Moving to New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand

If you are planning on moving to New Zealand, whether to Wellington, Auckland, or Christchurch, Britannia Movers International has the expertise and the local knowledge to tailor the move to your individual needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to New Zealand Shipments of household goods and personal effects are allowed duty free entry, provided that they have been owned and used for at least 12 months prior to importation. To move your household goods to New Zealand, you will need an inventory, and appropriate import documentation that Britannia will supply you with before the arrival of your goods. You will also need a passport or visa to enter New Zealand.
	Prohibitions and Restrictions In general it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & Tobacco
	Transit Times Groupage or shared load consignments usually take 8 to 14 weeks door to door. However, this can vary depending on volumes being shipped, customs or immigration delays and prevailing weather conditions. Sole use containers usually take 6 to 8 weeks port to port, and there is a weekly service to all major ports.
	Bar Coding All Groupage consignments will be bar coded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Domestic Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Moving Motor Vehicles to New Zealand Importation of motor vehicles to New Zealand will be subject to compliance, it is probable that duty and tax will apply.
	Currencies Direct When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from Currencies Direct expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. Currencies Direct can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. Currencies Direct offers : International payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts More info on Currencies Direct website.
	Migrant Banking Services Find out more about migrant banking services for New Zealand.

Moving to New Zealand With Britannia

• Packing & Delivery -  Our trained removers can pack and wrap all your items to ensure that they are transported safely. If you choose a full door to door shipping service to New Zealand, Britannia will deliver the goods to your new home.
   
• Customs Clearance -  It normally takes 5 to 14 days for customs clearance and delivery.
   
• Additional removal services – Should you require additional removal services when moving to New Zealand, Britannia is authorised to provide comprehensive insurance, and arrange international storage or pet transport.

If you are interested in moving to New Zealand, get a free removals quote, and read more about our international removals, and our additional moving services, like pet transport or money transfer.

Living in New Zealand

While New Zealand could seem to be a fairly distant and relatively unknown country, many expats choose to settle down there, and as recent studies show, most of them actually decide to apply for citizenship soon after arriving, which is the best proof of the country's attractiveness. New Zealand is a diverse, multicultural and open society, also known for its amazing scenery, lush forests, stunning wildlife, and the variety of lifestyles it can accommodate.

New Zealand is an island country, located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1200 miles south-east of Australia across the Tasman Sea. It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, and is a developed country that ranks highly in international comparisons, including quality of life, life expectancy, public education and human development. New Zealand is also ranked as the most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index Survey.

Although New Zealand is the youngest country in the world, and was the last landmass to be discovered, it has a versatile and dynamic culture, with European, Asian, Maori and Pacific influences. Unemployment levels are low, and there are a variety of employment opportunities for expats from all around the world. And whatever your preferences for recreational activities or lifestyle, you can definitely find almost everything in New Zealand. Living in Wellington for example, you would not only be living minutes away from the beach, and amazing landscapes, but also in the centre of the city. The stunning scenery, variety of outdoor activities and cultural and social versatility make New Zealand a very appealing destination.

Interesting Facts About New Zealand

• About 22% of New Zealand's residents were born overseas, which compares to 8% born overseas from UK residents.
• Bungee jumping was invented in New Zealand
• New Zealand gained independence from Great Britain in 1907.
• New Zealand has many of the rarest birds, insects and plants in the world.
• New Zealand was the first major nation to adopt universal suffrage in 1893.

Tips about Moving to and Living in New Zealand

• There are a number of temporary and permanent migration options if you are planning to live and work in New Zealand. You will generally need a visa to be able to work in the country.
   
• New Zealand has two official languages, English and Maori. So if you are moving to New Zealand from the UK, you won't have any linguistic difficulties.
   
• If you are moving to New Zealand with your children, find out more about the education system. Public primary and secondary education is free, is of a high standard, and children generally enjoy school more than schoolchildren of other OECD countries.
   
• Living and housing costs in New Zealand are very reasonable, and are generally lower than in the UK.
   

Moving to New Zealand brochure