New Zealand Shipping List

No matter how well you plan, there will probably be something you wish you'd shipped to New Zealand, and something you wish you hadn't - don't be too hard on yourself.

We've compiled a list of the things that we particularly wondered about bringing with us when we emigrated to New Zealand, which we hope you find useful. Please contact us if you would like to add anything to the list!  

Think twice about bringing:

• wardrobes (most houses have built-in wardrobes)

• ovens (most houses come with one, and gas is not universally available.)

• dishwashers (as with ovens, New Zealanders tend not to take these when they move)

• other white goods (for washing machines especially, check that your brand is available in New Zealand - you may find it difficult to get it serviced otherwise)

• TVs - New Zealand TVs work on different frequencies to UK TVs. You may not be able to get all channels, or may be able to get picture but not sound. You may be able to remedy this if you tune it through a NZ video player, or if you have Sky TV. If your TV is multi-standard compatible, you will be able to pick up New Zealand TV audio by changing from PAL I to PAL B/G somewhere deep in the menus. Check your manual if you think this may apply, and contact the manufacturer to check whether you could get your TV converted for use in New Zealand. Our general advice would be to bring your TV and see how it goes. You do not need to buy a TV licence in New Zealand - check our separate article to find out what is on TV in New Zealand.

• Freeview decoders - New Zealand has a digital TV system called Freeview, but this is incompatible with the UK system. Your UK Freeview box will not work in New Zealand.

• DVD players - if your DVD player is multiregion capable, or you can find a hack on the internet to make it multiregion capable, then bring it - otherwise, be aware that New Zealand dvds are region 4, UK dvds are region 2. New Zealand DVD players start at around $70, and they are predominantly multiregion capable.

• Baby monitors - UK baby monitors are set to a similar frequency to New Zealand radios - so while your baby monitor will work fine in NZ, there is a danger that you will be broadcasting your household noises to the rest of the neighbourhood.

• Scuba diving tanks - New Zealand regulations require burst valves, and it can be expensive to upgrade. You will not be able to get non-compliant tanks filled. To check whether your tanks are compliant, contact a NZ dive shop, such as Stirling Dive Shop.

Definitely bring: (not because you can't get them in NZ - there are just no compatibility issues)

• your home phone, including DECT phones

• your mobile phone if you can get it unlocked

• power boards (great for you computer, stereo, TV and kitchen - not as many plugs to change!)

• small appliances

• computers, including laptops (back up your data thoroughly before you leave, then just change your regional settings and set up a new ISP when you arrive)

• stereos

Family pets

Leaving your pet behind will be a hard decision to make - it is such a personal decision, that we did not think it belonged in either the do or don't list! Please see our article on taking pets with you to New Zealand for more information.

Vehicles

Your car or motorbike may equally hold the status of a valued family member, so we have included some more information on shipping your car to New Zealand rather than saying "do" or "don't.

MAF Regulations

Some of the items you may wish to take with you when you emigrate to New Zealand could be governed by NZ's strict biosecurity laws. Your container will probably be inspected on arrival in New Zealand by MAF, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Check our article on MAF Regulations for more information on what they will be looking for.