# Moving to New Zealand from the USA

> Relocating to New Zealand from the United States — sea-freight costs, transit times, strict biosecurity customs and visa routes for Americans.

Canonical: https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa/new-zealand
Direction: USA → New Zealand
Data last reviewed: 2026-06-15

## Typical moving costs

- 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

## Transit times

- Los Angeles → Auckland: 25–40 days
- Oakland → Auckland: 25–40 days
- New York → Auckland: 35–50 days

## Customs & import notes

- 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.

## Visa & residency options in New Zealand

- 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.

## Moving companies serving this route

- SDC International Shipping — Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas (https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/)
- Schumacher Cargo Logistics — Vehicle shipping, Large household moves (https://www.schumachercargo.com/)
- International Van Lines — Best overall, Full-service moves (https://www.internationalvanlines.com/)
- Crown Relocations — Premium, Corporate relocation (https://www.crownrelo.com/)
- John Mason International — Established carrier, Sole-use containers (https://www.johnmason.com/)
- Sirelo (compare multiple movers) — Compare several quotes at once (https://www.sirelo.com/)

## Related resources

- [Moving to the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-to-usa)
- [Moving from the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa)
- [Site-wide llms.txt](https://www.portunusai.com/llms.txt)