Motorcycle Shipping & Import to New Zealand

motorbike shipping services to New Zealand

If you're considering purchasing a motorcycle overseas and shipping it to New Zealand, or importing a motorcycle as part of your immigration, then let us help.

Taurus Logistics and our overseas partners offer full crating, pickup, and shipping services from door to door, and take all the hassle out of the red tape and quarantine issues. So whether you want to ship a Harley Davidson from the USA, or import a Triumph from a small town in the UK, we have the people and resources to take care of everything for you.

80% receive a quote in 30 seconds! More complex jobs will receive a response within 24 hours.

Ports We Ship to in New Zealand

Taurus Logistics ships motorcycles to many of New Zealand’s main ports, including Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. All motorcycles are quoted and available from our depots, or alternatively, to make your shipping experience as hassle-free as possible, we’ll load your cargo onto a truck and have it delivered straight to your door.

Ports we ship to in New Zealand:

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch (Lyttelton)
  • Dunedin (Port Chalmers)
  • Nelson
  • Wellington
Map of New Zealand showing car shipping locations

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Motorcycle?

While it’s not possible to list the shipping times for every route Taurus Logistics offers, below are a few of our most popular routes. These are indicative transit times, and do not include all shipping lines, containers, or part container options. Please contact us to discuss container sailing dates, or for RORO please refer to our RORO Sailing Schedule.

  • Australia to New Zealand – 10 days Approx.
  • New Zealand to Australia – 10 days Approx.
  • Europe to New Zealand – 50 days Approx.
  • USA to New Zealand – 45 days Approx.
  • New Zealand to Europe – 50 days Approx.
  • New Zealand to USA – 50 days Approx.

What restrictions are there on importing motorcycles to New Zealand?

Unlike some countries such as Australia, there is no restriction on how many or how often you import motorcycles. There are also no restrictions on importing new or used motorbikes.

However, if you intend to import your motorcycle for road use, you will need to ensure it complies with New Zealand standards, which can be obtained from NZ Transport Agency.

Do Taurus supply shipping crates, or can I supply my own?

Yes in most locations we can build a custom crate for you. If you intend to build your own crate, it must comply with the following to be accepted for shipping to New Zealand.

  • Vehicles If constructing from timber the timber MUST be ISPM15 certified. This timber is heat-treated and stamped with ISPM15 on the timber.
  • The motorcycle crate MUST be fully enclosed, and be constructed to enable other cargo to be loaded around and possibly on top of the crate without causing damage to the motorcycle.
  • Steel frame crates in which new bikes are shipped are in most cases NOT suitable because they are designed only to be stacked and loaded with other new bikes from the same manufacturer. They can't be loaded with other cargo.

What GST/Duty is payable on Imported Motorcycles

There is no Duty on Motorcycles. GST is payable at 15% on the landed value of the motorcycle. This is the cost of the motorbike, plus Insurance & Freight, otherwise known as the CIF price. You may be exempt from GST, so please read the section below.

Criteria for GST Exemption on imported Motorbikes

Depending on your immigration status you may be eligible for GST exemption on importing your motorcycle. We apply to New Zealand Customs on your behalf, and Customs review on a case-by-case basis. In general, if you meet below criteria you will be successful in exemption.

  • Be a first-time immigrant or a returning New Zealand citizen.
  • If a returning citizen, you must have been out of New Zealand for over 21 months.
  • Be prepared to sign a deed where you agree not to sell the motorcycle for at least 2 years.
  • Motorcycle must have been owned and used for last 12 months.
  • You MUST be physically in New Zealand to claim exemption.
      • …and you must provide the following documents:
    • Proof of ownership over the last 12 months
    • Purchase receipt for the motorbike or a current NZ valuation from a local dealer

Important Before you ship your motorcycle, or consider buying one overseas, please also check our comprehensive Mototcycle Pre-Shipment Checklist for importing motorcycles to New Zealand.

80% receive a quote in 30 seconds! More complex jobs will receive a response within 24 hours.

Our Service Promise

  • We will respond to your enquiry within 24 hours.
  • No hidden agenda, just clear easy to follow quotations.
  • We'll take care of all the red tape for you.

Shipping advice

Talk to Richard, our boat & machinery shipping specialist.
(03) 8657 5563 ext 203

Richard Hack - Managing Director

Richard Hack

Managing Director