Everything you need to know about moving to NZ

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of car ownership in the world, and good quality cars are very reasonably priced. Most cars in New Zealand are second hand Japanese cars, and most New Zealanders purchase used in preference to new cars.

Car Prices

A highly spec'd' Japanese 2 litre saloon of under 5 years and less than 80,000 kms can be purchased for around $10,000. European cars are rather pricey new here, but their values plummet after they are 2 - 3 years old. An Audi A4 Quattro 2 litre is $90,000 new, whereas a low mileage 2006 model is around $50 - $60,000. A 10-year-old prestige European car can be purchased for as little as $10,000, and will usually be in very good condition, as the roads in New Zealand aren't salted.

Car Websites and Pre-Purchase Checks

The two major car sales websites in New Zealand are Auto Trader and Trade Me Motors. If you do buy a car privately rather than through a dealer, it is well worth getting your car’s history checked with VIR (Vehicle Information Report) – this costs $30, and will tell you whether the car has been stolen or if there is money owing on it. 

It is very common to get a used car checked out by an independent mechanic before you buy it - some dealers sort this out automatically for you, though you can usually pay and get a more thorough check. There is also an excellent (if somewhat irreverent) guide published every year detailing the pros and cons of the majority of car makes and models in New Zealand, The Dog and Lemon Guide, http://www.dogandlemon.com/.

Car Terminology 

If you are looking around at cars, you will notice that some of the terminology in New Zealand is different to what you are used to in the UK -

Petrol Prices

Petrol prices in New Zealand fluctuate with the exchange rate among other things. As of mid November 2008 a litre of 91 octane fuel is around $1.54, and 95-grade high octane is around $1.60. Diesel is approximately $1.27 a litre. If you use diesel fuel you will need to pay Road User Charges of about $26 per 1000km, payable in advance. For absolutely up-to-date petrol prices throughout New Zealand (they do vary a bit by region, especially in remote areas), see PriceWatch.

Motor Insurance

Insurance in New Zealand is well priced. Third party insurance is not compulsory, which makes it all the more important for you to have comprehensive insurance. When you are cancelling your car insurance in the UK, make sure you get a copy of your no claims certificate; this may help you to get favourable terms with a NZ insurer.

WOF and Registration

You will need to get a Warrant of Fitness every 12 months for a new car, and every 6 months for an older one. This generally costs around $25 - $50. The sticker is displayed in the top-right of your windscreen.

You will also need a Vehicle Licence Certificate, which costs around $210 for 12 months. This is displayed in the bottom-left of your windscreen. Change of Ownership paperwork must be completed when you buy a car - the form is on the car's Certificate of Registration.