China is New Zealand’s top trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $40 billion in 2023. This large trade volume presents a great market opportunity for importers and businesses looking to capitalize on China’s booming manufacturing sector.

Whether you are new to international shipping or have experience, this guide will teach you all you need to know about shipping from China to New Zealand in 2024. We’ll cover the different shipping modes, estimated transit times, shipping costs, and customs clearance procedures between both countries.

Multiple shipping methods are available from China to New Zealand, each with unique benefits. We will provide an overview of these options, including their costs and transit times, to help you make a well-informed decision.

Sea freight is the cheapest way to ship large volumes of goods from China to New Zealand. It remains the popular and most reliable choice for importers worldwide looking to minimize shipping costs when shipping to New Zealand. One downside, however, is that your goods may take weeks to arrive, so you have to plan your shipment in advance. You have two container options when shipping from China to New Zealand:

LCL (Less than Container Load): You should use this option when shipping cargo that does not fill an entire container. LCL allows you to pay only for the space you use and share the rest of the container with other shippers’ goods. This makes it cost-effective for smaller shipments and offers flexibility if you send cargo to different destinations. When shipping from China to New Zealand, choose LCL if your goods are <15 cbm. Winsky Freight can help you consolidate your shipments into an LCL shipping container. Contact us if you need an LCL freight booking space.

FCL (Full Container Load): This option means that you rent an entire container (20ft or 40ft) for your goods. It’s a flat-rate option, regardless of whether the container is full or not. FCL saves you money if you have large shipments that can fill a container, i.e., >15 cbm. It is also faster and safer since the container goes directly from port to port without needing consolidation.

China and New Zealand are home to several major ports that support sea shipping. Choosing the right ports can affect the transit time and shipping costs. Consider the following before choosing:

1. Proximity to supplier: Choose ports close to supplier factories to ease shipping and reduce inland transportation costs.
2. Your final destination in New Zealand
3. Transit times from origin to destination
4. Frequency of sailings between both ports
5. Type and size of goods: Some ports are better suited for handling certain types of cargo or larger shipments.
6. Inland transportation and shipping costs

Here are the critical shipping ports in China:

• Shanghai: The world’s busiest container port, ideal for shipments from eastern China.
• Ningbo: Often used as a cheaper port alternative to Shanghai.
• Shenzhen: A major port in southern China, perfect for exports from the Pearl River Delta.
• Xiamen: A key port for the southeastern provinces.
• Qingdao: Serves northern China, including Beijing and its industrial environs.

In New Zealand, the essential ports are:

• Tauranga: New Zealand’s largest port. It handles a significant portion of the country’s imports and exports and is well-connected by road and rail to the Auckland region and beyond.
• Auckland: New Zealand’s busiest container port due to its center location and accessibility to most parts of New Zealand. Ideal for shipments to the North Island.
• Wellington: Its strategic location and status as the capital city make it an important international logistics hub. It’s a critical port for the lower North and South Island.
• Bluff: Strategically located at the southern tip of New Zealand, it is suitable for shipments to the South Island.
• Hamilton: An inland port well-connected by road and rail, suitable for shipments to the central North Island.

Other major ports in New Zealand are Lyttelton and Napier.

Air freight is an excellent choice for shipping goods from China to New Zealand when speed is a priority. Although air shipping is much faster than sea shipping, it is also much more expensive.

If you’re shipping during the peak season (November to February), you can expect to pay a bit more than usual. On the other hand, if you’re shipping during the off-season (March to October), you might be able to get a better deal.

Airfreight from China to New Zealand is a port-to-port service. This means that goods are transported from the airport nearest to the supplier in China to the closest airport to your destination in New Zealand. Unless you opt for door-to-door shipping with us, you must arrange additional inland transportation to deliver your shipment to its final destination.

The cost of air freight is based on the ‘chargeable weight’ of your shipment. This could be either the gross weight (actual weight) or the volumetric weight (space occupied), whichever is greater. Air freight is suitable for cargo with a chargeable weight > 200kg, especially time-sensitive or high-value items like perishables and electronics.

Major airports in China are Beijing Capital for the northern regions, Shanghai Pudong for the east, and Guangzhou Baiyun for the south. Auckland, Christchurch, New Plymouth, Napier, and Wellington International are the major cargo airports in New Zealand. When selecting an airport, consider:

• Proximity to the supplier and destination.
• Frequency of flights and available routes.
• Cargo handling capabilities and facilities at the airport.
• Costs associated with each airport.

Goods shipped by air from China to New Zealand should arrive in 5 to 8 days, depending on the chosen airport and routes:

• Direct routes can deliver your cargo as quickly as the second day.
• Indirect routes take longer due to stopovers but are more economical.

Consider speed and cost before selecting an air freight service, or consult Winsky for expert guidance on the best air shipping options.

It is the fastest and most convenient shipping option from China to New Zealand. This is because it is a door-to-door shipping option with delivery times of 2-5 working days. However, it is also the most expensive shipping method. As a result, it is more suitable for shipping samples or urgent shipments from your suppliers.

In express freight, your freight forwarder manages the entire process. They collect the goods directly from the factory in China, handle all necessary export customs documentation, and then pass the shipment to an express courier. The courier then takes care of import customs clearance and ensures that your goods are delivered straight to your doorstep in New Zealand.

Express courier services are carried out by global carriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, and TNT. They have strong global networks and provide detailed tracking during transit to ensure your goods land safely in New Zealand.

Express couriers deliver within 2-5 working days from any part of China to any destination in NZ. Since this is a door-to-door service, you should be aware of the delivery schedule so you can be available to receive your package. Note that delivery times may extend slightly during holiday seasons.

It takes 5-8 days from airport to airport. Your goods will arrive faster if you choose a direct route over an indirect route. Factors like poor weather conditions or peak seasons may cause shipping delays. Below is a shipping time chart for air freight from China to New Zealand.

Sea shipping takes about 25-30 days from port to port. The shipping time depends on the port-to-port distance and the duration of customs procedures.

Please note that these are all estimated times. Actual transit times may vary due to weather conditions, port congestion, and customs clearance processes. It’s always best to consult your freight forwarder for the most current and accurate shipping schedules.

The shipping cost from China to New Zealand varies depending on the freight mode, the shipment size, and the shipping method used.

Express freight is usually the most expensive option due to its speed and convenience. Courier services charge you based on the weight or volume of your shipment. For this reason, you should pack your items compactly to save as much space as possible. Below is the latest Express rate dated 25, April 21, 2024 for you information:

Air freight costs are lower than express but higher than sea freight. Prices are influenced by the weight and volume of the cargo and current fuel prices, so they’re prone to fluctuation. When planning your budget, consider the airline, route, and season of the year, as shipping costs increase during peak seasons. The table below gives the average prices for shipping from China to New Zealand as of April 2024. When you’re ready to ship, contact us for a shipping quote.

Sea freight costs are affordable and depend on:

• The type and size of your goods
• The type of Container options chosen (FCL or LCL)
• Incoterm used (e.g. FOB, CIF, DDP)
• Your chosen shipping carrier
• Port-to-port distance
• Type of route taken
• Season of the year

Below is the average shipping cost estimate from Chinese ports to New Zealand in 2024 for you information.

There are many items that are prohibited from being shipped to New Zealand. The following is a list of items that cannot be shipped to New Zealand.

• Unacceptable content on media such as videotapes, films, records, CDs, and CD-ROMs, or in published works
• cannabis or methamphetamine-related equipment
• Disguised weapons including flick knives and butterfly knives as well as swordsticks and knuckle dusters
• Anything that you intend to utilize in a crime.
• These items are prohibited, which means you can not import those to New Zealand.

If you are caught shipping any of these items to New Zealand, you could face serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment. So, it’s important to know what items are prohibited before shipping anything to New Zealand.

There are restricted items. Some of the restricted items that you can not ship to New Zealand from China are

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Firearms
• Illegal drugs
• Explosives
• Flammable liquids
• Hazardous materials
• Radioactive materials
• Corrosives
• Poisonous substances
• Infectious substances
• Perishable goods
• live animals.

Please go to the official link of New Zealand customs to check the full list of prohibited and restricted items in New Zealand.

You will need special permission from the respective authority to bring those items to New Zealand. For example, to import guns, you will need to take permission from the Police. If you fail to show the special documents customs department of New Zealand will confiscate your goods, and you will face some serious consequences.

When your goods arrive in New Zealand, they must be declared to the New Zealand Customs Service to confirm their legality. Understanding the customs clearance process and preparing the documents in advance helps to avoid unnecessary delays.

Required Documents

• Commercial Invoice
• Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight)
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Import License- Required for certain regulated products entering New Zealand.
• Inspection Certificate

The documents listed above should be prepared and submitted by your freight forwarder or customs broker. They will handle most of the legwork during the clearance process, including payment of any duties and taxes.

1. Submit an electronic import entry to the New Zealand Customs Service before your goods arrive. This declaration contains details about the goods, their value, and other relevant information.
2. Pay applicable customs duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST). The amount depends on the value of the goods, their classification, and country of origin. GST of 15% is applicable on most imported goods in New Zealand.
3. New Zealand customs operate a strict quarantine system. They may inspect your shipment to ensure compliance with New Zealand regulations. If your shipment passes inspection, it will be released for delivery.
4. Certain items, like firearms, plants, and animals, may be prohibited or require special permits for import.

Delays in customs clearance can occur due to incomplete or incorrect documentation, failure to pay duties promptly, or quarantine holds. Working with an experienced customs broker can help avoid these delays. Our team of customs brokers can help you file paperwork and handle customs duties smoothly in New Zealand. Contact us today for assistance.

Door-to-door shipping simplifies the logistics of getting your goods from the manufacturer directly to your doorstep in New Zealand. We offer two door-to-door shipping options from China to NZ- DDU and DDP.

DDU Shipping- DDU shipping is a door-to-door service that does not handle import customs clearance and duties. It’s a common choice for express freight services like DHL, UPS, and FedEx. Your goods will be delivered right at your door, but you’ll be responsible for clearing them through customs and paying applicable duties. DDU might be cheaper upfront, but it is more stressful and time-consuming for you.

DDP Shipping- This is a more comprehensive service than DDU. Everything is done for you in DDP shipping. The goods are picked up from your supplier’s factory in China, and we handle export and import customs clearance, VAT duties, local operations, and last-mile delivery. DDP means the seller or freight forwarder bears all risks and costs until the goods are delivered, making it a stress-free option.

Winsky Freight’s door-to-door service is all-inclusive. Depending on your requirements and budget, we can provide DDU and DDP shipping from China to New Zealand.

Our DDP shipping options to New Zealand include:

DDP sea freight- Takes around 38-45 days door-to-door from pick up to delivery.

DDP air freight- Takes around 14 days door-to-door from pick up to delivery.

• Pick up from China factory
• Consolidation of client’s goods into an FCL container
• Preparation and Submission of export customs declaration documents
• Shipping from the Chinese origin port to NZ destination port
• Our local partners in New Zealand clear import customs clearance and duties for the whole container when goods arrive
• Unloading of the container at the seaport and transporting it to our overseas warehouse, where it is deconsolidated.
• Goods are sorted out to couriers like UPS or TNT for final delivery to your destination.

When you’re shipping DDP Air or Sea service with your freight forwarder, you have paid for everything, including pick up from a China supplier, export customs clearance, import customs clearance, duties, handling, and delivery to your doorstep in New Zealand. It’s an all-in-one service package. All you need is to receive the goods at your address without additional tasks or payments.

We recommend buying insurance when shipping from China to New Zealand, especially for high-value goods. It protects you against potential losses and damages during transit and is quite affordable. For damages without insurance, the maximum compensation you can get from shipping carriers is $100, which is small compared to the value you’re shipping. If you’re unsure about the insurance process, please discuss it with us for guidance.

Importers love real-time tracking and shipment updates to manage inventory and plan accordingly. Here’s how to keep tabs on your shipment from China to New Zealand:

Express Couriers: Tracking shipments sent via DHL, UPS, or FedEx is straightforward. Visit the courier’s website and enter your tracking number for real-time updates on your shipment’s location.

DDP Air or Sea Freight: Your freight forwarder will provide you with a tracking number that you can use to monitor your shipment on the designated tracking site.

Air freight: Input the tracking number on the Air Waybill (AWB) on the shipping carrier’s website to know the real-time location of your goods. You can also use third-party websites like Track Trace to check the status of your goods.

Sea Freight: Enter your container tracking number on the shipping carrier’s website for updates on your container’s location.

Universal tracking platforms like 17Track offer all-in-one package tracking solutions. The platform supports over 1500 carriers and 120+ airlines globally and tracks all shipping modes from China to New Zealand.

Please consult your freight forwarder if you have any questions about tracking your shipment or need an estimated arrival date.

Winsky Freight is a trusted Chinese freight forwarder with over 15 years of experience. We have successfully handled thousands of shipments for our clients from China to different parts of Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. We offer the most affordable shipping thanks to our extensive network across many countries. Here’s why Winsky should be your top choice:

Competitive shipping costs and fast delivery times: We have exclusive deals with shipping carriers and logistics companies that enable us to offer competitive shipping rates at the shortest delivery time possible.

Reliability and safety: Winsky prioritizes the safe handling and packaging of goods to prevent loss and damage.

Exceptional customer service: Our customer service is built on good communication and responsiveness. We understand that clients value being well-informed throughout the shipping process, and our team is dedicated to guiding you at every shipping stage.

Experience and expertise: With over 15 years of expertise in shipping goods and clearing customs between China and New Zealand, we understand how to navigate the various challenges of international logistics and provide effective solutions that meet your needs.

Effective customs compliance: Our thorough understanding of the customs process in New Zealand ensures you meet all legal requirements to avoid delays and fines.

Additional services: We offer our clients extra services like warehousing, packaging, low insurance premiums, and distribution support.

Choose Winsky Freight for a shipping partner that combines cost-effectiveness, reliability, and expert service to ensure your shipments from China to New Zealand are handled efficiently and professionally.

When you’re ready to ship, Winsky provides multiple payment options to suit your needs.

• T/T Bank Transfer- Our primary option for bulk payments. It is secure and widely used for international transactions.
• PayPal- This is a quick option, but it is only suitable for smaller transactions due to PayPal’s higher handling fees, which are around 4.7% per transaction.
• com (formerly TransferWise)- A popular third-party payment platform known for its fast international transfers and lower bank handling fees. It is a fast and cheap payment method.
• MoneyGram- A reliable service for sending money quickly across borders.
• Western Union- One of the most popular means of transferring money internationally. It is fast and convenient for shipping transactions.

Understanding the shipping process from China to New Zealand can help you plan your budget and tap into this billion-dollar market. Whichever shipping option you choose, we hope this article has provided you with a solid foundation for shipping from China to New Zealand in 2024.

Are you ready to ship goods from China to New Zealand? Let Winsky be your freight forwarder. Our reliable and excellent shipping service guarantees a safe and hassle-free shipping experience, even in peak shipping seasons. Reach out to us, and we’ll respond within minutes.