Relocating to New Zealand is a big move, both in distance and in complexity. Whether you're heading there for work, family, lifestyle, or a fresh start, the process involves much more than booking a flight and packing a suitcase. From visa applications and customs regulations to international shipping and settling in, it can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s where this checklist comes in. At Transworld, we’ve been helping people relocate internationally for over 30 years. We’ve seen what smooth relocations look like, and we’ve seen what goes wrong when key details get missed. So we’ve put together a clear, practical guide to help you stay organised and avoid common pitfalls.
Before you even think about packing, you’ll need to confirm your eligibility to move to New Zealand legally. There are several types of visas, including work, student, partner, and resident visas, each with its own set of requirements, processing times, and documentation. Visit the official New Zealand Immigration website to determine which visa type suits your circumstances and what evidence you’ll need to provide. Keep in mind that some visas require proof of employment, qualifications, or sponsorship, so it’s important to begin this process as early as possible. Without the right visa in place, your entire relocation could be delayed or entry into New Zealand denied.
Before you move to New Zealand, it’s essential to understand the cost of daily life so you can plan accordingly. Housing, utilities, food, transport, childcare, and healthcare vary considerably depending on where in NZ you're relocating to. Tools like Numbeo or Kiwicost are useful starting points. Don’t assume it’s cheaper than your current country; imported goods, fresh produce, and rent in urban areas like Auckland and Wellington can be surprisingly high. If you're moving for work, negotiate your salary with this in mind, especially if you’ll be starting with limited local credit history or support.
New Zealand’s healthcare is a mix of public and private, but it’s not automatically free or accessible for all newcomers. Residents and most work visa holders may access the public system, but others will need private health insurance. Make sure you know whether your visa qualifies you for subsidised care, and if not, arrange private cover in advance. If you have ongoing medical needs or prescriptions, talk to your current GP about transfer letters, and ensure you bring a supply of medications (no more than 3 months) with the correct documentation. Not declaring medication on arrival with your NZ customs declaration can cause issues, so check Medsafe NZ for rules around what’s allowed.
Good international moving companies get booked up months in advance, especially around peak summer periods like December or July. Contact Transworld early to get quotes, confirm availability, and start planning the shipping process. Ask about international shipping timelines, insurance cover, customs paperwork, and what you’ll need to declare. A quality mover will help you plan packing, inventory documentation, and advise you on the best method of shipping. Delaying this step can cause significant hold-ups, especially if you're relying on a container shipment that takes 8–12 weeks door-to-door.
New Zealand has some of the world’s strictest customs and biosecurity laws. This is not the country to take chances with your packing list. Items such as outdoor equipment, wooden furniture, animal products, food, and even dried flowers can be seized, directed for additional cleaning/fumigation or destroyed if not properly cleaned, declared, or permitted. Visit the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website to understand what you’re allowed to bring. Everything must be clean, clearly declared, and documented. A professional mover like Transworld can help ensure your items meet the standards and avoid customs or quarantine delays.
This step often gets overlooked until it becomes an emergency. Gather all essential paperwork and make both digital and physical copies. This includes passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, employment contracts, vaccination records, medical prescriptions, and tax documents. You may need original versions for school enrolment, job applications, or government registrations once you’re in New Zealand. Store these documents in your carry-on luggage, not in your international shipping container, as you'll likely need them during transit or shortly after arrival.
Unless you’ve already secured long-term housing, you’ll need somewhere to stay for your first few weeks in New Zealand. Book temporary accommodation well in advance, especially if you're arriving during busy periods or moving with family. Consider short-term rentals, serviced apartments, or Airbnbs close to your target suburb so you can start house hunting with ease. Some employers may offer relocation assistance or temporary housing, so check what’s available before booking privately. Be realistic about the time it may take to secure a long-term rental, especially in tight housing markets like Auckland.
If you're moving with school-aged children, get familiar with how the New Zealand education system works. Public schools are zoned, meaning your home address determines eligibility, so this may affect where you choose to live. Some schools have waiting lists or only accept students at the start of a term, so contact them ahead of time to understand their process. If you’re considering private or international schools, research costs, curriculum, and application deadlines.
Once the big logistics are sorted, it’s time to lock in your travel. Compare flight routes, check baggage allowances, and review arrival procedures for international passengers in New Zealand. Some visa types may have specific entry conditions, so read your visa letter carefully. When packing, create a list of travel essentials for moving, including chargers, adaptors, medications, copies of key documents, valuables, a few days’ worth of clothing, and any essentials for children or pets. It’s wise to keep a printed itinerary and accommodation booking details on hand, in case you need them for immigration or transport on arrival.
Relocating internationally comes with hundreds of moving parts, and whether you're moving to New Zealand, relocating overseas, or managing a multi-country transition, our team is here to make the process smoother, safer, and more manageable.
Here's how Transworld supports every stage of your move:
Don’t leave your planning till the last minute. Get in touch with Transworld and request your free moving quote today.
We assist with both. While we have decades of experience supporting individuals and families moving to New Zealand, we also help Kiwis who are relocating from New Zealand to destinations such as Australia, the UK, Europe, the US, and Asia. Whether you're planning a permanent move or a temporary overseas assignment, Transworld International Removals provides full-service solutions for outbound and inbound international moving.
Shipping times vary depending on your origin or destination country. If you need your belongings faster, air freight is our quickest option, which is ideal for urgent or high-priority items. Whether you're planning a full household move or a partial shipment, Transworld will recommend the most efficient option based on your timeline and budget.
Costs for moving to NZ depend on several factors: the volume of items, origin and destination, service type, and whether storage or specialist packing is required. One of the most cost-effective ways to move is by choosing groupage, where your shipment shares container space with others moving along the same route. This option is ideal for those who can plan in advance and are flexible with delivery times.
You don’t have to do it alone. Transworld International Removals offers services which include full packing including materials, secure wrapping, itemised inventories, and professional handling. Along with providing customs and quarantine information to ensure that the belongings that are packed and shipped will meet New Zealand Customs and Quarantine restrictions.
