Frequently Asked Questions

As New Zealand’s only international moving company exclusively packing and shipping household goods and personal effects to Australia you can imagine we get asked a lot of questions.
While we welcome your calls and have an amazing team of Ausmove experts ready to answer enquiries, there are some questions that are asked more frequently than others. Here’s a selection of these frequently asked questions (FAQS) and some quick-fire answers, to get the ball rolling. If you have additional questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to call us on 09 360 4777 or email
We look forward to being of service.
All FAQ's
- Is it worth sending my household goods to Australia?
- Where is Ausmove based, do you cover all of NZ?
- Is Ausmove a budget mover, what do you charge?
- Is your service door to door and are all costs included?
- Do I really need to take out marine transit insurance protection?
- What is the transit time for my relocation to Australia?
- How much notice do you need to pack up my things?
- Can Ausmove provide safe storage on both sides of the Tasman?
- Can I pack my own household goods?
- Can I take my outdoor items to Australia?
- What items shouldn’t I take to Australia?
- Is every shipment subject to quarantine inspection?
- Can I take my motor vehicle or motor bike with me to Australia?
- Can I also relocate the family cat or dog?
- What about Customs?
- How should I prepare myself for the move?
- How much does it cost to move to Australia?
Can I take my motor vehicle or motor bike with me to Australia?
Yes, we regularly ship our customers private cars, motorcycles, caravans, trailers and other vehicle types to Australia.
The shipping process is pretty straight forward and they can be sent across the ditch in both sole use or as part of a shared container, depending on your situation and budget. The complex part is to work through the regulatory processes to decide if your vehicle is eligible and if the shipping and compliance costs make it worthwhile. In general, all vehicles are subject to duty and/or GST. This is calculated by the Australian Customs Service on the value of the vehicle, in some instances there may also be an additional luxury car tax.
To view the Australian governments import requirements click on this link.
Can I also relocate the family cat or dog?
Yes, we partner with New Zealand’s leading pet relocation specialists, to ensure all of your family members receive a VIP (Very Important Pet) service.
We would do this ourselves but it’s really a job for the experts. After all we are generally packing, moving and storing inanimate objects not your fluffy four-legged friends. Although there’s a lot of preparation involved the actual process of moving your pets is very straight forward. New Zealand is a rabies free country so there is no quarantine period in Australia, and your pets can fly directly into most of Australia’s major airports. After being cleared at the airport they can travel straight home or be further transported to their eventual destination. In some instances it’s even possible to be on the same flight as your pet so you can all leave the airport together.
Here's a link to the Australian government’s step by step guide for importing cats and dogs from New Zealand;
New Zealand – step by step guide for cats and dogs - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)
What about Customs?
Your possessions must be cleared for entry by Australian Customs. We'll let you know when your container has landed in Australia and our Australian partner will let you know of the estimated dates for quarantine and customs clearances and delivery of your goods.
Your shipment will then be checked by Australia's Quarantine Inspection personnel and released for delivery by our representatives in Australia.
How should I prepare myself for the move?
Read our tips for moving overseas for some tips to help you settle in to a new country!
How much does it cost to move to Australia?
The cost depends on the way you ship (or fly) your goods, how much you have and where you are going.
To make it easy we can provide you with a free quote - just fill in this form!