Moving & Relocating to Australia from New Zealand
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Moving to Australia from New Zealand is an exciting journey that thousands of Kiwis make each year. Whether you’re relocating to Australia for work, lifestyle, or family, Grace Removals makes the process straightforward.
With over 100 years of experience and Grace-managed teams on both sides of the Tasman, we handle your entire move from start to finish—no third parties, just one trusted team managing everything from Auckland to Adelaide or Wellington to Wollongong.
Why New Zealanders Choose Grace for Moving to Australia
When moving from NZ to Australia, choosing the right international movers matters. Grace stands apart because we are Grace in both countries. Together we have over 40 branches – spanning every Australian state and territory, plus locations throughout New Zealand. Your belongings never leave our care during their trans-tasman journey.
This Grace-to-Grace service means consistent quality standards and seamless communication from packing your first box in Christchurch to delivering your furniture in Sydney. One team, one company, one set of quality assurance standards.
Since 1885, we’ve helped generations of families relocate across the Tasman. Our team receives extensive training in international moving procedures, customs regulations, and customer service. With quality assurance processes, your belongings receive expert care whether they’re in Auckland or Melbourne.
Popular Destinations
How to Move to Australia From NZ: Our Step-by-Step Process
Understanding how to move to Australia from NZ starts with knowing the process. Here’s our relocation process in five clear stages:
Initial Consultation and Survey: Your journey begins with a no-obligation in-home consultation. This is to assess your belongings for packing and transit purposes. We discuss your needs, answer any questions about relocating to Australia from NZ, and provide expert advice on timings and customs requirements.
Professional Packing: Our trained crew arrives with international moving boxes and any specialized equipment as needed. We disassemble your furniture, wrap all items in protective materials, and itemize everything for customs documentation. This ensures your belongings are ready for safe transit and smooth clearance in Australia.
Shipping NZ to Australia: Your container is transported to the outgoing port and shipped across the Tasman. We coordinate with the shipping lines regarding timing of schedules. Transit times often vary by destination. Our most frequent services are to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Customs and Quarantine: Our team manages customs clearance in Australia, working with Border Force and the Department of Agriculture. We coordinate inspections and keep you informed throughout.
Final Delivery: Once customs has been cleared, our Australian Grace team delivers your shipment to your new home. They unload everything, place furniture, reassemble items, and take away all packing materials.
Throughout every stage, your dedicated move consultant will give you updates and answer any questions you have.
What You Can Take When Moving From NZ to Australia
A common question when moving to Australia is what can you take over there. Most household goods and personal effects can be shipped, but Australia has strict biosecurity regulations, requiring some items to be cleaned, declared, or left behind. Early communication about your inventory prevents any surprises or delays at customs.
Furniture and Household Goods: Almost all furniture can ship to Australia, but items made from natural materials (wood, cane, wicker) must be clean and free from soil, seeds, and insects. Our packing team inspects and cleans items during packing.
Personal Effects: Clothing, books, electronics, kitchenware, and most belongings are straightforward to ship. Items exposed to animals, soil, or outdoor environments, such as hiking boots, camping equipment, or gardening tools will need to be thoroughly cleaned.
Vehicles: Grace arranges shipping for cars and motorcycles. Vehicles must meet Australian design standards and undergo quarantine cleaning.
Restricted Items: Some items cannot be shipped or face restrictions, including plants, seeds, soil, certain foods, weapons, and some wooden items. Medications require proper documentation. Our consultants will provide a comprehensive list during your home survey.
Pets: Grace offers professional pet transport services for your furry family members making it easy to bring the whole family to Australia.
Our team at Grace Removals will assist you through the complexities of Australian custom requirements so you can be confident about what can be taken, and what needs to be done.
Shipping to Australia: Packing, Transit and Delivery
Successful shipping furniture to Australia depends on proper packing and handling. Grace’s standards protect your belongings through international shipping, from loading and sea transit to quarantine inspections and final delivery.
Packing Standards: We use purpose-built international moving cartons stronger than standard boxes. Fragile items receive individual wrapping. Furniture is wrapped in quilted blankets and plastic film. High-value items like artwork and antiques can be custom-crated.
Container Options: We offer shared containers for smaller moves or full container loads for an entire household. Shared containers (consolidation) provide cost-effective shipping when you don’t fill a full container. Full containers give exclusive use, ideal for larger households.
Transit and Tracking: Shipping from New Zealand to Australia typically takes one to three weeks, depending on destination and schedules. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have frequent sailings. We provide estimated timelines and regular updates.
Insurance: Grace offers comprehensive transit insurance options for peace of mind.
Australian Delivery: Our Australian team schedules delivery around your availability and can arrange temporary storage if needed.
Customs, Quarantine & AQIS Requirements
Australian biosecurity and customs regulations protect Australia’s environment from pests and diseases. With experienced support, the process is straightforward.
Customs Declarations: Grace completes a detailed inventory during packing that also serves as your customs declaration. This includes descriptions, quantities, and values of your items. Accurate declarations help prevent delays and avoid penalties.
AQIS Inspections: The Department of Agriculture may inspect your shipment for biosecurity risks, such as soil, seeds, insects, or prohibited materials. Our packing procedures minimize any quarantine issues through proper cleaning and using approved materials.
Documentation: Our team prepares and submits all required paperwork, including passenger cards, unaccompanied goods declarations, and vehicle forms. We liaise with Australian authorities to facilitate clearance for your goods.
Avoiding Delays: Most shipments clear within days. Grace’s thorough preparation with proper cleaning, accurate declarations, and complete paperwork, reduces delays significantly.
With thousands of shipments through Australian customs, our expertise means fewer surprises and faster clearance.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Australia From NZ?
The cost of moving furniture from NZ to Australia varies based on several factors. Understanding what influences these costs helps with budget planning.
Volume: The biggest cost factor is how much you’re moving. International moves are priced by cubic meters. As a rough guide, a one-bedroom apartment might need 15-20 cubic meters, while a four-bedroom house can be around 50+ cubic meters.
Destination: Major ports like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer competitive rates. Regional areas may involve additional transport from the nearest port.
Packing Services: Choose self-packing (we supply materials) or full professional packing. Some customers opt for a combination – packing everyday items themselves while Grace handles furniture and fragiles.
Special Items: Pianos, pool tables, boats, or vehicles require special handling. Custom crating for valuables adds costs but provides essential protection.
Access: Challenging access (narrow stairs, long carries, no elevator) may need additional labor. Special equipment such as hoists or needing parking permits increase costs.
Quarantine: Professional cleaning or treatment adds to costs but can help avoid delays.
Insurance: Transit insurance is highly recommended. Premiums are typically a small percentage of shipment value.
Timing: Peak periods during summer holidays (December-February) increase demand and sometimes command higher rates.
We provide detailed, transparent quotes breaking down all costs. Many customers are often surprised how moving to Australia with our comprehensive service can cost less than doing everything themselves, including having a less stressful experience overall.
Grace Locations Across Australia
Grace’s key strength when moving to Australia is our extensive presence across the entire country. With branches in every Australian state and territory, we deliver with local expertise wherever you’re headed.
Our network includes Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Canberra, plus regional centers. Each location is staffed by experienced Grace teams who understand local delivery requirements.
This Australia-wide presence means local Grace teams manage final delivery anywhere you relocate. We offer secure storage facilities across Australia if needed. Should any issues arise, you work with a local team who can respond quickly.
Our Australian operations follow the same quality standards as our New Zealand branches with consistent, expert care from Christchurch to Brisbane. This continuity is only possible because Grace owns and operates our entire network.
Trending Australian Destinations for NZ Movers
While Grace delivers anywhere in Australia, certain cities are particularly popular with New Zealanders.
Sydney: Australia’s largest city attracts Kiwis with its strong job market, iconic harbor, and vibrant lifestyle. From Bondi’s beaches to Parramatta’s business district, Sydney offers diverse neighborhoods. The established New Zealand community makes settling easier. Grace’s extensive Sydney network ensures smooth delivery throughout the metropolitan area. Learn more about moving to Sydney.
Melbourne: Known for culture, coffee, and sports, Melbourne appeals to those seeking a European-style Australian experience. The cooler climate feels familiar to New Zealanders, while the food scene, art galleries, and laneway culture offer endless exploration. Strong economy in healthcare, education, and professional services. Our Melbourne services cover the entire metro area.
Brisbane: Queensland’s capital attracts families with its subtropical climate, affordable housing, and relaxed lifestyle. Growing economy in construction, mining support, and technology. Proximity to Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast beaches adds appeal. Grace handles Brisbane relocations throughout the city and surrounding regions.
Other popular destinations include Perth for mining industry connections, Adelaide for affordability, and Canberra for public service careers. For more guidance, visit our international moving hub.
FAQs
Grace manages every stage: survey, packing, shipping, customs and delivery — with teams in both NZ and Australia.
Most household goods can be shipped; some items may require cleaning or declaration under AQIS rules.
Transit times vary by port and service type; Grace provides clear timelines and tracking support.
Costs depend on shipment size, packing needs, destination, access, and quarantine requirements.
Yes. Grace assists with documentation, declarations and AQIS inspection preparation to help avoid delays.
Start Your Move to Australia With Grace
Moving to Australia is a significant decision, and choosing the right moving company is crucial. With over 100 years of experience, Grace-managed teams on both sides of the Tasman, and tens of thousands of successful relocations, Grace is New Zealand’s trusted partner for moving to Australia.
We understand relocating to Australia from NZ is about more than shipping furniture—it’s starting a new chapter with confidence. Our comprehensive services remove the stress and complexity from international moving.
Ready to take the next step? Our consultants are available for obligation-free quotes and personalized advice. We offer:
- In-home consultations with detailed assessments
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Over a century of experience moving Kiwis to Australia
- Comprehensive service from packing to final delivery
- ISO-certified processes and industry-leading standards
Call us today on 0800 472 2369 or request a quote through our contact page. We’re here to make your move to Australia smooth and stress-free.
Our Australian shipping services include:
Obligation free in-home quotation consultation and advice
Packing your belongings into specifically designed international moving boxes
Disassembly, protective wrapping, customs listing and preparation of all furniture items
Specialist packing and crating of high value or fragile items including antiques and fine art
Cost-effective shipping solutions including regular consolidation services for smaller shipment sizes
Australian customs and quarantine regulations and assistance
Comprehensive transit insurance options at competitive rates
Home cleaning and de-cluttering services
Secure short or long term storage solutions in New Zealand or Australia
Professional pet relocation services including veterinary monitoring, quarantine and boarding
Temporary accommodation or furniture rental in Australia
Competitive foreign currency money transfer services
Your Australian Moving Resource
We like our customers to think of us not just as a moving company, but as a resource they can use to make their transition to a new Australian life an easy one. From the outset, we’re available to help you with any legal requirements that will help reduce the stress and added pressures that come with an international move. Our extensive network of offices and removals operations throughout Australia means we know about all the logistics and requirements needed for your successful Australian move, and our professional relocation consultants will work with you to ensure you are provided with the very best advice.
Here are some helpful articles and information for planning your relocation to Australia:
How to Use Your KiwiSaver for a Home Deposit in Australia
Essential Documents for Moving from New Zealand to Australia
How to Move Money to Australia from New Zealand
Driving in Australia: A Guide for New Zealanders
Understanding Taxation in Australia for Kiwis
Visas, Residency, and Citizenship in Australia for New Zealanders
Which City to Move to in Australia?
How Much Does It Cost to Move from New Zealand to Australia?
Quality Assurance, Accreditations & Industry Affiliations
