International & Domestic Moving, Moving to New Zealand

International & Domestic Moving, Moving to New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand

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Ready to move?

If you're moving to New Zealand, we can help make the process as easy and hassle free as possible.

We here at Restore Harrow Green understand that moving abroad can be as daunting as it is exciting and our aim is to help you move into your new life with none of the stress and only the excitement to look forward to. With over 30 years of International relocation experience we know the key to a successful international move is organisation, efficiency and understanding exactly what our customers need.

We realise that choosing the right relocation partner is important to you, because you expect the best possible service when entrusting us with your personal effects, which is what we strive to deliver. From the very first moment you contact us, your needs are our utmost concern.

New Zealand is a popular relocation destination for British nationals  due to the weather, the shared language and the high standard of living. However, before you move over there, there’s several things to take into consideration and we’re here to help with those.

New Zealand

Things to remember:

Indigenous Māori culture  is widespread throughout the islands and it is important to familiarise yourself with it if you’re going to be living there.

Te Reo, the Māori language, is one of the official languages of the country along with English and sign language. New Zealand English also has a blend of Māori expressions so familiarise yourself with them by watching some TV programmes or asking locals for tips.

New Zealand’s unique Māori and European cultural blend began in 1840, when New Zealand first became a colony and continues to define the relationship between the Māori and Pakeha (people of European descent).

Visas

There is a variety of visa options available  for people wishing to move to NZ but depending on your long term plans you should do a bit of research  beforehand. British passport holders  can enter New Zealand as a visitor for up to six months, without a visa, provided they meet certain requirements such as possession of an onward ticket

If you wish to stay longer, Brits aged between 18 to 30 are allowed to stay up to 23 months under a Working Holiday Visa and there is also the Essential Skills work visa for those with professional skills that are in demand and can’t be met by local workers.

Visas are also available for accompanying partners and children, as well as parents of New Zealand residents, and over 55s who wish to invest their money.

Healthcare

Healthcare in New Zealand is of a very high standard and it’s generally very easy to be seen by a doctor unless you live in a particularly remote area.

Under a reciprocal health agreement, UK (residing) nationals who are on a short-term visit to New Zealand are eligible for healthcare.

However, it is advisable to also take out health insurance when travelling there as only some healthcare services are available free of charge, and you could end up incurring unexpected costs. For example, visiting the GP or getting a prescription is not free.

Other than citizens and residents, you only qualify for subsidised care if you hold or have held a work visa valid for two years or more.

A few tips:

  • Don’t forget your sunscreen. The sun’s rays in the southern hemisphere are very powerful and protection is needed when outdoors as the UV index can often reach a high 12.
  • Compared to most other countries rent is charged weekly and not monthly so make sure to plan your budget accordingly.
  • When eating at a restaurant expect to pay at the till and don’t wait for your bill to be brought to your table, you could be waiting a while. Also, tips are not expected so don’t worry about budgeting for them.
  • No matter your age, when out for a drink make sure to have a valid form of ID if you want to be let into the pub and if you overdo it a bit, expect to be reprimanded or even be asked to leave if you cause a fuss.
  • Expect to get around by bus or car as there isn’t a nationalised rail network. Some cities are connected by rail lines but train travel is not the best way to get around.
  • New Zealand is beautiful and inviting; you are never more than a short drive from stunning scenery and outdoors activities so if you enjoy green spaces, natural parks, beaches and mountains you’re in the right place.

For a quote, we offer the option of visiting your home for a face to face meeting, or if you wish, you can arrange a video survey at a time that suits you, in order to receive your cost estimate.

Once you've selected us, you'll be assigned with your dedicated move manager who will discuss your options and together you can build a customised plan to best suit your relocation needs. This will include insurance requirements, storage needs as well as anything else you might require.

As the move approaches, your move manager will go through every detail of the job with you, from packing advice, delivery estimates and customs regulations that you will need to take into consideration. They will guide and support you every step of the way.

On the day of your move we will arrive at your property where we will export wrap and pack your effects, load them into your selected size of container before transferring them to the port where they will be kept until the scheduled transportation date.

When transporting your items by sea we use secure steel containers which come in two universal sizes of 20ft or 40ft, however, you have the option of choosing your preferred method from the following, depending on your budget:

  • Full container load - uses the whole of a container and gives you the security that your items have been packed and sealed within the UK.
  • Loose groupage - allocates you a space within a container which is shared with other Restore Harrow Green customers moving to the same location. All your items are individually catalogued and labelled for tracking at any point during the move. This is a cost effective shipping solution for small to medium sized requirements.
  • Cased groupage - your items are placed within a timber case which is then shipped with other grouped consignments. This is another cost effective option with an added layer of security.
  • Consolidated airfreight - the equivalent of part load consignments, this is ideal for smaller shipments, and provides a cost effective solution. This method is preferred when you don’t have a lot of belongings to transport or are taking your most essential effects to your new home. This method can accommodate up to 500 lbs worth of items and has a quicker transit time of 10 -14 days.

The average time for your consignment to arrive in New Zealand will range from 7-12 weeks depending on the method you choose.

Once your items arrive, our local agent will help you navigate Customs clearance and our network of trusted and vetted local partners will help you complete your relocation by delivering and unpacking your effects on your agreed date.

It is worth noting that New Zealand Customs prohibit the importation of most plant and animal products due to strict environmental regulations. Ivory, turtle and tortoise shell objects are also prohibited. Pets and especially dogs and cats require a health certificate prior to entry.

Your move manager will be able to advise you and answer your questions on customs restrictions. For more details see our FIDI regulations page.

If you require assistance finding a new home, school or other issues relating to your move, we can help make your transition even easier with our destination or Relocation management services.