Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE storage in the US and after shipping
We handle the quarantine and customs clearance process
Everything you need to know about international shipping
Not just for Hobbits, New Zealand is a haven for anyone who loves all things active and outdoorsy (or has a taste for exceptional wine!). Plus, the Kiwi's incredible Māori culture, laidback lifestyle and stunning natural surroundings give the island even more magnetism than the One Ring, attracting thousands of visitors and US expats every year.
Whether you're planning the trip of a lifetime or looking to relocate permanently, our door-to-door international shipping services make it easy and affordable to shi[ luggage overseas. We have many, many years of experience safely shipping boxes from the US to New Zealand, transporting everything from surfboards and skis to household goods and furniture, so rest assured, your most treasured possessions are in capable hands.
Trusted shipping service to New Zealand for over 25 years
Tired of backaches from bag carrying? Sick of time-wasting at collection carousels? Don't fancy forking out for another extortionate excess baggage fee? Then hire an international shipping company like Seven Seas Worldwide to do the hard work for you. Here are just a few of the ways we make shipping bags, boxes and luggage internationally simple:
- We'll be with you every step of the way: we have a vast network of worldwide depots covering the UK, Canada, South Africa, China, Australia, New Zealand and countless countries in between. However, we promise no matter where you're shipping to, you'll be communicating with us and only us from start to finish.
- Transparent pricing: as our free shipping quote tool clearly itemises your order, you can rest easy knowing we'll never surprise you with any nasty hidden additional charges at the end.
- Three-part payments: instead of asking you to pay one lump sum, we can spread the cost of our luggage shipping services by charging in three affordable instalments, allowing you to focus on your trip rather than worrying about your finances.
- A multilingual service team: if you ever have any questions during the shipping process, our friendly and highly experienced customer service team are only a phone call away and speak a number of languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese and Afrikaans.
- Free secure storage service: with our MoveCube® shipping service, we can store your belongings free of charge for two weeks on either side or for longer at an affordable cost.
Our international shipping service in 5 easy steps
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised delivery cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver the empty shipping boxes or MoveCube® to your US address for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Our team will clear your goods through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Customers love using our luggage delivery service!
What size are our purpose-built shipping boxes?
To ensure our Seven Seas Worldwide boxes meet our exacting standards, we have them manufactured to our particular specifications from chemically-hardened cardboard, giving your possessions the best protection during delivery. Plus, we'll provide you with as many of these boxes as you require for shipping goods from the US to New Zealand, so we suggest ordering more than you need. Then, if you find you have some left over, we'll collect them to be reused for no extra charge.
The two main box sizes we offer are Large, best for lighter items such as clothing and blankets, and Standard, which we suggest using for heavier goods — see below for their dimensions. Please note that to protect our drivers (and yourself!), we can't accept any box exceeding our 30kg/66lbs weight limit, so you'll need to split the contents between two containers to reduce the load.
Also, see our Removals to New Zealand service for MoveCube® sizes.
Large box
External dimensions:
61 x 51 x 41cm / 24 x 20 x 16.14 inches
Best for:
- Sports equipment
- Clothes
- Bedding
Standard box
External dimensions:
51 x 41 x 31cm / 20 x 16.14 x 12.2 inches
Best for:
- Files and papers
- Books
- Children's toys
Unlimited cardboard boxes for shipping to New Zealand
With Seven Seas Worldwide, shipping sports equipment, excess baggage and household goods to New Zealand has never been easier. Once you've got your free instant shipping quote, chosen suitable collection and delivery dates and placed your order, we'll send all the boxes you require straight to your door. Then, after you've packed and completed the online documentation, we'll handle the rest.
Alongside our two most popular box sizes, we also offer a range of specialist packaging, including:
- Reinforced protective boxes for bikes in adult and children sizes, although you must remove peddles and wheels before packing.
- Sturdy boxes for 15" to 52" TV screens and computer monitors.
- Wardrobe boxes, so your clothes are transported hanging rather than folded.
- Heavy-duty boxes and blue protective foam corners for framed art and mirrors.
Frequently asked international shipping questions
Our door-to-door international shipping services ship personal belongings to New Zealand from the US in three simple steps:
- Once you've placed your order, we'll deliver the empty boxes and packaging materials directly to your address in the US, ready for you to pack your goods. Although, to ensure the delivery process runs as smoothly as possible, please write your job number and name on at least one side of each box.
- Next, fill in the online documentation we'll send you, including an inventory to record the contents of your shipment and insurance forms (don't worry, it doesn't take long to complete!). Then, our drivers will collect your boxes on the date chosen by you during the order process.
- Lastly, our expert team of overseas delivery experts will safely ship your items to New Zealand. After clearing your shipment through customs, we'll deliver it to your chosen destination, or if you prefer, we can notify you of your shipment's arrival so you can collect it from the port instead.
At Seven Seas Worldwide, we can ship to New Zealand from the US by either sea or air. Our sea shipping service is the most affordable option, perfect if you're sending several boxes, but it will take 102 days to reach your destination. Alternatively, air shipping only takes 14 days for a slightly higher cost, perfect if you need your goods promptly.
Another significant benefit of our overseas shipping services is our online tracking tool that allows you to monitor every step of your shipments travels, offering further peace of mind.
The best way to get the most accurate price for our luggage delivery service from the US to New Zealand is to fill out our free instant shipping quote form. It's quick and easy to submit and will give you an itemised breakdown of all of the costs involved, including customs clearance and other related charges.
Both returning citizens and visitors with long-stay or permanent visas can ship their household goods into New Zealand duty-free as long as they've owned them for six months or more and have lived outside of NZ for longer than 21 months. However, you must be present in the country when your belongings arrive for customs clearance to be granted.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is the government body in New Zealand responsible for deciding whether or not to inspect your boxes. Please do note — if your shipment contains items that haven't been efficiently scrubbed of household dust, soil or vegetation before packing, they have the right to demand they're cleaned, irradiated or removed for deep burial, incurring additional charges.
To protect the health of their citizens and unique ecosystem, New Zealand has incredibly stringent regulations regarding bringing in household items that might contain soil, dirt and other contaminants. Please ensure the following goods are clean and dry before packing and are easily accessible in case customs officials need to inspect them:
- Sports equipment: bicycles, scooters, fishing rods, hockey sticks, saddles, cricket gear, golf clubs, mountaineering ropes etc.
- Camping equipment: tents, poles and pegs, camping chairs etc.
- Shoes and boots: when packing your boxes, bags or suitcases for shipping, please ensure all footwear, such as hiking boots, golf shoes, trainers etc., are placed at the top with their soles facing upwards, so they are visible for easy inspection.
Also, along with other commonly restricted items, such as alcohol, controlled drugs and narcotics, food, pirated goods and weapons or replica weapons, New Zealand prohibits the importation of all candles by air, pain relief head bags and Christmas decorations made of organic materials like wreaths, pinecones and mistletoe.
Our Prohibited Goods page contains a comprehensive list of all the items you can't ship along with certain service-based restrictions.
To ensure your goods arrive via the quickest and most efficient method possible, all shipping and air delivery routes are predefined and cannot be altered.
How long does shipping to New Zealand from the USA take?*
By sea delivery
102 days
By air delivery
14 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
How to pack your shipping boxes in 4 easy steps
When shipping to New Zealand from the USA, tossing your most treasured items into a box and crossing your fingers certainly isn't the best way to get your goods from A to B in one piece. Instead, guarantee the safety and security of your shipment by following these four simple steps (check out our Excess Baggage FAQs for more information):
Gather your goods and prepare your boxes:
Preparation is the key to packing your possessions like a pro, so make sure you have plenty of heavy-duty boxes, tape and padding on hand before you start wrapping (all of which Seven Seas Worldwide can provide!).
It's also wise to overestimate the number of boxes you need as stopping halfway through to order more can slow down the process, plus you'll be less tempted to overpack.
Use adequate packaging to wrap each item:
Before packing, always layer the bottom of the box with a sheet of bubble wrap, then add the heaviest items, followed by lightweight or fragile pieces on top. To avoid dents and scratches during transit, wrap everything individually and fill any gaps with cushioning material to keep your goods from knocking into each other.
Also, remember that for bubble wrap to be effective, the flat side should face away from the item you're wrapping.
Securely tape up your containers:
Ready for our number one packing tip? There's no such thing as too much tape! Once you've packed your goods, seal the opening and seams tightly, ensuring a few inches of tape extends over the sides to prevent the lid from bursting open if tipped during the journey. Adding a few extra strips to the bottom of a container can also help strengthen it further — great for those holding heavier loads.
Don't forget to label your boxes:
Lastly, to help us keep the packing process running smoothly, use an easy-to-read marker to write your name and job number on at least one side of every box you're shipping to NZ. Also, as our drivers aren't permitted to lift any items over 30kg/66lbs, we suggest weighing your containers on bathroom scales and splitting the contents of any that exceed the limit.
Fast and professional. Everyone I dealt with was helpful and informative. There was not one moment when shipping my furniture to New Zealand that I did not know what was going on. Highly recommended company.
Rodney David Adlam
Most popular New Zealand destinations
Tucked away in a far corner of the Pacific Ocean, both New Zealand's North and South Islands are bursting with countless natural wonders, from rolling pastures to jagged snow-capped peaks, scenic sandy beaches to raging rivers. These awe-inspiring surroundings, combined with the Kiwi's laid-back lifestyle and friendly nature, make it hugely popular among both expats and tourists. Here are a few of the country's must-visit cities to kick off your adventures.
Auckland
Famed for its pristine beaches, verdant volcanic peaks and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, Aukland is New Zealand's largest and most diverse city.
Best time to visit: As a massive part of the city's appeal lies in its natural beauty, we suggest visiting between December and March. During these months, the weather is warm, but cool breezes will keep you from sweltering on your adventures.
How to get around: Although Aukland's central district is easy to explore on foot, you'll need to hire a car to venture into its outer suburbs.
Neighbourhoods to know: Parnell is the city's oldest neighbourhood and showcases some of Aukland's best architectural treasures. But for a modern vibe, Ponsonby has seriously flourished in recent years, becoming renowned for its vibrant nightlight and trendy restaurants.
Things to do: No matter if you fancy soaking up the cultural delights of New Zealand's largest art institution, Auckland Art Gallery, or soaking up the world-famous vino produced on Waiheke Island, there's truly something for everyone.
Queenstown
Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and backed by the aptly named Remarkables Mountains, Queenstown is an adrenaline junkie's paradise, where you can test your limits sky diving, bungee jumping, white water rafting and more.
Best time to visit: Queenstown is fantastic for visiting any time of the year — you'll enjoy crisp, clear days on the snow during winter and warm, sunny weather perfect for hiking in the summer.
How to get around: Easy to explore on foot or by cycling, the city's main suburbs are also well linked by an inexpensive network of buses.
Neighbourhoods to know: Although it's only a small city, there are still many fascinating corners to explore, including the historic Queenstown Hill and Fernhill, close to several fantastic walking and cycling trails.
Things to do: With over 200 attractions and activities to pick from, you're sure to be busy! If you're feeling brave, try bungee jumping from Kawarau Bridge, or relax and take in the spectacular vistas from the Skyline Gondola.
Wellington
Wellington, the planet's southernmost capital city, benefits from countless picture-perfect panoramas, a myriad of historical landmarks and a thriving movie industry due to being the home of Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop, where the director produced the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Best time to visit: Avoid the city's notorious winds by taking a trip between March and May (New Zealand's autumn season), when the weather is warm, but Wellington isn't yet crowded with visitors.
How to get around: Thanks to the city's compact size, it's incredibly easy to get around — you can walk from one end to the other without breaking a sweat.
Neighbourhoods to know: Pop over to Miramar to enjoy the city's picturesque coastlines, journey to Oriental Bay for swimming, cycling and waterfront dining or check out the country's parliament building in Thorndon.
Things to do: The two most famous attractions you shouldn't leave Wellington without visiting are Te Papa, New Zealand's brilliantly interactive national museum, and the city's quirky cable car travelling from Lambton Quay to the beautiful suburb of Kelburn.
Christchurch
While the amazingly resilient Christchurch is still rebuilding after the devastating 2011 earthquake, it's nonetheless well-deserving of a place on your New Zealand itinerary.
Known as the Garden City, Christchurch blooms with countless native plants and plenty of creativity, with many of its walls splashed with eclectic street art.
Best time to visit: November brings temperate weather and fewer tourists than summer.
How to get around: Buses are the city's primary mode of public transport. However, many take to their bikes as the area is relatively flat.
Neighbourhoods to know: Discover Cashmere for a treasure trove of chilled cafes, Ferrymead for a retail hotspot and the seaside suburb of Sumner for surfing and laid-back beach days.
Things to do: The shopping precinct of New Regent Street is the major attraction in Christchurch, and architecture aficionados are sure to be dazzled by the strip's iconic 1930's Spanish Mission-style buildings.
Other useful information about shipping to New Zealand
Prohibitive goods
Before packing, check this list of items prohibited from entering a particular country or region.
Shipping terms glossary
This jargon-busting page provides definitions of common shipping and delivery terms such as personal effects and transit times.
MoveCube®
Our MoveCube® self-load moving container makes home and overseas removals easy and affordable.
Insurance
If you’re shipping your prized possessions with us, it will be worth you having a quick look at the insurance packages we offer.