Why Is Transporting Motorhomes Between Australia and New Zealand in High Demand?
The caravan and motorhome market is booming. Globally, it’s worth over $60 billion and expected to grow beyond $100 billion by 2033. And in Australia and New Zealand, this surge is fueled by:
- The rise of remote work and digital nomadism
- Increased domestic tourism post-pandemic
- Australians and Kiwis investing in self-sufficient travel options
All this means more vehicles are moving across the Tasman than ever before—especially from Melbourne, Australia’s transport hub for oversized vehicles.
What Are the Best Shipping Methods?
When transporting a motorhome or caravan from Australia to New Zealand, you typically have two main shipping options:
1. Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)
Perfect for: Larger motorhomes and caravans
Your vehicle is driven directly onto the ship and secured for transport. Upon arrival, it’s driven off—simple and efficient.Pros:
- Cost-effective for larger units
- Faster loading/unloading
- Lower handling risk
Things to Note:
- Fixed sailing schedules
- Vehicle may be exposed to the elements depending on the vessel (though secured)
Not sure what’s best for your vehicle? Contact us and we’ll recommend the right method based on size, weight, and budget.
What Are the Import & Compliance Requirements?
Shipping a vehicle from Australia to New Zealand means complying with biosecurity, customs, and import rules. Here’s what you need to know:
Import Approvals
You’ll need pre-approval from NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency) to import your motorhome or caravan.
PeachT handles this paperwork for you—including Vehicle Import Approval (VIA), emissions compliance, and right-hand-drive rules.
Customs & GST
- 15% GST is charged on the imported value (including freight and insurance).
- Some vehicles may be exempt from duty (e.g. returning Kiwis or Australian-made vehicles).
We’ll calculate all your fees upfront, with no hidden surprises.
Biosecurity Requirements
New Zealand’s MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) enforces strict cleaning and quarantine inspections. Your vehicle must be:
- Free from mud, grass, seeds, and insects
- Cleaned thoroughly inside and out
- Free from household goods (unless containerised)
At PeachT, we offer pre-export cleaning services to make sure your motorhome passes the inspection first time.
What’s Included in our Door-to-Door Service?
We make shipping your motorhome, caravan, or campervan across the Tasman completely hassle-free:
- Pickup from anywhere in Australia
- Sea freight via RoRo or container
- Import approvals and customs clearance
- Biosecurity cleaning and inspection prep
- Delivery to your door or a secure depot in New Zealand
Whether you’re importing a new campervan or relocating your beloved caravan, we handle the entire process from start to finish.
Why Choose PeachT?
We are specialists in both normal and oversized vehicle shipping, in addition to:
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
- Weekly sailings from major Australian ports
- Licensed customs and quarantine agents
- 24/7 support and tracking
Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping
Before you hand off your vehicle for transport, here’s a quick prep checklist:
- Remove LPG bottles and flammable items
- Disconnect the battery
- Empty water and waste tanks
- Remove valuables and personal items
- Clean the undercarriage and exterior thoroughly
- Check for any leaks or mechanical issues
Don’t worry—we provide a full pre-shipment checklist and inspection service to help you meet every requirement.
How Long Does It Take to Ship from Melbourne to Auckland?
On average, shipping takes:
- 8–12 days port-to-port (RoRo)
- 12–16 days (container, including packing/unpacking time)
- Add 3–5 days for pre-export cleaning, inspection, and paperwork
We keep you updated every step of the way with real-time tracking and alerts.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle? Let’s Get Started!
Whether you’re relocating, upgrading, or buying a new motorhome—PeachT is your trusted partner in cross-Tasman RV logistics.
Contact us today for a free quote or just to ask a few questions.
