❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Shipping Your Vehicle to New Zealand

Welcome to the FAQ hub for all things related to shipping your vehicle from Australia to New Zealand with Willship. If you can't find an answer below, feel free to contact our team directly or head back to the Complete Shipping Guide.

🔄 1. Why are so many different documents required? What’s the difference between Customs Clearance and Compliance?

Customs Clearance and Compliance are two entirely separate processes:

Customs clearance happens first and ensures your vehicle is legally allowed to enter NZ. If you're applying for the GST exemption, you'll need to provide documents proving your eligibility.
Compliance occurs after your vehicle has cleared Customs. This process ensures your car meets NZ road safety and emissions standards.

Compliance requires a physical original registration certificate. If you no longer have the original, you can request a digital version from the transport authority and forward it to your compliance inspector.

🇳🇿 2. What are the criteria for the NZ GST exemption?

To qualify for the GST exemption:

You must be a first-time immigrant or a returning New Zealand citizen
You must have lived outside of NZ for at least 21 consecutive months
You must have owned and used the vehicle in your personal name for 12+ months before shipping
You must be physically in NZ before the vehicle arrives
You must agree not to sell the vehicle for 2 years after import

✅ If you meet these conditions, you won’t pay the 15% import GST.

More about GST exemption here →

🚗 3. What is the process for shipping my vehicle?

The process is made simple in four main stages:

Confirm your vehicle meets compliance requirements
Receive a quote, calculate your total costs and confirm booking
Select a sailing and deliver your vehicle
Vehicle is shipped, clears Customs, undergoes compliance, then is registered

Full process video walkthrough →

⏱️ 4. How long does the process take?

Estimated timeline:

Shipping: 5–14 days (East Coast), up to 30 days (from Fremantle)
Customs & Biosecurity Clearance: 2–5 business days
Compliance & Registration: 3–5 business days

🕓 Total turnaround:

East Coast to Auckland: 3–5 weeks
West Coast to Auckland: 4–7 weeks

🌏 5. Can I take my vehicle on a short trip and bring it back?

Yes – but only under specific conditions:

You may be able to use a Carnet (like a passport for your vehicle)
A carnet allows you to use your vehicle in NZ without full importation
Great for stays over 6 months, not cost-effective for short holidays

For anything short-term, we recommend renting a vehicle once in NZ.

Click here to learn more about carnets and temporary imports to New Zealand

📦 6. Can I leave personal items in the vehicle?

Depends on the shipping method:

Roll-On Roll-Off: Vehicle must be empty of personal items
Container Shipping: You can load personal belongings inside the vehicle

Note: Space around the car in a 20ft container is limited, so use the interior of the car wisely.

🧾 7. Does my vehicle’s registration need to be current?

No – your vehicle does not need to be currently registered. You're welcome to cancel your rego prior to handover. Returning the licence plates is technically recommended, but there are no known consequences if you don’t.

🔒 8. Should I take out Transit Insurance?

Highly recommended!

Cost: 1.75% of declared vehicle value (minimum $455 AUD)
Excess: $500 AUD
Coverage: From handover to final delivery in NZ

While damage is rare, issues like dents, mould, or water ingress have happened. Out of thousands of vehicles shipped annually, we only see 1–2 claims.

Transit insurance details →