🇳🇿 Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to New Zealand, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in New Zealand at a glance?
• Flag: 🇳🇿
• Population: ~5.3 million (national, 2025)
• Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD) — Prices are usually compared internationally in USD.
• Average salary: around NZD 75,000 per year (~USD 44,000)
• Live NZD ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates (Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa, 2025; IMF, 2025; Reserve Bank of New Zealand ; XE, 2025 )
Reviewed by Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa, June 2025; Reserve Bank of New Zealand, last updated July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to New Zealand?
The cost of moving to New Zealand depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~5–8 weeks | USD 2,500–3,200 (≈ EUR 2,300–2,950) for a 20-ft FCL from Europe/USA to New Zealand — BR LOGISTICS |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~5–8 weeks | USD 4,200–6,800 (≈ EUR 3,900–6,200) depending on origin & route — BR LOGISTICS +1 |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~6–12 days | Typically much more expensive; often several thousand USD depending on urgency & distance (not enough public data for a stable benchmark) |
| Customs & duties fees | — | New Zealand import duty rates range from 0–10% on CIF value, plus 15% GST applied on the import value including duty & shipping costs — DHL +1 |
Reviewed by Freight & Logistics market sources & New Zealand customs/tax guides, last updated mid-2025.
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case: “I moved to Auckland in April 2025 with about 25 cubic meters of personal belongings using a 40ft container from Los Angeles. The total cost—including door-to-door pick-up, sea freight, and delivery to my apartment in central Auckland—was around USD 5,400. The relocation company in New Zealand handled customs clearance at the Port of Auckland and arranged final delivery despite traffic congestion and narrow access roads in the city.”
— Lucía M., moved in April 2025
Importantly, many people moving to New Zealand choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Tauranga. These cities combine strong infrastructure, diverse job markets, and vibrant expat communities.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to New Zealand, you may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods under New Zealand Customs Service rules. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 12 months prior to shipment.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months of your arrival in New Zealand.
At customs, present:
- Detailed inventory list of goods
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of prior residence abroad (e.g., rental agreement, utility bills)
⚠️ New items, vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, or commercial goods may be subject to New Zealand’s import duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15%, applied on the customs value including freight and insurance.
Reviewed by New Zealand Customs Service, last updated in mid-2025
What do I need to know about New Zealand visas and residency?
Most foreigners require a visa or residence permit to live in New Zealand. Options include: Work Visa, Student Visa, Partner or Family Visa, Investor or Entrepreneur Visa, and the Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa options after long-term stay.
- Visa categories and eligibility check: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas
- Visa/residence permit application portal (for appointments and documents): https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa
Reviewed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), last updated in June 2025
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence?
Vehicles must comply with New Zealand’s emissions, safety, and biosecurity standards. Import duties, Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15%, and registration fees apply.
Driver’s licences from certain countries with reciprocal agreements (e.g., Australia, the United Kingdom) can be converted directly. Others (e.g., USA, India, China, South Africa) generally require passing a theory and practical driving test before a New Zealand licence is issued.
Reviewed by New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) & New Zealand Customs Service, last updated in July 2025.
How can I bring pets with me to New Zealand?
Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an import permit issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). A valid rabies antibody test may be required depending on the country of origin. Import requirements vary by species, and all pets must arrive through approved entry airports such as Auckland International Airport.
Reviewed by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), last updated in March 2025
How do I open a bank account and get New Zealand’s national identity number (IRD)?
To open a New Zealand bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of address (rental agreement or utility bill)
- Sometimes proof of employment or student enrollment
The IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number is New Zealand’s national tax identification number, required for tax, social security, healthcare, and banking. It is issued by the Inland Revenue (IRD) after you register your residence in New Zealand.
Reviewed by Inland Revenue (IRD) New Zealand, last updated in November 2024
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to New Zealand?
In New Zealand, renting usually requires a bond deposit (normally 4 weeks’ rent) and proof of stable income. Utilities are often not included in the rent.
To rent, you’ll need:
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of income or job/study contract
- IRD number (national tax ID)
To buy property in New Zealand, budget an extra 3–5% for legal fees, stamp duty, and transaction costs.
Top areas for newcomers:
- Auckland (largest city, financial hub, many expats)
- Wellington (capital, cultural and creative industries)
- Christchurch (South Island’s main business and education center)
- Hamilton (affordable inland city, strong job market)
- Tauranga (coastal lifestyle, tourism, expat-friendly)
Reviewed by Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa & New Zealand Real Estate Institute (REINZ), last updated in March 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in New Zealand?
If you’re a tax resident in New Zealand (living more than 183 days per year), you’re generally taxed on worldwide income. Contributions to retirement savings (KiwiSaver) and ACC – Accident Compensation Corporation levies are standard for employees under local contracts.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | Progressive rates: 10.5%–39% depending on income | Non-residents are taxed only on New Zealand-sourced income |
| Social Contributions | Covers retirement (KiwiSaver), public healthcare (funded through taxes), and ACC levies | Employee contributes 3%–10% (KiwiSaver); employer contributes at least 3% |
| Double Tax Treaties | Avoid double taxation | New Zealand has agreements with 40 + countries including Australia, UK, and USA |
Reviewed by Inland Revenue (IRD) New Zealand, last updated in 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Australia and Peru with ReloAdvisor.
