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- Last Updated: 23 August 2023
Although geographically close, moving to Australia from New Zealand can be a big decision. There are many things to consider before making the move, and you'll need to make some important and informed decisions. Whether you're going by yourself, or relocating to Australia with your family, the moving process is a big one. Here at Transworld, our mission is to make your move as easy as possible.
To help you with moving to Australia, we’ve put together useful tips and advice around:
- Visa requirements
- Australia overview
- Australian cities
- Property
- Banking
- Employment opportunities
- Shipping options.
- Australian Customs requirements.
- What you can and can't take.
Do you need a visa to move to Australia?
If you're a New Zealand citizen, you can generally move to Australia to live and work there indefinitely. You don't need to apply for a visa, and provided you meet the good character requirements, you will be granted a Special Category Visa automatically on arrival. This visa allows you to stay and work in Australia indefinitely. As an NZ citizen you can also study and enrol in Medicare, Australia's public health care system.
Permanent residents of New Zealand will need to obtain a visa in order to live and work in Australia.
There are a number of different temporary and permanent visa options, depending on your situation. Information on these can be found on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Australia overview
Moving to Australia from New Zealand may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and research it can be a relatively straightforward process. There are a number of things to consider when making the move, such as finding employment, securing accommodation and applying for the necessary visas and permits.
Australia is a large country with a lot to offer. From the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the stunning beaches of the Gold Coast, there's something for everyone.
Australian Cities
In many ways, Australia is very similar to New Zealand. The two countries share a common history and culture, and there are many similarities between the two nations. However, there are also some significant differences between the two countries, particularly in terms of their cities.
Most Australian cities are larger and therefore more crowded and bustling than their New Zealand counterparts. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth & Adelaide have populations over 1 million, with Sydney and Melbourne populations over 4 million.
Another significant difference between Australian and New Zealand cities is the climate. New Zealand's cities tend to have a milder climate, with cooler summers and warmer winters. In contrast, Australian cities tend to be much hotter, particularly in the summer months. This can make life in an Australian city quite challenging for those who are not used to the heat.
For more information about Australia's top cities, read our moving guides:
Australian Property
Denser Australian cities have a greater range of property types with apartments and terraced houses much more common than in New Zealand.
Buying Property in Australia
Property in Australia is expensive, with the median price across the country over $1 million. Prices are significantly higher in Sydney and Melbourne. New Zealand citizens are able to freely purchase property the same as if you were an Australian citizenscitizen. Foreign or temporary residents will require approval from the Australian government, and generally only for new housing. When purchasing property, in addition to a deposit, you will also likely be required to pay a tax on a property transaction that is charged differently by each state. Purchasing a $1 million dollar home, for example, would incur a stamp duty around $40K in NSW and $55K in Victoria.
Renting Property in Australia
Rent in Australia is expensive. The median weekly rent across the country is $450 per week. In Sydney and Melbourne, the median weekly rent is over $550 per week. Renting a house or apartment in Australia is different to renting in New Zealand
In Australia, most tenancies are ‘fixed-term’, which means that the tenancy agreement is for a set period of time, usually 6 or 12 months. At the end of a fixed-term tenancy, the tenant may be asked to sign a new fixed-term agreement.
Banking in Australia
When you move to Australia from New Zealand, you will need to open an Australian bank account. This process can be done easily and quickly, and there are many different banks to choose from. Most banks will let you open a bank account online, and you'll just need to bring your passport and other identification documents with you when you go to the bank once you've arrived in Australia.
It is important to research the different banks in Australia before you make a decision, as they all offer different products and services. You should also compare interest rates and fees before you decide on a bank.
The Australian dollar is stronger than the NZ dollar, but $1NZD has averaged around $0.94AUD over the last 5 years.
While your NZ debit and credit cards should work in Australia, it's worth getting some Australian dollars in cash before you go.
Transferring your New Zealand to Australian dollars can be done via your bank or with a money transfer service. Like banking, it's important to get the most Australian dollars for your NZ money. We have teamed up with the global payments provider Xe International Money Transfers. Xe makes sending money overseas fast, easy, and trustworthy. Sign up and get a quote for free, with no obligation to transfer.
Employment in Australia
Finding work in Australia can be easier than you think, especially if you have skills that are in demand. The job market in Australia is strong at the moment, so there are plenty of opportunities for those who are willing to look for them. There are a number of online job portals that can help you find work in Australia, or you can contact a recruitment agency to help you with your job search.
You'll also need to get an Australian Tax File Number (TFN). This is your personal reference number for tax and superannuation and is required for all residents, and if you want to work in Australia.. You can apply for TFN through the Australian Taxation Office website.
Australian climate
The climate in Australia is varied due to the size of the country. The north of Australia experiences a tropical climate, whilst the south has a temperate climate. In general, the further you travel from the equator, the cooler the climate becomes.
There are four distinct seasons in Australia, just like NZ: summer (December-February), autumn (March-May), winter (June-August) and spring (September-November)
The weather in Australia is described as 'continentality' because it is influenced more by the continent itself, rather than by oceans. This means that the seasons are more extreme, and there is less variation from year to year.
Our Moving Services
International shipping to Australia from New Zealand can be very cost effective. Often the cost of repurchasing your personal items greatly outweighs the cost of shipping from New Zealand to Australia. In addition, a lot of items have special memories and are simply irreplaceable.
At Transworld International Removals we can ship all your belongings anywhere in Australia. Your effects will be individually wrapped and packed with our specialised international wrapping materials and/or boxes and then stowed into a container for shipping. For a free quote contact us today.
In general, we offer an all inclusive door to door service incorporating professional packing, export documentation, insurance, customs/quarantine clearances in Australia, unpacking and removal of the waste packing materials at your new home. Additional services can also be offered to assist with other requirements you may have including: storage, airfreight, house cleaning, shipping of vehicles, pet transport and maid services to set up your new home. Our goal is to assure you of a smooth and stress free relocation, with the help of our friendly and professional team of sales consultants and customer service staff to offer advice on any concerns you may have. See our current Google Reviews here
Your Shipping Options When Moving to Australia
There are several options when it comes to shipping your personal belongings to Australia. When weighing up these options, consider the following:
- How much do you want to take?
- What's your budget?
- How fast do you want your goods to arrive?
1) Full Container Load: for when you’re shipping a full household
If you are shipping a full household, you’ll probably need a sole-use container (FCL).
Sole use shipping containers are a faster way to ship as you’re not having to share the container with others. Once your container has been loaded, it will be sealed and delivered to the port for immediate shipping.
2. Groupage: for when you're happy to share
If you've got a small household, or just want to ship a few household items, groupage shipping is the answer. Shared containers are an economical way of shipping, as you only pay for the space you use. Keep in mind, this service may take a little longer while we wait to fill the container for your destination but it is a very cost effective option.
3) Air Freight: for when you want it extra fast
Air Freight is the fastest option, though the most expensive. Ideal if you’re not taking a lot, or for those extra items you’ll need soon after your arrival.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Container to Australia?
Sole use container costs
Sending a standard 20-foot container from New Zealand to Australia typically costs between $11,790 and $13,290. The cost will vary depending on factors such as the type of container, the time of year, and the port of origin and destination and additional services used.
Groupage costs
Groupage costs are charged per cubic metre of the shared container you're using. You can typically pay around $450 - $850 per cubic metre.
Get a free moving quote now, and our team will provide you with the cost based on your exact situation and needs.
How long will shipping to Australia take?
Approximate door to door transit times, including packing and unpacking, are as follows:
- FCL: Allowing for Customs and quarantine delays at destination, typically shipping to Australia from NZ will take between 6 to 8 weeks.
- Groupage: Because this is a shared container, shipping can take a little longer while we wait to fill the container. Transit times are approximately 7 to 10 weeks depending on your actual destination
- Air Freight: This is the fastest shipping option and usually takes up to 2 weeks
Customs Requirements in Australia
Shipping Personal Effects to Australia
Personal and household effects may be imported into Australia free of Customs Duty and GST (Goods Services Tax), provided they have been owned and used for a period of at least twelve months prior to their departure for Australia and the owner of the goods is eligible to live in Australia.
Shipping Motor Vehicles to Australia
Private motor vehicles and motor bikes can be imported into Australia but there are several requirements and regulations to comply with. In general, all vehicles are subject to duty and/or GST. This is calculated by the Australian Customs Service on the value of the vehicle and with some high value luxury vehicles there is also an additional Luxury Car Tax.
Quarantine Requirements
Australia's unique environment and important agricultural industries are free from many pests and diseases found in other parts of the world. The movement of personal effects is one way these could be introduced. When preparing for your removal you need to ensure that all garden tools, outdoor furniture, lawn mowers, bicycles, sporting equipment, shoes and boots are free of soil and seed contaminants. Your vacuum cleaner should be thoroughly cleaned, the bag emptied and disposed of.
A Quarantine examination is mandatory on all shipments of personal effects and motor vehicles arriving in Australia. This is undertaken by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS). The examination needs to be carried out at a quarantine approved depot and our nominated destination agent will facilitate this examination at their quarantine approved furniture warehouse. An additional cost will be charged for quarantine examinations and further treatment if required. Treatment may include steam cleaning for the removal of soil contamination, fumigation of timber items to destroy insect pests, heat treatment to devitalise plant material or seizure and destruction of prohibited items.
Moving Pets to Australia
Transportation can be arranged for your pet to travel from New Zealand to Australia. Cats and dogs do not require an import permit however, import conditions apply. The animal must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by a veterinarian approved by the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries. The owner must also sign a Statutory Declaration for each pet confirming that they meet the criteria, including: must be microchipped, be over two months of age, resident for a minimum 90 days in New Zealand prior to shipping and not more than 40 days pregnant at time of travel.
If a dog has been imported into New Zealand from any country other than Australia, blood tests are required for Leishmania Infantum & Ehrlichia Canis. These can take up to 2 weeks to process. An additional treatment is required for dogs originating from South Africa.
Both Cats and Dogs cannot be imported into Australia if of an ineligible breed such as:
- Dogs: Pitbull type, Dogo Argentino, Wolfdog cross etc.
- Cats: Savannah, Chausie, Bengal etc.
A full list is provided on: www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs
Firearms & Weapons
All firearms are subject to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and require an import approval prior to the goods arriving in Australia.
The importer will need to apply to the Police Firearms or Weapons Registry in the State or Territory of where the importer will reside by obtaining an Importation of Firearms – Police Confirmation and Certification Form. This form must be presented to the Australian Border Force on arrival of the firearms into Australia.
Customs will seize the items and hand them over to State Police for a ballistics inspection. The firearms can only be retrieved when passed by inspection and the import approval has been sighted by Police. Ornamental and decommissioned antique guns will be treated as though they are working firearms until they have been inspected by Customs officials.
The importation of other types of weapons, including flick knives, daggers, swordsticks, knuckle dusters, replica guns, BB guns and unsafe firearms is prohibited.
Why You Should Choose Transworld
Transworld is an NZ owned & operated moving company, we’ve been in business for over 20 years and helped thousands of families move their personal and household effects overseas. We know that moving to a new country can be daunting and stressful, which is why our team works closely with you from start-to finish. We will help guide you every step of the way so there’s nothing left unattended as we help you make this big transition! Get a free moving quote online now and if you have questions or concerns along this process - you can get in touch with a member of our team.