Checked against official sources on 9 October 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the details for your shipment when you book.
What MPI checks
Under MPI's import health standard, a vehicle must be free of contamination inside and out. There is nil tolerance for live insects and spiders, animal material, standing water, embedded fungi, seeds and fresh plant material. Only a few loose dead leaves and a tiny amount of soil are allowed before a vehicle is held for cleaning or treatment, at the owner's cost.
Outside
- Underneath: wash the chassis, A-frame, axles, suspension and inside the wheel arches with a pressure washer. This is where most soil hides.
- Wheels and tyres, including the spare and its mount.
- Awning: open it fully, clean it and let it dry before rolling it up. Check the awning rail and arms for spiders and egg sacs.
- Roof, hatches and air conditioner covers: leaves and seeds collect here.
- Gas bottle and battery compartments, front boxes, toolboxes and the drawbar.
- Bike racks, jerry can holders, steps and any hitch accessories.
Inside
- Empty and drain the fresh water tanks, grey water tank, hot water system and toilet cassette, and leave them dry. Standing water is an automatic fail.
- Empty the fridge and pantry. Remove all food.
- Vacuum carpets, under the seats and beds, and inside cupboards and storage hatches.
- Remove firewood, plants, soil-covered outdoor mats, fishing gear and anything stored with dirt on it.
- Check window tracks, door seals and vents for insects and webs.
Ask us before leaving anything else inside. Shipping lines restrict loose items in RoRo cargo, and every item is part of the MPI inspection.
Stink bug season
From 1 September to 30 April, New Zealand applies extra measures for brown marmorated stink bug to vehicles from risk countries such as the USA, Canada, much of Europe and Japan. Australia is not a risk country, so a caravan shipped from Australia does not need stink bug treatment. During the season, a ship that called at a risk country earlier in its voyage can have extra checks on arrival in New Zealand. That is handled between the shipping line and MPI, but it can add a day or two.
Fees
MPI charges a per-vehicle inspection fee for vehicles arriving on a car carrier, for example around NZ$100 for a vehicle under 3,500 kg. With Phoenix Shipping this fee is already included in the New Zealand local charges on your quote. Re-inspection, cleaning and treatment of a contaminated vehicle are charged extra, which is why cleaning properly before it ships pays for itself.
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Common questions
What happens if my caravan fails MPI inspection?
It is held at the port and cleaned or treated by an approved provider at your cost, then re-inspected. That adds cost and usually a few days before you can collect it.
Do I need to drain the water tanks before shipping to NZ?
Yes. Standing water has nil tolerance, so drain the fresh, grey and hot water systems and the toilet cassette and leave them dry.
Does stink bug season affect caravans from Australia?
Australia is not a risk country, so a caravan shipped from Australia does not need stink bug treatment. A ship that called at a risk country earlier in its voyage can have extra checks on arrival, which can add a little time.