Kiwi's - whats the deal with registering a UK bike in New Zealand?
 

Im hoping you can help. My wife and I are in the process of getting a visa through for us to come work and stay in New Zealand, and I'm trying to decide whether or not to sell my motorbike, or take it with us.

Do you know if there are any websites which can tell me what red tape I'd need to sort through if I were to bring my UK bike to New Zealand, and what I'd need to do in order to get it registered etc?

Thanks in advance.
Chris

It's all pretty straight forward.

You'll need to apply for GST (VAT)/import duty exemption, prove legal ownership (V5, dealers receipt etc), get a technical inspection and pay fees for registration and a number plate. Otherwise you can just get a dealer to handle the paperwork for you.

It's all been done before.

Good luck.

Costs
 

To give you some idea of costs once you get the bike to NZ, there will be port importation fees for various agencies (about NZ$300) and assuming that all is ok with the bike during it's compliance and safety inspection (a bit like your MOT but tougher the first time and easier after that) about NZ$350 for that. That will get you a new plate, NZ VIN, one year registration and one year WOF (read MOT) assuming the bike is less than 5 years old. Over five years, the only difference is the WOF (warrant of fitness) is valid for six months. Included in the rego fee is the Accident Compensation Levy which will give you income and cover medical expenses if you have a vehicle accident. It's pretty cheap compared to most countries, for what you get.

Just make sure it's spotless. Everywhere. Take off engine guards etc. ANY dirt and they will put it through a commercial cleaner and that will cost. NZ is lucky not to have many of the nasties over your way and we hope to keep it that way.

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ

All the above, plus the "official bureaucratese" website:
Importing motor vehicles into New Zealand