NZ roads
Make The Move To New Zealand From Australia With OSS
Whether you’re moving to New Zealand from Australia for work, family, or a fresh start, OSS World Wide Movers is here to make your transition seamless. With decades of experience in international removals to New Zealand, we handle everything from customs paperwork and inspections to safe delivery of your goods to your new Kiwi home.
Get in touch today and let OSS take the stress out of your move.