How long does shipping to New Zealand take?

Sea freight typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from South Africa to New Zealand.

What are New Zealand's biosecurity requirements?

New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws to protect its unique environment. Many food, plant, and animal products are restricted or prohibited.

How much does it cost to move to New Zealand?

Costs typically range from R30,000 to R100,000+ depending on the volume of goods and services required.

What visa do I need for New Zealand?

Common options include the Skilled Migrant Category visa, work visas, or family visas. Requirements depend on your qualifications and circumstances.

Move to

New Zealand from South Africa

Imagine a smooth and hassle-free move to New Zealand. Get a comprehensive range of customised moving services provided by seasoned consultants and packers at Biddulphs International. Meticulous planning, secure packing and transportation, and our affiliation with a global network of trusted partners, ensure your peace of mind when moving overseas.

Get a free Quote

Choose Biddulphs when moving to New Zealand from South Africa

Bespoke Solution

Personalised moving services to suit your timeline and budget.

Expert Guidance

Experienced moving consultants will help you to navigate the relocation process.

Transparent Pricing

Competitive pricing and cost-effective shipping options.

All-Risk Cover

Comprehensive marine insurance for your peace of mind.

Stress-free Experience

Predictable timelines and clear updates.

Global Network

Shareholder of the Harmony Relocation Network of ISO-accredited moving companies.

Highest Quality

FIDI FAIM-aligned – we meet the global benchmark for quality services in international moving.

Biddulphs international moving trucks being loaded

Partners

Official relocation network partners

Biddulphs International is a member of:

Harmony Relocation Network

A global network of over 140 members in over 60 countries across 6 continents. This enables us to offer you a stress-free moving experience with a seamless handover at your destination.

FIDI FAIM(FIDI Accredited International Mover)

FIDI standardises the quality and process of moving customers around the world. This reduces the risk of delays, ensures high-quality packing and handling, and promises a consistent service experience. We are one of only a handful of FIDI FAIM-accredited movers in Africa.

IAM(International Association of Movers)

The world’s largest trade association for the moving industry, with over 2,000 member companies across 170+ countries. IAM membership provides a vetted global network with financial protection, professional development, and formal dispute resolution.

BAR(British Association of Removers)

The recognised trade association for the removals sector in the UK, promoting professional excellence for over 100 years. BAR members must pass an extensive external audit each year and adhere to a stringent Code of Practice.

Moving to New Zealand

Let's move you to New Zealand

Emigrating requires bold decisions, careful planning and a moving partner who's with you for the long haul.

New Zealand is an attractive relocation destination for South Africans looking for:

Stunning natural landscapes

Safe and peaceful society

Work-life balance culture

Strong education system

Welcoming immigration policies

Adventure activities and outdoor lifestyle

New Zealand offers a range of experiences to broaden your horizons, so if you're looking to relocate to New Zealand from South Africa, choose Biddulphs International to get you there.

We're the largest independent moving company moving volume shipments between South Africa and New Zealand.

This perfectly positions us to make your international move from South Africa to New Zealand fast, efficient and cost-effective. Using our well-established global network of international partners and affiliations, we'll move you to New Zealand in a smooth, coordinated operation that complies with all destination regulations.

Documents

What documents are required for moving to New Zealand?

When moving to New Zealand, having your documentation in order is a critical step that must be completed correctly.

Make sure you have:

01.

A valid South African passport

02.

Proof of funds (bank statements)

03.

A skilled migrant visa or other NZ visa

04.

Documentation for your dependents (for spouse and dependents)

05.

Pet immigration (optional)

Pet biosecurity documentation including health certificates, vaccinations, and MPI import health standards.

06.

Vehicle Shipping (optional)

All documentation for shipping your vehicle.

Incorrect or incomplete documentation can cause delays; while under-declaration or any value discrepancies can trigger inspections and fines, also causing delays at customs. Working closely with a Biddulphs International moving coordinator ensures that your customs clearance is quick and smooth, making your move as stress-free as possible.

Is your documentation up to date?

Documentation rules and requirements may change without notice. Always consult the official government website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Visit NZ Customs Website

Restrictions

What restricted items cannot be imported to New Zealand?

When completing your inventory to relocate to New Zealand from South Africa, do not include any of the following items:

Firearms

Drugs

Food products

Plant materials

Animal products

Biosecurity risk items

Wooden items (require treatment)

This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. If you have any doubts or queries about transporting goods into New Zealand, peruse the FIDI Customs Guide for importing goods into New Zealand or consult with your Biddulphs International moving coordinator.

FIDI Customs Guide

Get your moving inventory checklist

Download our moving inventory checklist to keep track of what you'll be taking with you when you relocate.

Download Checklist

Moving process

What to expect when moving with Biddulphs

Moving with Biddulphs International means a clear, organised, step-by-step process throughout which you benefit from our leading position in the relocation industry. Take advantage of our international network and affiliations, and you'll have a trusted partner to help you take the next step.

01.

Pre-move survey and estimate

What are you taking with you when you move to New Zealand and how much will it cost to move it? Choose from the extensive range of personalised moving services we offer to make your international relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible. Get a quote using our online form and we'll be in touch to start your journey with Biddulphs International.

Get a Free Quote

02.

Make a booking

An experienced moving coordinator will be your go-to person for all aspects of your relocation to New Zealand. They will help to inventory your belongings and provide a comprehensive moving quote. What you see is what you pay – no hidden fees. When you're ready, book your moving date.

03.

Pre-move preparation and documentation

Your Biddulphs consultant will help you to prepare all your documentation for moving – from visas and customs forms, to insurance, tax clearance, vehicle permits, and the certificates required for pet relocation to New Zealand. Our global affiliations and more than 98 years of experience will ensure your move is as stress-free as possible.

04.

Professional packing and loading

The Biddulphs packing teams are dedicated to providing the highest level of service when it comes to the careful packing required for an international move to New Zealand from South Africa. We use high-quality packing materials and expert methods to ensure your belongings are safe during transport. Transit insurance gives you that added peace of mind.

05.

Inventory, Condition Reporting & Transit Updates

You'll receive a detailed inventory of all your packed belongings, along with a condition report so you know everything leaves in perfect order. Throughout transit, your Biddulphs moving coordinator will provide clear and timely updates on the progress of your shipment during transit. We also work directly with customs officials to ensure smooth clearance and resolve any issues quickly, helping your move stay seamless and stress-free.

06.

Delivery and unpacking

Upon arrival, your belongings will be unpacked and moved into your new residence. We will remove and responsibly dispose of all the packing material.

Make your next move your best move.

Testimonials

Here’s what Biddulphs International customers say

“This is my 32nd house move and never before has everything gone so smoothly. I would highly recommend them.”

Jenny Cooper

“From the word go, Biddulphs were on time and accurate. The team were very polite and professional on arrival and took care of everything.”

Michael Ebersohn

“The Biddulphs team successfully moved and relocated a total of 75 of our employees and their families.”

Eloni Ludwick

“Excellent service, very professional and the team has been responsive throughout.”

Cheikh Tidjane N'Dongo

“The crew were professional, friendly and awesome. They went the extra mile as they came back to drop items left behind.”

Marisa Robberts

“They arrived, took charge and moved my elderly parents without a single breakage and nothing was too much trouble. Very professional, clean, neat.”

Belinda Kotton

“Great service — 10 out of 10. Service was over a period of months, not just one day.”

David Wolpert

Additional moving services

from Biddulphs International

Pet relocation

Biddulphs offers pet relocation via road or air transport, with kenneling available through our trusted partners. We'll advise you on all the documentation and certification required for your pet's journey.

Vehicle shipping

Protected by a customised frame specially built for your shipping container, your vehicle can be safely moved to New Zealand. Your moving consultant can advise you on New Zealand's legislated requirements for importing your vehicle.

Fine art and antiques

Biddulphs are experts in packing and moving your precious fine art and antiques. We provide customised packing for each item, using cushioning materials and purpose-built crates for safe transport.

Storage solutions

Professionally managed, purpose-built storage facilities with 24/7 security monitoring. Flexible short and long-term options for furniture warehousing and household storage across South Africa.

Moving features

Everything you need for a seamless move to New Zealand

From organising and packing to delivery, our dedicated professional team takes care of every detail.

Personal moving coordinator

Your Biddulphs representative with all the answers.

Packing service

Let us pack your belongings for relocation overseas.

Packing materials

We bring all the packing materials you may need.

Storage

Safe & secure storage when your belongings are not in transit.

Insurance

Insure your belongings while enroute to New Zealand.

Shipping options

Choose your shipping option

Biddulphs offers a range of shipping options to suit the size of your household, the urgency of your move, and your budget. Your moving coordinator will help you choose the best relocation solution to meet your size, time and budget needs.

Shipping by sea is the most economical way to relocate your belongings to New Zealand. Biddulphs International can offer you a full container load or part load, depending on your requirements and budget.

Full container load (FCL)

Rent an entire shipping container to transport your belongings.
Choose the size of the container based on the volume of your belongings – either 20-foot or 40-foot container.
Packed and sealed, your container will be shipped to your destination, checked at customs, then delivered to your new address.

Part load (Groupage)

Share a shipping container with other customers.
Your small volume of belongings will be packed and sealed in individual boxes or crates, which form a part load with other customers' crates.
When your boxes arrive at the destination port, they will be unloaded for clearance at customs, then delivered to your new address.

Advantage

Exclusive use of the container and faster delivery time.

Advantage

More economical option than renting a whole shipping container.

Disadvantage

More expensive to rent a whole container.

Disadvantage

The container only departs when it is full, which means you may need to wait longer for your belongings to arrive.

Container Dimensions

	HC 40FT	40FT	20FT
Length	12.19m	12.19m	6.06m
Width	2.44m	2.44m	2.44m
Height	2.89m	2.59m	2.59m

Time estimates

Routes and Timing to New Zealand

Land/sea times are approximate and include inland transport to port. Air freight times are approximate door-to-door working days. Actual delivery may vary due to shipping line schedules, customs clearance, and port delays. Groupage (shared container) shipments typically take 8–12 weeks door-to-door as the container waits until full before departing.

Routes	Land/Sea	Air
Johannesburg	10–14 weeks	10–15 days
Cape Town	9–13 weeks	10–15 days
Durban	9–12 weeks	10–15 days
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)	10–14 weeks	12–16 days