Other information

More detail can be found below on:

Insurance

Enquiries concerning shipping and marine insurance charges should be made directly with the shipping companies trading with New Zealand.

Insurance cover can be arranged after the owner’s arrival. New Zealand insurance companies provide the usual type of cover for damage by accident, fire, loss, theft, and so on. No-claims bonus schemes are also operated, so owners should bring documentary evidence of past motor vehicle ownership and insurance history.

back to top

Left hand drive vehicles

There are restrictions on the use of left hand drive motor vehicles in New Zealand. Contact the New Zealand Transport Agency for more information.

back to top

Quarantine inspection and cleaning

All used vehicles are subject to a quarantine inspection on arrival by an inspector of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry/Biosecurity NZ. If the vehicle is found to be contaminated with soil, plant material, or animal material, it will require cleaning. The importer is responsible for any charges for inspection and cleaning.

back to top

Tax relief in the country of purchase

It may be possible to purchase a vehicle for export without payment of local car tax and/or value added tax. Contact the manufacturer or dealer.

back to top

Tourist delivery schemes

New Zealand residents travelling overseas to Europe or the United Kingdom are sometimes able to place an order with the New Zealand vehicle distributor and take delivery of the new car tax-free upon arrival at their destination.

 

Some New Zealand distributors will be prepared to import your vehicle for you when you wish to return to this country. The advantage is that the franchise holder has access to an invoice (not available to the owner) which excludes dealer commission from the price paid for the vehicle. This net invoiced price can then be used as the basis for the value for duty. Depreciation will also be granted for the period of personal ownership/use, but this period will only commence at the time physical delivery of the vehicle is taken, not from the time the order or payment is made. Depreciation is not given for a vehicle under construction.

 

If the distributor does not offer to clear your vehicle through Customs, the invoice you produce forms the basis of the calculation to determine the value for duty.

back to top