Relocating To New Zealand
Last year, we helped more than 135 families relocate to New Zealand
Robinsons Relocation is a member of FIDI and OMNI, our industry’s elite international trade associations, which means that our overseas partners operate to the same high standards. It’s your assurance that the quality of service provided in the UK is matched by that provided by our partner in New Zealand.
There are a few different ways of exporting household items to New Zealand, which vary in price and speed. Robinsons offers an international removals service that will meet your requirements for:
- Groupage (sharing the cost of a shipping container)
- Full container load (your own container)
- Air freight (for those moves that are more urgent)
Whether you’re planning on moving to Auckland or Christchurch, just contact our International Removals expert team who will walk you through the whole process and all of your options. We will work with you to come up with the best solution for you.
Local branch near you
Our branches cover most of the UK.
Dedicated move managers
Take care of all move paperwork, including parking requirements.
Customer-first approach
We know moving is stressful, that’s why we put you first.
Flexible service
We make the move fit you to take the stress away.
“Excellent” TrustPilot rating
Our customers love us – see what they say!
Competitive pricing
We price competitively, but never compromise our quality of service.
100+ years experience
Robinsons have been moving families and businesses since 1895.
Free, no obligation survey & quote
Call today to arrange your home survey.
Your international move with Robinsons in 6 easy steps
Step 1
We quote your move
Step 2
We schedule your move
Step 3
We pack and load
Step 4
We deal with customs
Step 5
We keep you informed
Step 6
We deliver at destination
Our recommended top 4 priorities to tackle when moving to New Zealand
Immigration
It is important you secure the right visa before moving to New Zealand. To get some guidance and help about the various types of visa available including their eligibility criteria, visit the New Zealand Immigration website.
Home
Finding the right home is a major step. Here is a quick overview of what to expect from the New Zealand property market:
Renting
Most arrivals rent initially to explore different areas. Properties are typically let unfurnished. Expect to pay a security bond equal to four weeks ‘ rent, plus one to two weeks in advance. A standard two-bedroom home averages NZ$650 per week, with higher prices in major cities like Auckland and Wellington.
Buying
To purchase an existing home, you generally must hold a resident visa and be living in the country. The national median house price currently sits around NZ$786,000.
What to look for
Always check for modern insulation, double glazing, and good heating systems, as older New Zealand houses can be damp and cold during the winter months.
Schools
Choosing the right school for your children can be a stressful challenge, so head to the Ministry of Education website, a good starting point for understanding New Zealand’s education system. For the latest school review reports, visit the Education Review Office website.
Healthcare
New Zealand operates a highly regarded two-tier medical system.
The public network, overseen by Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora), provides comprehensive care to eligible expats, but it is still common practice to take out private health insurance alongside it.
- Public Healthcare: Permanent residents and those holding a work visa valid for two years or more qualify for the public system. This covers heavily subsidised visits to a General Practitioner, free emergency treatment in public hospitals, and low-cost prescriptions. Additionally, the Accident Compensation Corporation provides no-fault cover for accidental injuries.
- Private Healthcare: Roughly a third of residents opt for private medical cover. The main advantage is that it allows you to bypass public waiting lists for non-urgent elective surgeries and specialist consultations. Private policies also help cover the costs of services that are not publicly funded, such as adult dental care and optometry.
For more guidance on national healthcare services, checking your exact eligibility, and finding regional doctors, visit the Health New Zealand website.
FAQs - Moving to New Zealand
What can I do with the things I can’t take to New Zealand?
As a result of New Zealand’s regulations, there are certain things that you may not be able to take with you. For a comprehensive summary, read the FIDI Customs Guide for New Zealand
If you can’t find a good home for the goods that you’re leaving behind, take advantage of Robinsons’ first-class secure storage facilities.
Can I bring my pets to New Zealand?
Yes, but New Zealand has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world.
Cats and dogs from the UK must be microchipped, fully vaccinated, and undergo specific blood tests before departure.
Upon arrival, your pet will need to spend a minimum of ten days in an approved quarantine facility.
Navigating these regulations can be complex, but we can help with transporting your pets.
We provide full door-to-door assistance from the UK to New Zealand, ensuring all biosecurity and travel requirements are handled smoothly.
How long will it take to ship my possessions?
We quote the following shipping times for popular destinations:
- Auckland 8-12 weeks
- Christchurch 8-12 weeks
All moves to New-Zealand are overseen by our expert international removals team.
Call 0800 521 541 and get your quote today!
Call us free on 0800 521 541
