Moving your family across the Tasman is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make — and one of the best. Thousands of Kiwi families do it every year and settle into Australian life with far less drama than they expected. The secret? A solid plan and the right people in your corner. Here's everything your family needs to know before collection day.

Your Visa — Simpler Than You Think

As New Zealand citizens, your family has a significant advantage. Upon arrival in Australia, every Kiwi is automatically granted a Special Category Visa (SCV) — no application, no waiting, no stress. Your New Zealand passports are all you need.

Just make sure every family member's passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date into Australia. This is the one document you cannot afford to overlook.

Timing Your Move — The School Year Is Your Guide

If you have school-age children, the Australian school calendar should drive your moving timeline. Unlike New Zealand, the Australian school year starts in late January or early February, depending on the state.

The sweet spot for families is an October to November move. This gives you time to settle into your new home, get the kids enrolled, and find your feet before the school year begins. Moving in December is possible but tricky — many businesses slow down over the Christmas period, which can affect your shipment and settlement timeline.

Whatever your target date, we recommend booking with Easy as™ at least four weeks in advance to lock in your collection day.

Getting the Kids Enrolled

Start the school enrolment process as early as possible — some schools in popular areas have waiting lists. Here's what you'll typically need:

  • Proof of age — birth certificate or passport
  • Immunisation records
  • Most recent school reports
  • Any relevant medical information or special programme details

One thing to be aware of: the Australian school year system differs slightly from New Zealand's. Contact your chosen school directly to confirm which year level your child will enter. Most schools are very experienced with Kiwi families making the move and will guide you through the process.

Healthcare — You're Covered from Day One

As New Zealand citizens, your family has immediate access to Medicare under the reciprocal healthcare agreement between NZ and Australia. This means you can visit a GP, access public hospitals, and receive subsidised prescriptions from the moment you arrive.

Register for Medicare as soon as possible after arrival. For a full first-week checklist, take a look at our guide — [Your First Week in Australia].

Packing for a Family — Let Us Handle It

Moving a family home is a big job. Furniture, kids' rooms, appliances, outdoor gear — it all adds up quickly. At Easy as™, our professional packing and wrapping team handles everything. We pack your home carefully and methodically, creating a detailed inventory for customs as we go.

One tip that makes a real difference: pack a separate essentials box for the family — the things you'll need on arrival before your shipment is delivered. Think school uniforms, kids' favourite toys, medications, chargers, and a few familiar items to make the first nights feel like home.

A Note on Timing Your Shipment

Your belongings will travel by sea in a shared container — a cost-effective option for most families. Door-to-door transit typically takes four to six weeks. That means if your target is to be settled before the school year, you need to plan your collection day well in advance.

Easy as™ will work with you to align your collection date with your travel plans so there are no gaps and no stress.

That's What We're Here For

At Easy as™, we've helped hundreds of Kiwi families and individuals make this move. We know the questions, the concerns, and the moments where things can go sideways — and we're here to make sure they don't.

Your job is to focus on your family's new adventure. Ours is to get everything there safely, on time, and without surprises.