💡 Step 2: Understanding the Full Costs of Shipping

Shipping a vehicle involves more than just freight. The total cost can vary depending on your vehicle, location, and personal circumstances — this page gives you a clear overview of everything that may be involved.

🚢 Shipping Method

There are two main shipping methods. Please refer to your original quote to confirm which method you’d like to select for your shipment.

• Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo):

The most cost-effective method. Your vehicle is driven onto a secure, covered deck (like a floating underground car park).

⚠️ RoRo requires the vehicle to be completely empty of any personal items.

• Container Shipping:

A higher-cost option that allows you to include personal or household items inside the vehicle. Best for relocations or combined shipments.

📦 Want to compare RoRo and container shipping in more detail? Click here to learn more and view example photos.

✅ What’s Included in Your Quote

• Local Australian port charges
• Vehicle collection and delivery to port (within 25km — extra charges apply outside this zone)
• Ocean freight from Australia to New Zealand
• Port charges in Australia and NZ
• Customs and quarantine clearance (if the vehicle passes its initial inspection)
• Basic vehicle delivery in NZ (within 20km of port — usually to a compliance centre)

🔍 What’s Not Included in Your Quote

• Transit insurance (optional but recommended) - Learn more here
• Cleaning and re-inspection if the vehicle fails quarantine - Learn more here
• NZ import taxes/duties (unless exempt) - Learn more here
• NZ compliance and registration - Learn more here
• Clean Car Standard Fee (based on emissions, paid directly to NZTA) - Learn more here

💸 Summary of All Potential Costs

This table outlines every cost that may apply. Some are fixed, others depend on your vehicle or situation. Please refer to your quote for confirmed freight and admin charges.

🧮 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.

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

🧮 How to Work Out Your Grand Total

To estimate your total shipping cost, simply add up all of the applicable charges from the list above. Here’s a step-by-step example using real figures to help guide you through it:

✅ Step-by-Step Example

1. Freight (as per your quote)

→ AUD $2,595

This includes your shipping cost and admin fee

2. Transit Insurance (optional but recommended)

→ 1.75% of the vehicle’s value + freight (minimum AUD $455)

Example: AUD $455

3. Import GST (15%)

→ Only applicable if you are not exempt

Most private individuals are eligible for exemption – check here

4. Biosecurity Cleaning (only if the vehicle fails inspection)

→ Usually NZD $700+

5. NZ Compliance

→ NZD $800–$1,200 depending on the vehicle and location

Example: NZD $840

6. NZ Registration

→ NZD $130–$300 (paid directly to NZTA)

Example: NZD $200

7. Clean Car Fee / Credit

→ Based on your vehicle’s emissions

→ Check the NZTA spreadsheet

Example: NZD $1,265 fee (if applicable)

8. Other Possible Costs

→ If needed for compliance (e.g. tyres, brakes, or fumigation)

Varies depending on condition

✅ Then: Add It All Up

✏️ Write down the amounts that apply to your situation and add them together to estimate your total shipping cost.

This gives you a clear picture of your expected costs — without needing to bounce between multiple pages or tools.

✅ Estimated Total Shipping Cost (Example)

💡 Note: Final costs will vary depending on your vehicle, your eligibility for exemptions, and the condition of your car.

➡️ Next Step → Step 3: Vehicle Compliance & Eligibility

⬅️ Back to Step 1: Watch the Full Video

🚀 Quick Navigation

📚 Optional Topics & Helpful Info

🚘 Comparing Australian vs. New Zealand Vehicle Values

📦 Additional Guides

✅ Master Checklist