How to Ship from Australia to New Zealand

New Zealand is one of Australia’s top five trading partners, with goods flowing regularly between the two countries. With strong trade ties and geographic proximity, shipping across the Tasman is both fast and cost-effective. From e-commerce orders to personal parcels, choosing the right shipping method can help you save time, reduce costs, and avoid delays.

Couriers & Freight makes it easy to ship to New Zealand by offering instant quotes, multiple carrier options, and an all-in-one platform to manage your deliveries with confidence.

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Cheapest & Easiest Ways to Ship to New Zealand

The best way to ship to New Zealand depends on parcel size, urgency, destination, and budget. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most cost-effective and reliable options:

• Cheapest for small parcels: Ideal for cost-effective delivery of light items through freight aggregators
• Best value for large freight or pallets: Sea freight is ideal for non-urgent, heavy shipments
• Fastest delivery: Air freight express delivers in 1–3 business days. For urgent documents or parcels
• Personal parcels: Economy courier with tracking and delivery confirmation for gifts or household items
• Ideal for business freight: Use a freight forwarding platform to compare carriers, manage volume, and scale efficiently

What Are Your Shipping Options from Australia to New Zealand?

There are three main ways to ship from Australia to New Zealand: air freight, sea freight, and international courier services. Each method varies in cost, speed, and suitability depending on the size and urgency of your shipment.

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest option, ideal for urgent deliveries like documents, small parcels, or critical business goods. It typically takes 1–3 business days and includes tracking with defined delivery windows. While it costs more than other methods, it’s the best choice when time is a priority.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is ideal for bulkier shipments such as pallets, commercial stock, or large equipment. It generally takes 7–14 days but offers significant savings on high-volume freight. Best suited for non-urgent deliveries where lower cost outweighs speed.

International Courier Services

Couriers offer door-to-door convenience for smaller parcels, with both express and economy options. Express couriers are faster and suitable for time-sensitive deliveries, while economy couriers are cost-effective for everyday items.

While air freight typically operates airport-to-airport for commercial shipments, courier services handle the entire journey—pickup, customs, and last-mile delivery.

Select the option that best fits your shipment type, delivery timeline, and budget.

6 Popular Carriers for Shipping from Australia to New Zealand

Several major carriers operate routes between Australia and New Zealand, offering a range of services for parcels, pallets, and freight. Choosing the right carrier depends on your delivery timeframe, budget, and package size. Here are some of the most commonly used providers:

1. Australia Post

Ideal for personal parcels, documents, and standard-sized items. AusPost offers international standard and express services.

2. DHL Express

A premium option for urgent shipments with fast delivery and strong tracking visibility

3. Toll Group

Offers courier and freight services, including air and sea freight for commercial shipments.

4. Team Global Express

Originally established in New Zealand, this carrier specialises in trans-Tasman freight, offering road, air, and sea options for both Business-to-Business (B2B) and high-volume shipments.

5. Aramex (formerly Fastway)

A budget-friendly courier service for non-urgent parcels. Originally founded in New Zealand, Aramex has grown into a global network while maintaining strong regional coverage across both Australia and New Zealand.

6. Mainfreight

Specialises in freight forwarding between Australia and NZ, especially for palletised or larger commercial loads

With Couriers & Freight, you can compare multiple carriers like these in one place, making it easier to find the right service for your budget and delivery window.

Common Shipping Costs: What to Expect?

Shipping costs from Australia to New Zealand vary based on parcel weight, dimensions, delivery speed, and carrier. Here’s a general guide to help you estimate your shipping budget:

• Small parcels (<2kg): $25–$45 using economy courier services
• Medium parcels (<5kg): $45–$70, depending on size and delivery timeframe
• Larger parcels (20kg+): $100–$250 with air freight; express services may cost more
• Pallet shipping (sea freight): $300–$600 per standard pallet; ideal for heavy or bulky freight

Economy courier services are the most cost-effective option for lightweight, non-urgent parcels—and often include full tracking and delivery confirmation. Sea freight offers the best value when shipping in bulk, especially for businesses managing inventory or multiple parcels. Its lower per-kilo rate makes it significantly cheaper than air freight for high-volume shipments.

Note: Prices are estimates and may vary by carrier or service level. GST, fuel surcharges, or remote area fees may also apply.

What Do Australians Commonly Ship to New Zealand?

Australians frequently send a wide range of items to New Zealand—from personal gifts and e-commerce parcels to business freight and essential documents. Knowing what types of products are commonly moved across the Tasman can help you prepare your own shipments more efficiently.

Commonly Shipped Products:

• E-commerce orders: Clothing, accessories, health and beauty products, consumer electronics
• Business freight: Machinery parts, commercial tools, printed materials, medical supplies
• Personal parcels: Books, household goods, gifts, small appliances
• Documents and mail: Legal paperwork, university transcripts, contracts

Do You Need to Pay Customs & Duties When Shipping to NZ?

Understanding New Zealand’s customs process is key to avoiding delays, extra fees, or returned parcels.

If your shipment is valued under NZD 1000, it can usually be imported without paying GST, duties, or clearance fees. This applies to most personal items and small business parcels.

For shipments exceeding NZD 1000, New Zealand’s 15% GST and applicable import duties may apply. Some items, such as alcohol, tobacco, or restricted goods, must be declared no matter the value and may be subject to inspection or extra charges.

To keep your delivery on track, include all required documents like commercial invoices and itemised declarations. Ensure the customs form is filled out accurately.

Couriers & Freight helps simplify the customs clearance process by guiding you through the correct documentation to reduce clearance risks and improve delivery speed.

Efficient Shipping to New Zealand Starts Here

Shipping to New Zealand doesn’t have to be complex or costly. With the right freight platform, you can compare carriers, cut costs, and stay in control from dispatch to delivery.

Couriers & Freight simplifies the process with real-time quotes, multi-carrier tracking, and expert international shipping support. Start your shipment today with a free quote and ship smarter to New Zealand.

Fast, Reliable Shipping to New Zealand

Compare top carriers, get real-time quotes, and track your delivery with Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now