Key points:

  • This guide explores the cheapest way to ship from New Zealand to Australia, comparing speed and price
  • Selecting the right service depends on your needs; for budget-conscious businesses, NZ Post - Air Small Parcel is the best value and cheapest options
  • Easyship is a platform that helps businesses find affordable shipping rates, complete customs paperwork, and streamline the overall shipping process

The Australian eCommerce market is booming! With 2024 revenue expected to reach over $37 Billion, strong annual growth is also forecast, at over 9% a year until 2029! This is a huge potential opportunity for ambitious eCommerce stores looking to expand internationally!

Cheap shipping from New Zealand to Australia has become critical for eCommerce businesses targeting the growing Australian market. Understanding the best practices, carrier options, and regulatory requirements can significantly impact your business's efficiency and profitability.

This guide will provide comprehensive insights into navigating the complexities of international shipping from the US to Australia, ensuring your products reach their destination promptly and cost-effectively.

Table of Contents

Cheapest Shipping from New Zealand to Australia

Shipping to New Zealand to Australia? You might be expecting expensive shipping costs and slow delivery times, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case. To break down the cheapest shipping rates available, in this example, we are going to ship a small package from Wellington, NZ to Sydney, AU.

We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare prenegotiated rates from 250 plus couriers:

  • Weight of package: 1KG
  • Box Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 15cm
  • Contents for customs forms: Accessory (no-battery)
  • Origin: Wellington, NZ
  • Destination: Sydney, AU

To help you analyze the cheapest international shipping options available, we have ranked each New Zealand to Australia service for sending a package, based on the estimated prices from over 250 global couriers.

Courier Name Delivery Time Total Cost (NZD)
NZ Post - Air Small Parcel 4-7 17.4
Aramex - Parcel 4-7 23
NZ Post - International Courier 2-5 33.38
UPS Worldwide Saver® 2-5 47.73
UPS Worldwide Expedited® 3-6 42.91

For those looking to send parcels from Wellington, NZ to Sydney, AU, there are several courier options to consider based on cost, speed, and overall value. The cheapest service available is the NZ Post - Air Small Parcel. This option costs NZD 17.40 and has a delivery time of 4-7 days, making it an economical choice for non-urgent deliveries. 

On the other hand, for those who prioritize speed, the NZ Post - International Courier and UPS Worldwide Saver® both offer the fastest delivery times of 2-5 days. However, the cost for the NZ Post - International Courier is NZD $33.38, while the UPS Worldwide Saver® is significantly higher at NZD $47.73.

When considering the best value for money, it is essential to balance cost and delivery time. The NZ Post - International Courier stands out as the best value service, offering a good balance between speed and cost.

For NZD $33.38, parcels can be delivered within 2-5 days, which is comparable to the more expensive UPS options but at a significantly lower price. This makes it a practical choice for those needing reliable and swift delivery without incurring the higher costs associated with premium courier services.

Key Points:

  • Cheapest Service: NZ Post - Air Small Parcel
    • Cost: NZD $17.40
    • Delivery Time: 4-7 days
  • Fastest Services: NZ Post - International Courier and UPS Worldwide Saver®
    • Cost: NZD $33.38 (NZ Post) and NZD $47.73 (UPS)
    • Delivery Time: 2-5 days
  • Best Value: NZ Post - International Courier
    • Cost: NZD $33.38
    • Delivery Time: 2-5 days

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest method of shipping New Zealand to Australia. It's ideal for urgent shipments and smaller, high-value items. Air shipping involves transporting goods via an international courier service, offering quicker delivery dates compared to sea freight. 

Major cities in both countries, such as Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, and Melbourne, have airports that facilitate efficient air freight services.

When considering air freight, it’s crucial to compare quotes from different shipping companies. Factors such as shipment size, weight, and delivery urgency affect the shipping costs. Air freight is typically more expensive than sea freight, but the benefits of faster transit times and reduced risk of damage can justify the higher cost for certain shipments.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is a cost-effective alternative to air freight, especially for larger shipments or household goods. Shipping via sea involves using shipping containers, which can be either full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL). For those moving personal belongings or shipping household items in bulk, sea freight can be an affordable option.

When shipping via sea, goods are packed into a container and transported across the Tasman Sea to Australian ports such as the Port of Sydney or the Port of Melbourne. The shipping process includes loading the container, sea transit, unloading at the destination port, and final delivery.

Sea freight is generally slower than air freight, with transit times varying based on the shipping route and conditions at sea. However, it is more cost-effective for large volumes of cargo, making it a preferred choice for international moving companies and businesses shipping goods in bulk.

Customs clearance is a critical step in the shipping process from New Zealand to Australia. Both countries have strict customs regulations, and it's essential to comply with these to avoid delays and additional costs.

When shipping goods, you need to provide detailed inventory and necessary documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and any applicable permits. Items shipped must be declared accurately, including household items and personal effects. New Zealand and Australia have specific rules regarding certain goods, such as food and plants, which may require quarantine inspections.

New Zealand to Australia shipments may qualify for duty-free entry under certain conditions, but it’s essential to check the latest customs regulations. Engaging with customs brokers or international courier services that offer customs clearance can simplify the process and ensure compliance.

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs from New Zealand to Australia depend on several factors, including the shipping method (air freight or sea freight), shipment size, weight, and delivery urgency. Here's a breakdown of the cost factors:

  • Air Freight: More expensive but offers faster delivery times. Ideal for small quantities or high-value items.
  • Sea Freight: More affordable for larger shipments, but with longer transit times. Suitable for bulk goods or household goods.
  • Customs Clearance Fees: Fees for processing shipments through customs. Costs can vary based on the type and value of goods.
  • Quarantine Inspections: Costs associated with inspecting certain goods to ensure they meet Australian biosecurity standards.
  • Insurance: Optional but recommended to protect your shipment against loss or damage during transit.
  • Delivery Fees: Costs for delivering the goods from the port or airport to the final destination.

To get an accurate quote for your shipment, it's essential to compare quotes from multiple shipping companies. Factors such as container load (FCL or LCL), the final destination within Australia, and any additional services required (e.g., packing, insurance) will affect the final price.

Summary

Shipping New Zealand to Australia involves careful consideration of the shipping options, costs, and processes involved. Whether you choose air freight for its speed or sea freight for its affordability, understanding customs clearance and the associated costs is crucial for a smooth shipping experience.

By comparing quotes and choosing the most cost-effective and efficient shipping method for your needs, you can ensure your goods are delivered safely and on time. Engaging with experienced international moving companies or shipping companies can provide valuable assistance and expertise, making the shipping process easier and more reliable.

For businesses and individuals alike, considering all the factors involved in shipping, from packing to delivery, ensures that the entire process is completed efficiently and within budget. 

Whether shipping personal belongings, household items, or business goods, knowing your options and the associated costs helps in making informed decisions, leading to successful shipments from New Zealand to Australia.

Find the Cheapest Way to Send a Package with Easyship

Easyship, a leading shipping and logistics company, partners with over 250 couriers worldwide. By utilizing this vast network, Easyship has secured substantial shipping discounts, potentially lowering your shipping costs by up to 91%. When shipping from New Zealand to Australia, you can benefit from these significant savings.

To make your shipping process smoother and more efficient, Easyship offers a variety of easy-to-use tools:

  • Shipping Rate Calculator: Easily compare shipping rates from different carriers to find the most affordable option for shipping from New Zealand to Australia.
  • Comparison Tool: Evaluate different shipping services provided by each courier to choose the cheapest and most suitable method based on multiple factors.
  • Insurance: Ensure the safety of your packages during transit with insurance coverage up to $10,000.
  • Tracking: Keep your buyers informed and maintain visibility of your packages with custom-branded tracking emails and automatic message alerts.

With Easyship, you can significantly reduce your shipping expenses while ensuring a seamless shipping experience for your customers.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to ship from New Zealand to Australia?

The cheapest way to ship from New Zealand to Australia is via NZ Post - Air Small Parcel, which costs NZD $17.40 and has a delivery time of 4-7 days. This service is economical for non-urgent deliveries and small packages.

How long does shipping take from New Zealand to Australia?

Shipping from New Zealand to Australia typically takes 4-7 days for standard services like NZ Post - Air Small Parcel. For faster delivery, services like NZ Post - International Courier and UPS Worldwide Saver® take approximately 2-5 days.

How much is a shipping container from NZ to Australia?

The cost of shipping a container from New Zealand to Australia varies depending on the size of the container (FCL or LCL), the shipping company, and additional services required. Generally, it can range from a few thousand to several thousand NZD.

How much does it cost to ship to Australia?

Shipping costs to Australia depend on factors such as package size, weight, and shipping method. For a 1KG package, costs range from NZD 17.40 for the cheapest option (NZ Post - Air Small Parcel) to around NZD $47.73 for premium services like UPS Worldwide Saver®.

How long is shipping from NZ to Australia?

The duration of shipping from New Zealand to Australia ranges from 2-5 days for expedited services to 4-7 days for standard options. Sea freight typically takes longer, depending on the specific route and conditions.

How much does it cost to ship a container from NZ to Australia?

Shipping a container from New Zealand to Australia can cost between several thousand NZD, depending on whether it's a full container load (FCL) or less than a container load (LCL), the shipping company, and the specific logistics involved.

How much does it cost to ship a package to Australia?

The cost to ship a package to Australia varies by weight, size, and courier service. For instance, a 1KG package costs NZD $17.40 with NZ Post - Air Small Parcel, while expedited services like UPS Worldwide Saver® can cost up to NZD $47.73.

How much does it cost to ship furniture from Australia to NZ?

Shipping furniture from Australia to New Zealand typically involves sea freight and costs depend on the volume and weight of the items. On average, costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand NZD, considering the logistics and additional services like packing and insurance.