Moving to New Zealand from US? Trust DeWitt’s International Experts

Residential & Business Removals from the International Experts

Your US to New Zealand Relocation Starts Here

Relocating across the Pacific presents unique challenges—from New Zealand’s world-renowned biosecurity protocols to the extensive documentation and planning required for international shipping. Since 1927, DeWitt has been simplifying complex moves, which is why individuals and families moving to New Zealand from US rely on our experienced team to manage their entire relocation journey. Our international specialists understand New Zealand customs clearance, MPI inspections, and duty-free eligibility requirements. Whether you’re pursuing job opportunities in Auckland, looking for life balance in Christchurch, or starting a new chapter in Wellington, we’ll create a custom moving solution that protects your belongings and streamlines your transition to your new home.

Relocating Between New Zealand and the US?

Moving between New Zealand and the US involves long distances and plenty of logistics—not to mention New Zealand’s strict import rules.

Look to the international experts at DeWitt Move for safe, easy, and affordable New Zealand removals. With our extensive background in US–New Zealand moves, we can simplify your entire moving experience. Our experts will help ensure all of your belongings make the journey safe and sound. If you’re eligible, we can also assist with the paperwork for securing duty-free clearance of your household goods. And, for relocations to New Zealand, we’ll review your packing list carefully to avoid any issues during Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) inspection.

You’ll enjoy a simple, stress-free experience from start to finish, managed by a single point of contact: your DeWitt Move Worldwide expert. We can assist with moves anywhere in New Zealand, including:

AUCKLAND

CHRISTCHURCH

WELLINGTON

HAMILTON

TAURANGA

Get Your FREE Quote Now

Trust the International Experts for New Zealand Relocations

We Move 15,000 People Worldwide Every Year

Residential Moves

We manage New Zealand removals of all sizes. From one-bedroom condos to multi-room estates, we can create a custom solution for you.

Business Relocations

Relocating a business to or from New Zealand? We can move your team members, business equipment, inventory, and more.

Local Customs Clearance

Our experts will help you assemble all the paperwork for easy, duty-free clearance for your household goods.

Packing & Unpacking

If you’re short on time—or looking for ultimate convenience—our crews can handle the heavy lifting for you.

Secure Storage

If you need extra time to locate the perfect home, we can store your belongings securely until you’re ready for them.

Get Started with a Free Quote

Why Choose DeWitt Move Worldwide for Your US–New Zealand Move?

Custom solutions for stress-free removals.

Decide what you want to move, and we’ll tailor a solution to relocate your belongings safely and securely between New Zealand and the US. We can handle it all: oversized items, musical instruments, artwork, sports equipment, and more.

Customs clearance made simple.

Our experts will help you assemble all the paperwork you need for duty-free clearance of your household goods. For moves to New Zealand, we’ll inspect your packing list carefully to help you avoid any issues during inspection by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

A dedicated expert by your side throughout.

Your entire US–New Zealand removal will be handled your dedicated DeWitt Move Worldwide expert. Have questions? You’ll know exactly who to reach out to.

Ready to get started? Request a complimentary quote for your New Zealand move.

Why Choose DeWitt for Your New Zealand Move

When relocating across the Pacific, the right moving partner makes all the difference. Here’s why families and professionals trust DeWitt Move Worldwide for their journey to New Zealand:

Dedicated Personal Coordinator

Your entire relocation will be managed by a single DeWitt international specialist who understands New Zealand’s unique requirements. This expert will guide you through every stage—from initial planning through final delivery—providing consistent communication and answering your questions throughout the process.

New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity Expertise

With some of the world’s strictest biosecurity protocols, New Zealand requires specialized knowledge. Our team provides guidance on completing Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) declarations, identifying prohibited items, and preparing your belongings to pass inspection without complications or delays.

Professional Packing and Handling Services

Our trained crews use premium materials and techniques to ensure your possessions arrive safely after their journey across the Pacific. We provide full-service packing, custom crating for fragile or valuable items, and meticulous inventory documentation required for international shipping.

Transportation Solutions

From our door-to-door service to flexible container options, we’ll design a transportation plan tailored to your timeline and budget. If your new home isn’t ready upon arrival, we offer secure storage solutions at both origin and destination until you’re prepared for delivery.

Duty-Free Clearance Assistance

Our specialists will determine your eligibility for duty-free entry of household goods and guide you through the documentation process to minimize or eliminate import taxes and duties on your belongings.

Extensive Experience Throughout New Zealand

Whether you’re moving to Auckland’s vibrant urban center, Wellington’s coastal communities, Christchurch’s rebuilding neighborhoods, or rural destinations beyond, our established network ensures secure delivery to your final destination anywhere in New Zealand.

Vehicle Shipping and Registration Support

Shipping your vehicle to New Zealand? We’ll manage the entire process, including compliance with New Zealand Transport Agency requirements, and provide guidance on the country’s left-side driving regulations.

Moving Timeline Management

With typical shipping times of 7-10 weeks from the US West Coast, proper planning is essential. Your DeWitt coordinator will create a detailed timeline, helping you arrange temporary accommodations if needed and ensuring you have essentials available upon arrival.

When you’re moving to New Zealand from US, having a trusted partner simplifies your transition and keeps your timeline on track.

Your New Zealand Relocation in 3 Easy Steps

Step 1:
Get Your Free Quote

Provide us with a few details about your move and we’ll respond ASAP with your no-cost, no-obligation free moving quote.

Step 2:
Schedule Your Move

Once you receive your free international moving estimate, we’ll work together to determine which date(s) work best for your move.

Step 3:
Receive Your Custom Moving Plan

Once your move is scheduled, we’ll send you a formalized moving packet and plan so you’ll have everything you need for moving day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to New Zealand from US

Moving to New Zealand from the US starts with deciding what you want to move with you when you relocate. Next, you’ll want to check your intended packing list against the agricultural items prohibited for entry into New Zealand to avoid problems on arrival. Once you’ve made your decisions, you’ll need to pack your belongings, arrange for shipping to New Zealand, clear customs and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) inspection, and arrange for final delivery to your new home.

Given the distance and the international logistics involved in a relocation from the US to New Zealand, we recommend working with a professional moving company for your move.

Door-to-door shipping times between the US and New Zealand vary based on availability, ocean freight schedules, and customs clearance timelines. For moves between the US West Coast and New Zealand, 7-10 weeks is a good ballpark.  

 When you contact us for a complimentary quote, our team can estimate an approximate timeline for your move. Once your US–New Zealand move is booked, we’ll give you a more specific window for the arrival of your household goods. 

Moving to New Zealand typically requires the shipper to provide the following documentation: 

 

  • A copy of the shipper’s passport  
  • Copies of any applicable residence/work visas 
  • A detailed inventory list 
  • A Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) supplementary declaration form, if applicable  

 

Additional paperwork may be required, based on the contents of the household goods shipments. When you work with a professional moving company for your New Zealand removal, they’ll help you assemble all the documentation you need. 

Yes, pathways for duty-free clearance are possible for those moving between the US and New Zealand. Your moving company will help you assemble the correct paperwork to accompany your goods for clearance. 

Note that for duty- and tax-free clearance in New Zealand, the shipper must have either a New Zealand or Australian passport or a long-term visa. Review the list of acceptable documentation on the New Zealand Customs Service website.  

New Zealand restricts or prohibits the import of a number of items, including: 

  • Small high-powered magnets 
  • Certain firearms and weapons 
  • Drug paraphernalia 
  • Luxury goods from Russia (requires a permit or an exemption) 
  • Agricultural items, including food, fruits, plants, seeds, honey, etc. All must be declared. They will be inspected and disposed of or treated, if necessary. 

For a more complete list of prohibited and restricted items, see the New Zealand Customs Service website. 

Along with Australia, New Zealand has some of the strictest biosecurity regulations in the world. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) inspects incoming household goods for prohibited items like soil, plant material, and seeds. Items such as outdoor equipment, shoes, and wooden furniture may require cleaning or fumigation. 

To see whether your items are cleared to enter New Zealand, check out this tool from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 

Yes, you can ship a car to New Zealand. In order to import it duty- and tax-free, you must have lived abroad for more than 12 months and used the car for more than 12 months. You’ll also be required to sign a statement confirming the vehicle is for personal use and will not be sold for two years. 

Your removals company will guide you through any additional paperwork requirements. 

Your cost of living in the US or New Zealand will differ significantly depending on where you decide to live in each country. However, when comparing major US cities to those in New Zealand, the data from Numbeo suggests that New Zealand residents enjoy a lower cost of living: 

  • The cost of living in Auckland is almost 40% lower than New York, NY (not including rent) 
  • The cost of living in Christchurch is ~27% lower than in Los Angeles, CA (not including rent) 
  • The cost of living in Wellington is 17% lower than living in Chicago, IL (not including rent) 

Your costs will vary based on your location and lifestyle. 

Yes, US citizens can move to New Zealand permanently. However, you’ll need a valid long-term visa. Options include: 

  • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa for individuals with in-demand skills. 
  • Entrepreneur Resident Visa for those who have been self-employed in New Zealand for six months or operated a business for two years on another visa. 
  • Active Investor Plus Visa for those willing to live, work, and invest in New Zealand. 
  • Work to Residence Visa, which allows those with a current job or job opportunities in certain fields to apply for residency after a set period.
  • Family visas for those joining a partner or relative who is a resident or citizen. 

You’ll find a complete list of resident visas on the New Zealand Immigration website. 

New Zealand has a publicly funded healthcare system that provides free or low-cost services for permanent residents and citizens. US citizens planning to live in New Zealand long-term may want to explore residency options to access the public healthcare system.