BS: Importing a car to NZ

Subject: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: Gedpipes
Date: 19 Jul 09 - 12:47 PM

I guess a long shot on this site.
Has anyone exported a vehicle to NZ? Be grateful for any info
Blue skies
Ged

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Jul 09 - 04:09 PM

The cost of shipping it over there is probably just as much, if not more, of buying one there.

From what I saw in April, prices weren't all that high (bearing in mind I was converting almost 2.5 NZ$ to the £Sterling then) and it is a necessity in most areas - the idea of public transport just hasn't caught on.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: bill\sables
Date: 19 Jul 09 - 04:27 PM

A friend of mine exported his TVR to NZ a few years back. He bought a 40ft container and shipped it with his household furniture and belongings it cost him around £6,000 in shipping. He had to have the car completley valeted so as not a speck of oil or dirt was anywhere to be seen. When it arrived they found a grass seed under the carpet so they stripped the whole car down and left it for him to reassemble. He then sold it and got a Toyota Rav which was better for the terrain. If it is a clasic car you've got you'll probably be able to replace it over there. As I was driving round the South Island I noticed scrap yards full of uncrushed 50s and 60s British cars, they don't seem to use salt on their roads. Some of the clasic owners in Yorkshire got their cars from New Zealand.
Bill

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: Gurney
Date: 19 Jul 09 - 06:40 PM

Perhaps you should look on TradeMe, the local equivalent of EBay. That will give you an idea of whether it is worthwhile.

As Bill says, we are VERY particular about biosecurity because everything 'alive' imported is likely to be a pain in the bottom, so they try to stop it getting in.

Cars are no longer terribly expensive here, although they were once. When I immigrated, they cost twice what they did in Britain. Currently, there are some bargain yuppy-mobiles available.

Don't forget certificates of sterilisation for fishing tackle, hiking boots, etc., or they'll sterilise them for you when you get here, and you'll have to wait for it.

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: Barb'ry
Date: 19 Jul 09 - 07:00 PM

We were told we had to have owned the vehicle for more (I think) than 12 months but it might have been longer. Your best bet would be to contact New Zealand House, if you are in the Uk - if you manage to get through, they are quite helpful!!

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: Gedpipes
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 05:41 AM

Thanks all - most helpful.
Ged

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: GUEST,carman
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 11:39 AM

....worth checking too whether you have to modify your car when you get there eg convert speedo/odometer to kms (what do they use there?), exhaust emission spec, reregistering?, head/tail light specs etc etc

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 04:47 PM

"...they'll sterilise them for you when you get here,.."

I'm sure that's meant to be careful, but how do they treat tourists and other short term visitors? The average person might have more than a 'seed' in their clothes of on shoes.

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: vectis
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 05:29 PM

I believe that any imports have to be post 2002 in order to meet the new emissions regs which is a pain in the bum as I was hoping to take my motor home with me when I emigrate but it is a '93.

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: robomatic
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 12:24 AM

How they treat tourists.

Some time ago when I went there they fumigated the plane. I had a tent in my luggage and I made a joke about bringing a snake in one of the pole sections. I didn't see that tent for an extra hour.

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: Gurney
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 01:50 AM

DO NOT joke with Ag. and Fish.! They have NO sense of humour, any more than Customs do.
You will fill out a form on the 'plane, which asks if you have been on a farm and various other places away from the city. Do NOT tell lies on it, they are good at detecting them. We even have a TV show about it.

Do not bring food into NZ, unless it is processed and packed.

Do not bring anything but prescription drugs in, and bring the prescription. You and your seat surroundings will be sniffed by the drugs dogs, and if they find anything, out you go again!

It sounds draconian when written down, but it's much more relaxed once you are in.
Oz is just as particular as NZ.
There are ex-hire motor caravans for sale here.

Subject: RE: BS: Importing a car to NZ
From: Gurney
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 02:05 AM

A guy I know went to Russia for a holiday. On arrival he made a joke about having a bomb in his bag. Customs stripped him and did an internal search.

Pleasant and cooperative is the go at airports.