Checked against official sources on 11 November 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the details for your shipment when you book.
The short answer
Shipping a car, ute, van or 4WD up to 20 m³ from Australia to New Zealand costs AUD 3,500 all-in with us on a weekly RoRo sailing. On top of that comes NZ GST (unless you qualify for the concession for people moving to NZ), then entry certification, the Clean Car Standard and registration in New Zealand.
Every cost, and who sets it
| Cost | What it covers | How much |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping (us) | Sea freight, Australian port and export charges, NZ port charges, customs entry, MPI fees, collection within 50 km of the port and delivery to a compliance yard in NZ. | AUD 3,500 per vehicle up to 20 m³ |
| NZ GST | 15% of the car's value plus freight and insurance. Waived if you qualify for the NZ Customs concession. | NZD 4,703 on a car worth AUD 25,000. Nil with the concession. |
| NZ duty | Cars and utes carry no customs duty into New Zealand. | Nil |
| MPI cleaning | Only if the car fails its first biosecurity inspection. | Avoidable: clean it before collection |
| Entry certification | The NZ compliance check, done by a certifier you choose. | Set by the certifier, more if repairs are needed |
| Clean Car Standard | A charge or credit based on the car's CO2 emissions, applied before it can be registered. | Depends on the car; NZTA works it out |
| Registration and licence | NZ plates and the first licence (rego). | NZTA fees, paid when it's registered |
| Marine insurance | Cover while it's at sea. We don't sell it, but we recommend it. | Ask your insurer for a quote |
| Cartage beyond 50 km | If the car is further than 50 km from the load port. | Quoted when you book |
Worked example: a family SUV worth AUD 25,000
- Shipping from Brisbane, Port Kembla, Melbourne, Adelaide or Fremantle to Auckland: AUD 3,500.
- NZ GST if you don't qualify for the concession: about NZD 4,703 (worked out in NZ dollars at about NZD 1.10 to the Australian dollar).
- Total before compliance and registration: about AUD 3,500 plus NZD 4,703 without the concession, or AUD 3,500 with it.
On a car like this, the GST concession is worth more than the shipping. Tick the quick GST checklist in the quote box below, or work out your own numbers with the NZ GST and duty calculator.
Check it will comply before you pay for shipping
Cars that lack electronic stability control, or whose ADR plate date is below the NZ emissions standard, can only be complied under the immigrant's vehicle exemption. Our one-minute compliance checker shows where your car stands.
Five ways to keep the total down
- Check the GST concession first: it can save thousands. The conditions are here.
- Clean inside, outside and underneath before collection, so it passes MPI first time.
- Book from the port nearest the car. Collection within 50 km of the port is already included.
- Leave the car empty. Personal items can't travel in a RoRo car.
- Get the paperwork ready early: registration papers, proof of purchase and your passport. Pre-shipment checklist.
Just want the shipping price by port? See car shipping costs from Australia to NZ.
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Common questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to New Zealand in 2026?
With us, AUD 3,500 all-in for a car, ute, van or 4WD up to 20 m³, from Brisbane, Port Kembla, Melbourne, Adelaide or Fremantle. NZ GST, compliance and registration are on top.
Is the price in Australian dollars?
Yes. The shipping price is in AUD and includes the NZ port, customs and MPI fees. NZ GST, if you pay it, is charged by NZ Customs in NZ dollars.
Why does the price on this page change?
It's read from our live rate card, the same one the quote box uses, so it's always today's price. A quote you receive is valid for 14 days.