Moving across the Tasman is exciting, but shipping household goods from New Zealand to Australia can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. From furniture and personal belongings to fragile or oversized items, understanding the process helps make your relocation smoother and less stressful. With the right planning, you can save time, avoid hidden costs, and ensure your possessions arrive safely at your new home. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from shipping options and customs requirements to packing tips and timelines so you can move with confidence knowing your household goods are in trusted hands.

Shipping Options Explained

When moving household goods from New Zealand to Australia, you’ll generally choose between sea freight and air freight. Each option has its own advantages depending on your budget, timeline, and the amount you need to move.

Sea Freight:

This is the most common and cost-effective option for moving larger volumes such as furniture, whiteware, and boxes.

You can choose:

Shared Containers:
Your belongings travel in a container with shipments from other families. This keeps costs down if you don’t need a full container.

Sole Use Containers:
Ideal if you’re moving an entire household. Your goods travel in their own container, giving you faster delivery and more control.

Air Freight:

Best suited for smaller shipments or items you need quickly, such as personal effects, clothing, or essential household goods. While more expensive than sea freight, it offers the fastest turnaround.

Customs & Quarantine Requirements

Australia enforces some of the world’s strictest biosecurity and customs regulations, which means everything you ship from New Zealand must comply with Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) requirements.

Items that may carry soil, seeds, or pests such as garden tools, outdoor furniture, bicycles, or shoes will be carefully inspected. Food, alcohol, plant materials, and animal products are also heavily restricted and may be seized or require additional clearance.

Every shipment needs a precise inventory list, and some items may need cleaning or treatment before they are accepted. This is where Ausmove makes the process easier. Their team advises you on what can and can’t be shipped, prepares the paperwork, and arranges inspections when needed. With Ausmove managing customs and quarantine requirements on your behalf, you avoid unnecessary delays and costs, and your belongings arrive in Australia without stress.

Shipping Timeline, How Long Does It Take?

When relocating household goods from New Zealand to Australia, the overall timeline depends on the shipping method you choose, the volume of goods, and your final destination. The two main options are sea freight and air freight, each offering different timeframes.

Sea Freight
Sea freight is the most popular choice for families and individuals moving larger volumes such as furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. On average, you can expect a door-to-door timeframe of 3–6 weeks. This includes packing, shipping across the Tasman, and clearance through Australian customs and quarantine. A sole-use container generally moves faster since it doesn’t rely on other shipments, whereas shared or groupage containers may take longer because they wait for consolidation. Seasonal demand, port congestion, and inspections can also add to the timeframe.

Air Freight
Air freight is significantly faster, typically arriving in 7–14 days from New Zealand to most Australian cities. This option is ideal for smaller shipments or essential items you want on hand immediately, such as clothing, documents, or personal effects. While more expensive than sea freight, air freight provides the quickest turnaround, giving peace of mind when time is a priority.

Choosing What’s Best
If cost is your priority and you’re moving an entire household, sea freight is the practical option. If speed matters most, or you need essentials right away, air freight is worth considering and many people choose a mix of both.

Costs of Shipping Household Goods

The cost of shipping your belongings from New Zealand to Australia varies depending on the volume of goods, the shipping method, and your final destination. Sea freight is generally the most affordable choice for full households, with shared containers reducing costs if you don’t need the entire space. A sole-use container is more expensive but offers faster delivery. Air freight, while much quicker, comes at a higher price per cubic metre and is usually best for smaller shipments or essential items.

Other factors that influence cost include customs duties, quarantine inspections, insurance, and optional packing services. Requesting a detailed quote upfront ensures you understand exactly what’s included and avoids unexpected fees once your goods arrive in Australia.

Common Questions About Shipping to Australia

Do I need insurance?
Yes. While professional movers take every precaution, insurance is highly recommended to protect against unforeseen events such as damage, loss, or delays during transit.

Can I ship vehicles or pets?
Household goods shipments don’t usually include vehicles or pets. Cars can be shipped under separate arrangements and must meet Australian import regulations. Pets require specialised relocation services and strict biosecurity clearance.

What items are restricted or prohibited?
Food, alcohol, plants, and animal products face strict controls. Outdoor items like garden tools, furniture, or bicycles must be thoroughly cleaned to pass quarantine. Hazardous materials and some electronics may also be restricted.

What happens if my goods are delayed?
Delays are uncommon but can occur due to customs inspections, port congestion, or seasonal demand. Accurate paperwork and proper preparation help minimise these risks.

Can I split my shipment?
Yes. Many people send essential items by air freight for quick access, while larger household goods travel by sea. This combination balances cost and convenience.

Moving You to Australia from New Zealand

Planning a move across the Tasman takes preparation, but you don’t have to do it alone. With decades of experience, Ausmove specialises exclusively in helping Kiwis relocate to Australia. From shipping options and customs requirements to timelines and costs, they understand every step of the process and make it easier for you.

For detailed information on Ausmove’s services and expertise click here or call (09) 360-4777.

Moving to Australia from NZ Checklist

Want to make your move even smoother? Download our FREE Moving to Australia from NZ Checklist. It covers everything from packing and paperwork to customs requirements, so you don’t miss a step. Click here to get your copy and start planning with confidence.

More Kiwis than ever are packing up and heading across the ditch but what’s really driving the surge in New Zealanders moving to Australia? Is it better job prospects and higher wages? Or more affordable living and sunnier skies? It seems there’s no shortage of reasons New Zealanders are making the move. With cultural similarities and an easy transition process, Australia is more appealing than ever.

In this article, we explore the top reasons behind the growing trend of Kiwi’s moving to Australia.

Is Australia Really More Affordable?

It’s a common question for Kiwis considering the move and while the answer depends on where you’re headed, many find that Australia offers better value across key living costs.

According to recent 2025 data from Numbeo and Trade Me comparisons, average salaries in Australia are around 25–30% higher than in New Zealand, particularly in trades, healthcare, and skilled professions. At the same time, everyday expenses like groceries and petrol are often cheaper, thanks to stronger supply chains and lower taxes on goods.

Housing is more nuanced while Sydney and Melbourne remain pricey, regional centres and smaller cities like Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide offer larger homes at lower cost per square metre compared to major NZ cities. Renters, in particular, may find more space for less.

Factor in lower income tax rates at certain thresholds and stronger employer benefits, and it’s clear why many New Zealanders feel they can get ahead financially in Australia. While not everything is cheaper, the overall earning potential and lifestyle trade-offs are tipping the scales for thousands making the move.

To illustrate this, we’ve put together a simple NZ vs AU comparison table below highlighting some of the most common financial differences Kiwis are weighing up when considering life across the ditch.

Are There Really Better Job Opportunities and Higher Incomes in Australia?

Yes, and it’s one of the biggest motivators for Kiwis making the move. Australia’s job market continues to outperform New Zealand’s in both availability and income potential, especially in sectors like healthcare, construction, education, mining, and IT.

In 2025, the Australian unemployment rate is sitting around 4.1%, compared to New Zealand’s 5.2%, reflecting stronger economic demand and broader opportunities across states. What’s more, average full-time weekly earnings in Australia recently surpassed AUD $1,900 (Stats Australia), which equates to over NZD $100,000 annually, a significant jump from the NZ average of NZD $62,000.

Many Australian employers also offer better superannuation (retirement) contributions and professional development support, making long-term financial growth more accessible. For skilled workers and tradies, Australia’s migration and labour shortage strategies are opening even more doors.

It’s not just about the paycheck, it’s about career progression, training opportunities, and being in a job market that rewards experience and qualifications. For many Kiwis, Australia represents a chance to build a better future, faster.

Here are top 5 employment sectors currently driving job opportunities for Kiwis moving to Australia in 2025:

1. Healthcare & Aged Care
Australia is experiencing a long-term skills shortage in nursing, allied health, mental health, and aged care roles with thousands of vacancies across both metro and regional areas.

2. Construction & Trades
Infrastructure investment and a housing shortfall are fuelling strong demand for builders, electricians, plumbers, and project managers. Many roles are on Australia’s skilled migration lists.

3. Education
Teachers (especially in early childhood, secondary STEM, and regional schools) remain in high demand, with attractive relocation incentives offered in some states.

4. IT & Tech
From cybersecurity and data analysis to software development, Australia’s tech sector is growing fast offering competitive salaries and career progression opportunities.

5. Mining & Engineering
With resource-rich states like WA and QLD booming, engineers, geologists, and mining professionals are highly sought after, often with premium pay and benefits.

Sun, Space, and a Fresh Start

For many Kiwis, the move to Australia isn’t just about money, it’s about lifestyle. The lure of year-round sunshine, warm winters, and endless outdoor living is a major drawcard, especially for families and retirees looking for a change of pace.

Australian cities like Brisbane, Perth, and the Sunshine Coast offer more space for your dollar, often with larger homes, bigger backyards, and easy access to beaches, parks, and nature reserves. It’s a climate and lifestyle that encourages barbecues in July, after-work swims, and weekend road trips.

Beyond the weather, many see the move as a chance to reset to chase new opportunities, raise their kids in a different environment, or simply enjoy a better work-life balance. With cultural familiarity and easy access back to New Zealand, Australia offers the rare mix of adventure and comfort that makes a fresh start feel possible and exciting.

When it comes to sunshine, the difference is clear. While Auckland averages around 2,100 sunshine hours per year, cities like Brisbane and Perth enjoy upwards of 2,800–3,200 hours annually that’s up to 1,000 extra hours of sunshine each year. For many, that alone is enough to make the move.

Average Annual Sunshine Hours

Family Ties, Community, and Ease of Transition

One of the biggest comforts for Kiwis moving to Australia is how familiar it feels. With strong cultural overlap, a shared language, and similar systems, settling in often feels more like relocating than immigrating. There’s no need to navigate new currencies, healthcare systems, or driving rules making the transition remarkably smooth.

Many New Zealanders also have friends or whānau already living across the ditch, which makes the move feel less daunting and more inviting. Whether it’s reconnecting with family or joining an established Kiwi community, you’re never far from a sense of home.

From schools and sports clubs to local cafes and workplaces, you’ll find communities that are welcoming, diverse, and easy to integrate into. There’s also the peace of mind that, under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia without the need for a visa making the logistics of moving far simpler than most international relocations.

Why Getting Expert Help Matters

Moving to Australia from New Zealand? It’s important to plan ahead and seek assistance where needed. Relocating across the ditch involves more than just packing, from customs regulations and quarantine rules to shipping logistics and timing, expert support can make a huge difference.

Ausmove are experts in relocation services from New Zealand to Australia. With decades of experience, we handle everything from packing and freight to documentation and delivery, ensuring a seamless, stress-free move.

For detailed information on Ausmove’s services and expertise click here or call (09) 360-4777.

5 Reasons Why Kiwis Are Moving to Perth

Perfect weather, a bustling, vibrant city, and plenty of job opportunities – where else could we be talking about other than Perth, Western Australia? An underdog city with a not-so-underdog size, Perth is fast-growing and ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world.

If you’re thinking of becoming a Perthite, we could probably give you a hundred reasons to do so. Perthites themselves could give you thousands, being such a proud bunch. But let’s keep it simple, hey? Here’s our top five!

1) Big city, without the fuss

Perth is the most isolated capital city in the world: it’s further away from any other capital city across the globe. And yet, it really doesn’t feel like it when you’re there. You feel like you’re part of a huge, bustling international city – which it is! In fact, it’s Australia’s fourth biggest town at around 2 million people. At the same time, you don’t get the fuss of a huge city – you don’t get the skyrocketing property prices or eternal traffic jams. You just get the perks!

2) Weather

Perth has a fantastic climate. Summers are hot, and spent down by the beach – of which there are many to choose from in Perth. Winters are mild, with the average high being 19 degrees Celsius. So, be prepared to sell many of your jumpers and jackets… you won’t need them very often!

3) Job market

Perth is a fast growing city with plenty of jobs on offer. Known especially for its mining sector, there seems to be an endless demand for workers in the mines, who fetch big bucks and great perks. Other areas include hospitality, retail, education and blue collar areas like construction and trades.

4) Foodie’s heaven

Perth is a diverse city that draws influence from loads of different cultures. It’s characterised by European-style small bars and cafes, local farmers’ markets, and a wide range of cuisines from across the world. Fremantle, in recent years, has become an ultra popular place for foodies and drinks enthusiast, with plenty of bars and restaurants.

5) Liveliness

Perth is a big city, with a big bustling heart. There’s a roaring live music scene, home to some of Australia’s favourite and most famous bands, from Tame Impala to Birds of Tokyo. The nightlife in Perth is one of the best in the country. There are around 255 events that happen in Perth each year – that’s more than four per week!

Pack up your bags, because you’re moving to Perth and you’re going to love it. Ausmove are the team of dedicated movers who’ll help you get there. They’re New Zealand’s experts in shipping Kiwis to Western Australia, providing unbeatable moving solutions at unbeatable prices. Get in touch with the team at Ausmove to find out more about what your future in Perth holds. Request a FREE moving quote online now.