Shipping from UK & Temporary Import of Camper into NZ
 

Hi, looking for some on the ground experience of doing this. I am aware of cost implication etc but would like to talk with people who have done this. I own a VW T3 Syncro camper van. Its what I know. I would like to ship to NZ on a Temp Import. I believe this is possible but there are layers of admin/ red tape/ customs, Bio, 'camperisation check' so i can go off grid. what do we know?

any recommendations for a one stop shop? or is it a case of grinding it all out once camper lands in NZ?

cheers
jes

Hi Jes,

Have a look at
https://www.customs.govt.nz/globalas...n-of-goods.pdf

and

https://targa.nz/shipping-cars/

I've imported motorcycles, only on a permanent basis but hope the above helps. Targa should be able to help with all the red tape/bio requirements etc.

Cheers, Clive

My motorbike came in by container into Auckland, it was fairly straightforward to do temporary import. I paid a minimal token amount of tax as the bike value was very very low. I had to take Bill of Lading, shipment packing list, V5 into the customs department, and it was all signed off within an hour. I then took the vehicle to a WOF testing station and had it WOOFED! Bought and paid for Rego at same time (rego costs for temp import vehicles are a lot lower than what kiwis have to pay).


https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/reso...emporarily.pdf

p.s I stayed on in NZ on a 2nd year of working holiday visa, and NZTA allowed me to stay on UK plates for 18 months.

Great info thanks. Also interested to see you managed an extension to the temp import as I am presuming to do likewise . Is the customs etc all dockside ? And then you drive out to get the MOT (wooof ?) . Did this need booking or was it a drive up thing ? Thanks

Getting a WOF (Warrant Of Fitness) is easy to do, and you won't need to book. They can be done in almost every large service centre (garage) but best to go to the Govt run "Official" VTNZ (Vehicle Testing New Zealand) sites as they will be less likely to make a paperwork mistake with an imported vehicle.
https://vtnz.co.nz/branches/

For a "Self Containment Certificate" here's all you'll need to know:
https://www.allpointscampingnz.org/get-certified

Cheers

Nigel in NZ

Thanks all . Feeling much more confident now that I won’t be stranded dockside with family in tow having made a really elementary mistake ! I shall start formulating lists !

The advice given is good but I think it’ll be quite different to import a camper vs a bike, there’s so much more to be checked for bio-security, getting a WOF & being self-contained compliant.

When I moved to NZ in 2014, I really wanted to shop my 2008 Citroen Dispatch. It was in good condition & I thought it’d sail through. I made some enquiries & sent photos and was advised not to ship it. Even though my mechanic said there was very little rust underneath the chassis, from photos I was advised it would need a full treatment at a cost of $2k before they’d issue a WOF. Additionally, I wouldn’t be permitted to drive to a vehicle inspection office to get a WOF, it’s have to be trailered there!

I gave up on the idea based on unknown costs.

With a temp import you may get away with less inspection but be aware.
Why not call the various offices in NZ to speak to someone who imports vehicles every day.
Use Skype, it’s dirt cheap :)


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PS not sure what you mean about being off grid. NZ has freedom camping spots but you’ll find them crowded in summer.
There are other remote areas you can camp but often you’ll need a 4x4 to get there and everywhere else is owned land.
Tourists see the adverts of spectacular scenery (which it is) but assume it’s all free & accessible. It’s not.


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