Removals to Australia and New Zealand

These are our longest sea routes, where planning pays off most. Sea freight to Australia usually takes 6 to 12 weeks. New Zealand takes 8 to 12 weeks in a shared container and 6 to 8 weeks in a private one, with air freight at 7 to 14 days. Anything you need in the first month should travel with you or go by air.

Both countries operate strict biosecurity regimes, and this is the single biggest cause of delay. Anything that has touched soil needs cleaning before it is packed: garden tools, bicycles, walking boots, tents, sports equipment. Wooden items, dried plants and cane furniture attract particular attention. Inspection on arrival is routine, not exceptional, and a container held for cleaning costs time and money.

Declare everything. Over-declaring costs you nothing; under-declaring risks penalties and a far longer hold.

Destinations in Australia and New Zealand

• Removals to Australia: Container and part load shipping to Australia, with biosecurity preparation, the B534 and your vehicle approval handled.
• Removals to New Zealand: Shared and private container shipping to New Zealand, 8 to 12 weeks or 6 to 8, with biosecurity and customs handled in your name.

The forms are different; the principle is the same

Australia uses form B534, the Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement, and reads it with your packing list before your container lands to decide how much of your shipment gets inspected. New Zealand runs a similar process. In both cases, a precise, itemised list narrows the inspection, and a vague one invites a thorough look.

Cars need approval before they sail.

Australia requires vehicle import approval before the vehicle ships, not before it arrives, and the application can take up to 60 business days. New Zealand requires vehicles to meet its own compliance standards. Either way, start this before you book anything else.