Under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, most New Zealand citizens are issued a Special Category visa (subclass 444) on arrival in Australia, and some choose to bring their car with them. If you are looking to import a car from New Zealand to Australia, Personal Import can help you navigate the process, from checking vehicle eligibility and assisting with import approvals to arranging shipping, customs clearance and compliance.
For some people, importing from New Zealand is about bringing a car they already own as they relocate across the Tasman. New Zealand’s vehicle fleet includes many Japanese brands such as Toyota, Subaru, Mazda and Nissan.
If you’ve found a vehicle you want to import, Personal Import can help you understand its eligibility, navigate Australian import requirements and arrange the shipping process. We’ll help you identify the necessary steps before you commit to your purchase.
Importing a car from New Zealand into Australia generally requires an import approval, and the right approval depends on the vehicle and your circumstances. Three common options are shown below, though other approval types may apply. For people relocating permanently from New Zealand, the Personal Effects Pathway may be relevant, though enthusiast and classic vehicles may qualify under the SEVs Register or the older vehicle pathway instead.
Like Australia, New Zealand drives on the left, so vehicles sold there are generally right hand drive. This means conversion is generally not needed, which can make the import process simpler than bringing a vehicle from a left hand drive country such as the US or mainland Europe. The vehicle still needs an import approval and must meet Australian requirements.
Under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, most New Zealand citizens are issued a Special Category visa (subclass 444) when they arrive in Australia. For people making this move, bringing a car they already own can be a practical option. The Personal Effects Pathway may apply if you meet its requirements, including owning the vehicle continuously for at least 12 months immediately before first arriving in Australia and submitting the application within 6 months of arrival. Other criteria apply.
Once the required vehicle import approval has been granted, we can coordinate freight forwarding in New Zealand and arrange shipping to Australia. Depending on the vehicle and shipping requirements, options may include roll-on/roll-off transport or container shipping, with marine insurance arrangements available.
As experienced vehicle import specialists, Personal Import coordinates vehicle import approvals, shipping, customs clearance arrangements, biosecurity requirements and applicable compliance work. We can also assist with the registration process in your state or territory, subject to local registration requirements. Our volume of shipping also means we receive preferential rates for car imports. Used vehicles must meet Australian biosecurity cleanliness requirements. Inspections or additional cleaning may be required before a vehicle can be released.
Whether you are relocating under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement or importing a classic vehicle, the process involves genuine complexity, from confirming eligibility to navigating customs and compliance. Our team supports every stage, so you can focus on settling in, not the paperwork.
Let Personal Import handle the entire process for you, from shipping to compliance. Contact us today for a seamless car import experience!
Generally not. New Zealand drives on the left, so vehicles sold there are generally right hand drive. The vehicle still needs an import approval and must meet Australian requirements.
It may be possible under the Personal Effects Pathway. Requirements include owning the vehicle continuously for at least 12 months immediately before you first arrive in Australia, intending to stay indefinitely, and submitting the application within 6 months of your first arrival. Other criteria apply, so we can help check your circumstances.
Shipping times vary depending on the departure port, shipping method and available vessel schedules. The overall import process can also involve approval, customs clearance, biosecurity checks and compliance requirements. Contact our team to discuss the arrangements for your vehicle.
