Do New Zealand citizens need a visa to move to Australia?

No. New Zealand citizens are automatically granted a Special Category Visa (SCV) upon arrival in Australia — no application or waiting period required. As of July 2023, Kiwis who have lived in Australia for at least four years can apply directly for Australian citizenship.

How long does shipping from New Zealand to Australia take?

Door-to-door transit typically takes 4–6 weeks for east coast destinations (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast). Allow extra time for Adelaide and Perth. Shared container (LCL) shipments sail on a fortnightly schedule from Auckland.

What items are prohibited when moving from NZ to Australia?

Australia prohibits fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh meat and dairy, live plants, and soil of any kind. All food items, wooden goods, outdoor/sports equipment, and animal products must be declared on your B534 form and may be subject to biosecurity inspection by DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry).

What is the B534 form and do I need one?

The B534 (Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement) is your official customs declaration for household goods entering Australia. It must be submitted at least 7–10 days before your shipment arrives. Easy As Relocations prepares this on your behalf as part of their door-to-door service.

Can I import my household goods GST-free when moving to Australia?

Yes — if you have owned and used your household goods for more than 12 months before your shipment arrives in Australia, they qualify as GST-free personal effects. This covers furniture, appliances, clothing and electronics. Items purchased within 12 months of arrival attract 10% GST.

What is the best time of year to move from NZ to Australia?

March to May and August to October are the best off-peak windows — lower demand means better container availability, competitive pricing and faster transit. Avoid January–February, June–July and November–December peaks. Families should aim for an October move to settle before the Australian school year starts in late January.

Should I ship my car from New Zealand to Australia?

For most standard vehicles, selling in New Zealand and buying in Australia is more cost-effective. Shipping costs include freight, 10% GST on the vehicle's full value (including shipping costs), Australian Design Rules compliance inspection, biosecurity cleaning and registration. Exceptions include classic cars 25+ years old and high-value vehicles significantly cheaper in NZ.

What do I need to apply for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN)?

You need your New Zealand passport and an Australian address (temporary addresses work). Apply online at ato.gov.au as soon as you arrive in Australia — you must be physically in the country. Your TFN will be posted within 28 days. Without a TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest marginal rate.

What is LCL vs FCL shipping for a move from NZ to Australia?

LCL (Less than Container Load) means your belongings share a container — you pay only for the cubic metres you use. Best for studios and 1–2 bedroom moves. FCL (Full Container Load) gives you an entire dedicated container — 20ft for 3–4 bedrooms, 40ft for larger homes. FCL generally becomes better value from the 3-bedroom mark upward.

How do I move my pets from New Zealand to Australia?

Cats and dogs from New Zealand require no import permit and no quarantine in Australia. Requirements include: microchipping, a health certificate from an MPI-listed vet, and (for dogs) tick treatment within a specific window before travel. Start the process at least 8 weeks before your travel date. Other pets face significantly more restrictions — specialist advice is essential.

Kiwi planning their move to Australia — NZ to AU Playbook

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Your NZ AU Playbook.Know before you go.

Q: How much does it cost to move from NZ to AU?

Moving costs range from NZ$1,500–$4,500 for a studio or 1-bedroom (LCL shared container), NZ$6,000–$9,000 for a 2–3 bedroom home (20ft FCL), and NZ$10,000–$16,000+ for a 4+ bedroom home (40ft FCL). Costs include professional packing, sea freight, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery. Marine insurance and storage are optional extras.

Everything you need before, during, and after your move — customs, costs, packing, shipping, and life in Australia. Real insights from NZ → AU specialists.

Door-to-door shipping, GST-free rules, and common moving mistakes — NZ → AU guidance designed to help you relocate with clarity.

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Showing 9 of 38 articles

10 min

Timing Packing

Your Family's Moving Adventure.

A simple guide to moving to Australia stress-free.

Category: Before The Journey.

LCL or FCL — Which One Is Right for Your Move?

6 min

Shipping Budgeting

LCL or FCL — Which One Is Right for Your Move?

The honest guide to choosing the right container.

Category: Before The Journey.

How Much Does it Cost to Move from NZ to AU?

8 min

Budgeting Shipping

How Much Does it Cost to Move from NZ to AU?

A transparent cost breakdown: shared containers, full containers, packing services, insurance, and customs fees. Know your numbers before you begin.

Category: Before The Journey.

9 min

Budgeting Timing

Know Your Numbers.

Everything you need to budget for before you book.

Category: Before The Journey.

6 min

Timing Budgeting

Best Time to Move.

Get your timing right.

Category: Before The Journey.

Getting Your Moving Plan — What to Expect.

6 min

Budgeting Timing

Getting Your Moving Plan — What to Expect.

No surprises, just a clear number you can plan around.

Category: The Easy As Way.

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Packing Furniture for an International Move: Do's and Don'ts.

6 min

Packing Shipping

Packing Furniture for an International Move: Do's and Don'ts.

Your furniture will spend weeks in a shipping container crossing the Tasman. Here's how to prepare it correctly to avoid damage, mould, and biosecurity issues.

Category: The Easy As Way.