The short answer
Most cars, utes, 4WDs, caravans and motorhomes to New Zealand go RoRo (roll-on roll-off): driven onto the ship, lashed down and driven off at the other end. Containers suit prestige, new and classic vehicles, two vehicles sharing one box, and routes where RoRo isn't the best fit.
| RoRo | Container | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's loaded | Driven on and off the ship at the port | Secured inside a sealed 20 ft or 40 ft container |
| Best for | Everyday cars, utes, 4WDs, caravans, motorhomes and machinery | Prestige, new and classic vehicles; two vehicles together |
| Shipping lines we book | MOL and Toyo Fuji | OOCL, Maersk and Evergreen |
| How it's priced | Cars up to 20 m³ at one price each; caravans and motorhomes on volume, 50 m³ minimum | Per container. 40 ft and 40 ft high cube are the same price |
| To New Zealand | Weekly from Brisbane, Port Kembla and Melbourne | From every major Australian port |
| Personal items | Ask before you pack anything. Carrier and destination rules differ. See what to leave in your vehicle. | |
When we recommend a container
- High-value, new or prestige vehicles, which we ship in containers every week.
- Classic cars you'd rather keep sealed away.
- Two vehicles going to the same place, sharing one container.
- Routes overseas where container services suit better than RoRo.
Not sure?
Send Nick the make, model and where it's going, and we'll tell you which works out better for that vehicle. Or price it now: get a price, or read about container shipping and RoRo car shipping to New Zealand.
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RoRo and container questions
Is RoRo safe for my car?
Yes. RoRo ships are built to carry vehicles: each one is driven on, parked and lashed to the deck. Arrange marine transit insurance either way, as the shipping line's liability is limited.
Can my car go in a container to New Zealand?
Yes. Containers suit prestige, new and classic vehicles. Ask for a price with the make and model and we'll compare it with RoRo.
Do 40 ft and 40 ft high cube containers cost the same?
With us, yes. They're priced the same, so a high cube gives you extra height at no extra cost.
Which is cheaper?
For a single standard car to New Zealand, usually RoRo. A container can work out well when two vehicles share one, or when the vehicle needs the extra protection.