Moving to New Zealand from the USA
New Zealand is a long Pacific move, shipping by sea container to Auckland, Wellington or Lyttelton. Biosecurity is strict — everything must be spotless. This guide covers costs, transit, customs/biosecurity and the main visa routes.
Estimate your move cost
An instant, route-specific range for New Zealand. Adjust the details for a closer figure, then get matched with movers for exact quotes.
Estimated shipping cost
$9,000 – $13,350
Indicative only — based on typical 2 bedrooms moves. Get real quotes below.
Visa & residency options in New Zealand
New Zealand sets its own immigration rules. The routes below are informational — consult Immigration New Zealand for advice.
Skilled Migrant Category
Points-based residence for in-demand skills.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Employer-sponsored work route.
Working Holiday visa
For eligible applicants (typically under 31).
Investor / entrepreneur routes
For those investing in or starting a business.
These are New Zealand immigration routes — consult a local immigration lawyer for advice. Portunus specializes in U.S. visas, not New Zealand ones.
Typical moving costs
Indicative ranges by home size for moving to new zealand from the usa. Reviewed 2026-06-15.
Studio
$3,610–$5,700
1 bedroom
$5,510–$8,550
2 bedrooms
$7,410–$11,875
3 bedrooms
$10,925–$17,100
20ft container
$4,675–$7,150
40ft container
$8,075–$12,350
What drives the cost
- Shared vs full container (volume)
- Origin coast & port pair
- Door-to-door vs port-to-port
- Packing, insurance & customs handling
- Season — summer is peak
Transit times
Shipping methods
- Sea freight, shared container / LCL (cheapest for partial loads)
- Sea freight, full container / FCL (20ft or 40ft for whole-home moves)
- Air freight (fast but expensive — for essentials only)
Moving companies for this route
Compare what each mover offers, then request quotes to see exact pricing for your move.
| Mover | Best for | Door-to-door | Packing | Storage | Vehicles | Pets | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDC International Shipping | Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas | Get quote | |||||
| Schumacher Cargo Logistics | Vehicle shipping, Large household moves | Get quote | |||||
| International Van Lines | Best overall, Full-service moves | Get quote | |||||
| Crown Relocations | Premium, Corporate relocation | Get quote | |||||
| John Mason International | Established carrier, Sole-use containers | Get quote | |||||
| Sirelo (compare multiple movers) | Compare several quotes at once | Get quote |
Movers serving the New Zealand route. Links go to each company's own quote page; we may be compensated for referrals. We don't publish third-party star ratings — request quotes to compare directly.
Customs & import rules
- Used household effects are generally duty-free if owned/used 1+ year and you've lived abroad 21+ months.
- Biosecurity (MPI) is strict: clean all items thoroughly — soil, food and plant residue cause delays and treatment fees.
- A detailed inventory and arrival declaration are required.
- New items, alcohol/tobacco and vehicles have separate rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move to New Zealand from the USA?
A shared-container move is roughly $3,600–$11,000 by volume and service; a full 40ft container can run $9,500+. The estimator above gives a route-specific range.
How long does shipping from the USA to New Zealand take?
From the U.S. West Coast, sea freight to Auckland is typically 25–40 days in transit; the East Coast is longer. Add packing, biosecurity clearance and delivery.
Do I pay import duty moving household goods to New Zealand?
Used household effects are generally duty-free if owned/used 1+ year and you lived abroad 21+ months — but biosecurity inspection/treatment fees may apply.
Can Americans move to New Zealand?
Yes — common routes include the Skilled Migrant Category, Accredited Employer Work Visa and Working Holiday visa. These are New Zealand routes; consult Immigration New Zealand.
Estimates and timelines are indicative; mover and route details last reviewed 2026-06-15. We may be compensated when you request a quote through links on this page.