Pre-Import Research and Planning

Before you embark on the journey of importing your dream car from the UK to New Zealand, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research planning. This initial step can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road. Here are some key factors to consider:

Research the Market: Start by identifying the exact car you want. Consider the make, model, year, and condition. European cars, especially electric vehicles, are popular choices due to their pricing, availability, specification and efficiency.

Check the Vehicle’s History: Use reliable tools to delve into the car’s history. This includes checking for any past accidents, service records, and mileage. Ensuring the car has a clean history is vital for a smooth import process.

Understand the Regulations: Familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s emissions and safety regulations. This includes understanding requirements for electronic stability control and other safety features that your vehicle must comply with.

Determine the Costs: Calculate the total cost of importing the car. This includes the purchase price, shipping fees, insurances, customs duties, and compliance costs. Knowing the financial commitment upfront helps in making an informed decision.

Choose a Reputable Importer or Agent: Selecting a trustworthy importer or agent can make the entire import process stress-free. They can guide you through each step, ensuring all regulations are met and paperwork is in order.

By taking these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to import your new vehicle, ensuring a smooth transition from the UK to New Zealand.

Choosing your car

Our sourcing specialists will find your perfect car. Whether you want to place factory order or to find an ex-demo, let our team source your ideal car to import. You will be able to view it thoroughly, inside and out via photos and videos prior to making your decision.

Buying your car VAT Free

To help you buy your car at the best price, we will find you a VAT qualifying car which is eligible for a tax free purchase. We take care of the VAT reclaim process as part of our service. The 20% discount will be applied instantly to your purchase price so there's no need to wait you simply enjoy the saving in your purchase price.

If you have found a VAT qualifying car with a non-export dealer, then let us know and we will be happy to step in and manage the purchase and export for you so you can get the Tax free saving.

Purchasing your car

To secure your car, we will need a deposit which is transferred immediately to the UK dealer. Your vehicle is held until the balance payment due date.

Safe payment options

We provide a safe payment options via McCullough Shipping in Auckland. They accept payments on our behalf which are then forwarded to us. This simplifies the process and gives the reassurance of transacting with a local NZ company. This can often the best way to send large payments as they usually provide better exchange rate than NZ banks.

Pre-export inspections

We recommend all cars exported from the UK to NZ have a pre-compliance check. All tyres treads, pads and rotors are measured and recorded so you are confident the key requirements are met.

Vehicle Shipping UK to NZ

Shipping from the UK to NZ is done via container or roll on roll off (ro-ro). Ships leave the UK weekly.

Ro-ro shipping takes 45 days and a container takes 62-65 days to Auckland. We ship to Auckland and Christchurch as standard and arrange onward shipping to all ports if required.

Documentation for New Zealand Customs

Importing a car into NZ will require you to have the bill of lading, original V5 log book and the CIF invoice to import your car into NZ.

You should also expect to receive the HPI certificate, service history, manufacturer’s book pack, a locking wheel nut and the spare key. We DHL all documents to McCullough for safe keeping well ahead of your car’s arrival.

Calculating Duty and Goods Service and Tax (GST)

There is no duty on car imports to NZ. The GST is applicable at 15% of the CIF invoice for imported cars. Your shipping agent will contact you when your car is within 2 weeks from arriving to assist with the importation documents and GST.

The GST calculation is simple: CIF invoice value x 15% = GST due.

Clearing Customs in New Zealand

When your car arrives in New Zealand, it must clear customs before you can hit the open road. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during this crucial phase:

Required Documentation: Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready. This includes the bill of sale, export certificate (if importing from Japan), and import permit. Having these documents in order will facilitate a smoother customs clearance process.

Customs Inspection: Your car will undergo a thorough customs inspection to verify its compliance with New Zealand’s regulations. This includes checking for emissions and safety standards.

Duty and Tax: Be prepared to pay any applicable duty and tax on the vehicle. The New Zealand Customs Service will calculate these based on the car’s landed value. This is calculated by taking the CIF invoice price. This mean it includes the purchase price of your car and the shipping and insurance costs too.

Biosecurity Clearance: New Zealand has strict biosecurity standards to protect its unique ecosystem. Your car must pass a biosecurity clearance to ensure it doesn’t bring in any unwanted pests or contaminants.

By ensuring all these steps are completed, you can smoothly transition your car from the port to the road, ready to enjoy your new vehicle in New Zealand.

Car Import inspections and entry certification

Importing a car into NZ requires several import inspections for vehicles arriving in NZ. All inspections and requirements are taken care of for you by our team: MPI and IVS inspections, NZTA vehicle compliance and NZ registration.

Car Registration Costs

NZ car registration costs are outlined below.

*Registration and licensing fees are accurate at the time of publishing. They are intended as a guide and may vary in due course.

New or used cars in New Zealand may incur either a rebate or a fee based on their CO2 emissions. This clean car rebate is part of a sliding scale where lower emissions lead to higher rebates, and it is applicable only if the vehicle meets specific eligibility criteria.

Updating Sat Nav, Maps and Speedos

Once your car has arrived and cleared customs, you may need to update the sat nav, maps, and speedos to ensure they are compatible with New Zealand’s roads and regulations. Here’s how to go about it:

Sat Nav Update: Check with the car manufacturer to see if there’s an available update for the sat nav system. Most cars simply update their software via the cloud. But older cars may require a CD to update them.

Map Update: This can usually be done through the manufacturer’s website or a local specialist.

Speedo Conversion: Most modern cars allow the speedometer to be converted to kilometers per hour via the systems settings which you can do yourself. If you find they are locked then the conversion can usually be done by a local automotive specialist. Ask our team for details of recommended NZ specialists.

By taking these steps, you’ll ensure your car is fully equipped and compliant with New Zealand’s driving conditions, making your driving experience safe and enjoyable.

Car import timings UK to NZ

Importing cars to NZ from the UK takes 45 days for roro and 60-65 days for container shipped cars to Auckland.

Personal Handover

When your car is ready for collection, you will be met by the team at McCullough for your personal handover. They will ensure you are familiar with your vehicle and your documents prior to getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road at last!