Moving a car overseas from New Zealand to Australia

Whether you're a Kiwi relocating to Australia or an Aussie returning home, you may be considering bringing your car with you. With both new and second-hand vehicle supply struggling to keep up with demand, car transportation is becoming an increasingly popular option. There are plenty of benefits to relocating your car, though the process can get complicated if you're unfamiliar with import laws and related regulations.

At Allied, we help thousands of Kiwis relocate themselves and their vehicles to Australia every year, so we know the ins and outs of car relocation. Here's everything you need to know about the benefits of shipping your car to Australia, along with the relevant import laws.

The biggest benefit of relocating your car to Australia from New Zealand is convenience. You won't need to worry about selling your current vehicle or the hassle of buying a new one once you arrive, and you won't be stuck without a car while you look for one either, so you can settle into your new routine more easily.

Being familiar with your existing car, how it drives and what to expect from it, also makes life easier when you're adjusting to a new environment. The sentimental side of relocating with your car shouldn't be overlooked either.

Cars are, of course, a meaningful part of our lives. We invest time, money and attention into looking after them and getting the use out of them, so it's understandable why you'd want to bring it with you on your big move.

If you're bringing your car across the Tasman, you'll first need approval to do so. This comes from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (DITRDCA), processed through their application portal, ROVER. You have to apply for this approval yourself, even if you're using a car transportation service.

Importing your car without approval is a criminal offence and can carry a penalty or prison sentence.

As part of the approval process, you'll need vehicle type approval. There are four types:

• A vehicle type approval (for commercial purposes and those importing multiples of the same vehicle type)
• A concessional Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) entry approval
• A non-RAV entry import approval
• A reimportation import approval

Your car will also be subject to customs regulations, duty costs and other border security requirements, which you can find more detail on via the Australian Border Force website. It will be assessed against the Road Vehicle Standards legislation to confirm it's safe, secure and environmentally sound, and you'll need to have owned it for 12 months or longer.

A Luxury Car Tax applies if your vehicle is worth more than the current threshold, and you'll need a purchase receipt to confirm its value. This threshold is reviewed and adjusted most financial years, so check the current figure on the ATO website rather than relying on an old number. For more on Australia's car import laws and regulations, visit the department's website.

The easiest way to move your car from New Zealand to Australia is through a professional car transportation service, who'll handle the logistics and oversee shipping and customs on your behalf.

The first step is submitting your ROVER application to get import approval. Once submitted, book your car transportation service with a trusted provider like Allied. Vehicle de-registration in New Zealand and re-registration in Australia is usually left to you, though your transportation service can offer some assistance.

You'll likely need to provide your transportation provider with documentation including purchase receipts, a record of any modifications, and registration of ownership to clear shipping. Duty and GST apply to vehicles entering Australia for the first time, while returning Australian vehicles are generally granted an exemption, subject to customs approval.

Depending on your needs, you can arrange vehicle pick-up and drop-off at an additional cost, or drop your vehicle off at the depot yourself. You'll need to hand your car over clean enough to meet Australian quarantine compliance, and your transportation service may require specialised cleaning beforehand. Your fuel tank needs to be close to empty, generally under 20 per cent capacity, and you can't store personal items with your vehicle during transit.

If you use Allied, our depot staff complete a condition check on your vehicle at both ends of the journey. Your car will likely ship in a container alongside household goods to help keep costs down. Most moving experts advise against roll-on/roll-off services, since cars travelling on RORO ships tend to be more exposed to damage.

Some shipping lines, including ANL, have introduced requirements for fully electric vehicles like Tesla and MG ZS EV models to travel in temperature-controlled reefer containers rather than standard ones. This can add to the cost, so it's worth flagging early in the quote process if your vehicle is electric, and confirming current requirements with your shipping provider since carrier policies do shift.

Once your car reaches Australian shores, it goes through Australian Customs, who may request a customs valuation at your expense, typically costing around AU$500 to AU$700. From there, you can arrange collection and get back to enjoying your car.

Timing depends on several factors. According to the department's own guidance, standard non-RAV entry import applications generally take up to 30 business days to assess, though more complex cases can take up to 60. You'll also need to factor in customs clearance time, which varies, and shipping time across the Tasman, which depends on weather, demand and your specific shipping company. It's best to get a firm estimate from your vehicle relocation company directly.

If you're looking for an easy, reliable way to transport your car from New Zealand to Australia, our vehicle transportation service is with you every step of the way, wherever in Australia you're headed. We also offer comprehensive moving insurance to cover vehicles shipped overseas, so you have complete peace of mind throughout your relocation.

Visit our vehicle transportation service page or get in touch to learn more about relocating your car from New Zealand to Australia.

Yes. You need import approval through the ROVER portal before shipping, and importing without it is a criminal offence, even if you're using a transportation service to handle the move.

Standard applications generally take up to 30 business days to assess, though complex cases can take up to 60. Add customs clearance and shipping time on top, which vary by provider and season.

Only if your vehicle's value exceeds the current threshold, which is reviewed most financial years. Check the ATO website for the current figure rather than an old estimate.