🚌 Shipping a Motorhome to New Zealand

Welcome to the guide for importing a Motorhome from Australia to New Zealand. This page covers everything you need to know including the shipping process, compliance requirements, what can be left inside, import GST, and required documents.

On this page, you’ll find:

✅ A clear overview of the shipping process ✅ What documents you need to provide ✅ What can and can’t be left inside your motorhome ✅ Compliance requirements (including for heavy vehicles) ✅ NZ Import GST — and whether you’re exempt ✅ Clean Car Standard fee info (for vehicles under 3,500kg) ✅ A breakdown of total costs to expect ✅ Helpful links and access to your guided booking form

Let’s get started!

🚢 How Motorhome Shipping Works (Roll-On, Roll-Off)

We ship most motorhomes using the Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) method:

• Your motorhome is driven onto a specialised vessel at the port of departure.
• It travels in a secure, covered area below deck (like a floating parking garage).
• Upon arrival in New Zealand, it's driven off the vessel, and then the motorhome is inspected by a MPI Biosecurity officer, and once released it can be moved to it’s next destination — typically a compliance or testing facility.

✔️ It’s one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to ship oversized vehicles like motorhomes.

🛍️ Costs & What’s Included

Your quote includes:

• Pickup within 30km of the port in Australia (excluding Port Kembla)
• Delivery within 20km of the port in New Zealand (usually to a testing station)
• Shipping between Australia and NZ
• Port fees, customs, and quarantine clearance (pending inspection results)

You’ll need to pay separately for:

• Compliance and WOF (costs depend on the size of the motorhome)
• Registration with NZTA (based on motorhome specs)

💰 How to Estimate Your Total Costs

To help you plan your move confidently, here’s a breakdown of the potential costs involved in shipping your motorhome to New Zealand:

🧮 Landed Value

Landed Value = Purchase Price + Freight + Insurance

Note: The purchase price must be converted to NZD using the New Zealand Customs-appointed exchange rate at the time of import.

📌 If you’ve owned the motorhome for more than 3 months but are not GST-exempt, depreciation may apply and reduce the GST payable.

Additional Charges to Consider:

• Credit Card Surcharges: Some or all transactions may incur a surcharge when paying by credit card.
• Disbursement Fees (New Zealand): A 4% disbursement fee may apply on GST and/or duty payments when the importer does not hold a New Zealand Customs account.
• Road User Charges (New Zealand):

PLEASE NOTE: Road User Charges (RUC) apply to diesel vehicles and must be paid at the time of registration. More information here

✅ Compliance Requirements

Motorhomes are treated similarly to vehicles when it comes to NZ compliance.

• If your motorhome weighs under 3,500kg, it goes through the standard vehicle compliance process - Click here to learn more about compliance.
• If your motorhome weighs over 3,500kg, it must be inspected at a Heavy Vehicle Compliance Facility - Click here to learn more about heavy vehicle compliance.

All compliance centres will assess the motorhome for New Zealand safety and roadworthiness standards. Any aftermarket modifications (cabinetry, structural alterations, etc.) may require further inspection or removal.

🌱 Clean Car Standard (CO₂ Emissions Fee)

Motorhomes are also subject to the Clean Car Standard (CCS) — a one-off CO₂ emissions fee or credit applied by the NZ government prior to compliance.

• Applies to light vehicles only (gross vehicle mass of 3,500kg or less)
• Based on the vehicle’s carbon emissions
• Paid directly to the NZTA before compliance
• The higher the emissions, the greater the fee — some motorhomes may incur a charge in the thousands

If your motorhome exceeds 3,500kg GVM, it’s classified as a heavy vehicle and is not subject to this fee.

👉 For more information, visit the NZ Clean Car Standard page

🚫 What Can Be Left Inside?

RORO shipping is designed for empty cargo, and the motorhome must be accessible for quarantine inspection. However, you are allowed to leave items that are considered part of the motorhome.

Think of it like this: "If I were selling this motorhome to someone, what would I leave inside as part of the sale?"

✅ OK to Leave:

• Bed linen and mattresses
• Built-in cupboards and furnishings
• Kitchenware (cutlery, crockery)
• Fitted or standard camping equipment

🚫 Must Be Removed:

• Personal belongings (clothing, laptops, documents, valuables)
• Boxes of household goods
• Loose electronics not built into the vehicle
• Gas bottles or fire extinguishers

⚠️ If You Leave Items Inside:

• Items are shipped at your own risk
• Shipping lines or port staff may reject the shipment if excess cargo is found
• NZ Customs or MPI may apply additional inspection or cleaning fees

Willship cannot accept liability for any loss, damage, or theft of items left inside during transit.

🌐 Other Important Notes

• The keys must be sent with the Motorhome so all compartments can be accessed
• All loose items must be securely stowed

💸 NZ Import GST - Exemption Criteria

To qualify for GST exemption, you must meet all of the following:

• You are moving to New Zealand permanently (first-time immigrant or returning resident)
• You have lived outside of NZ for at least 21 consecutive months
• You have owned and used the motorhome in your personal name for at least 12 months prior to shipment
• You are the first-time importer of this vehicle into NZ
• The motorhome is intended for your personal use (not resale or business use)
• There is no finance owing on the Motorhome
• You will arrive in NZ around the same time as your motorhome

If you meet these requirements, you will not have to pay any import GST.

🛂 Important:

While these concessions are available under NZ Customs Tariff Ref 80, final approval is at the discretion of NZ Customs.

Exemptions will only be granted if the importer meets all conditions outlined in the official document.

📄 Refer to:

📝 Required Documents if you’re looking to claim the GST Exemption:

• Proof of purchase (invoice or bill of sale)
• Proof of payment (bank transfer, payout letter, or PPSR report)
• Vehicle registration certificate (original or stamped digital copy)
• Passport photo (signed)
• Document proving 12+ months of vehicle ownership (e.g. old rego or insurance doc)
• Completed NZ Customs Number Form (NZCS 224A)
• Completed Vehicle Import Form (NZCS 80C)
• Copy of flight to NZ or date of arrival
• Photos of the vehicle (exterior, VIN plate, odometer, etc.)

💰 NZ Import GST (If Not Exempt)

If you do not meet the above exemption criteria, then 15% GST will be payable on the landed value of your motorhome (purchase price + freight + insurance).

• If you’ve owned the vehicle for more than 3 months, you may be eligible for depreciation to reduce the taxable value.
• You can still proceed with importation, and we’ll assist with the customs clearance process accordingly.

📝 Required documents for GST-payable imports:

• Proof of purchase (invoice or bill of sale)
• Vehicle registration certificate (original or stamped digital copy)
• Signed passport photo
• Completed NZ Customs Number Form (NZCS 224A)

🧼 Pre-Shipment Cleaning – Motorhomes

Motorhomes must be meticulously cleaned both inside and out before shipping to New Zealand. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will inspect the vehicle on arrival, and any contamination may result in delays, extra cleaning fees, or quarantine.

Use this checklist to ensure your motorhome meets NZ biosecurity standards:

✅ Exterior Cleaning

• Wash the entire exterior, including:
• Roof, walls, windows, mirrors, steps, awning, vents
• Undercarriage, wheel wells, suspension, tow bar, storage hatches
• Remove all dirt, dust, mud, grass, leaves, insects, cobwebs, and any plant material
• Use a high-pressure washer for underside and hard-to-reach areas

✅ Interior Cleaning

• Vacuum and wipe down:
• Floors, walls, dashboard, cabinetry, tables, seats, and benches
• Empty and clean all cupboards, drawers, under-seat storage, and compartments
• Remove all food, rubbish, plant material, and personal belongings
• Clean windows, window tracks, door seals, vents, and any appliances (microwaves, fridges, etc.)

✅ Utilities & Storage Areas

• Clean and empty:
• Grey water tank, fresh water tank, toilet cassette (if fitted)
• External gas bottle compartments, storage lockers, battery compartments
• Check for and remove any trapped debris, nesting insects, or signs of contamination

🔍 Commonly Missed Areas

• Roof hatches and around solar panels
• Steps and hinges
• Underside plumbing and wiring
• Behind and underneath the rear bumper
• Storage lockers and access panels

🧾 If your Motorhome fails inspection, it will be ordered for treatment in NZ:

• Basic vacuuming and washing: starts at ~$750 NZD
• More intensive treatment or fumigation: can exceed $1000 NZD
• All charges are payable before the motorhome can be released

👉 We recommend doing your best to clean thoroughly, but also be prepared for the possibility of additional treatment costs upon arrival.

📥 Submit Your Documents & Book Your Shipment

Once you have gathered your documents, please complete the appropriate guided booking form:

👉 Booking Form – GST Exempt

Use this if you meet the full GST exemption criteria.

👉 Booking Form – GST Payable

Use this if you do not meet the GST exemption criteria.

These forms will walk you through everything step by step. You can save your progress and return to them at any time.

🎯 Summary

• Ensure your motorhome meets compliance requirements based on weight
• Ensure you understand whether or not your motorhome is subject to a Clean Car Standard Fee
• Prepare the interior and remove personal effects
• Confirm your GST exemption eligibility or understand what’s required if not
• Gather and upload all required documents
• Complete your booking when ready

🤝 Have Questions?

We’re experts in trailer boat shipping and here to help every step of the way.

If you’d like to speak with our team, just reply to your quote email or call us on (07) 3267 3694.

✨ Why Choose Willship?

• 📈 Industry-leading experience with caravan, motorhome and specialised shipments
• 💼 Transparent pricing and expert guidance
• 🌏 End-to-end support from Australia to New Zealand
• ⭐ Real reviews from hundreds of satisfied clients