Ship a motorcycle from the USA to New Zealand
New Zealand offers some of the Southern Hemisphere’s best motorcycle roads. AA Motorcycle Shipping ships from any US address to Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, with MPI inspection and customs clearance coordinated by your broker. Since 1983.
Or call 1-888-347-1391 — available 7 days a week
US departure ports — weekly sailings to New Zealand
Sailings to New Zealand are available from major US ports on both coasts. West Coast departures from Los Angeles offer the shortest transit — approximately 20 to 25 days to Auckland. East Coast departures run approximately 30 to 35 days. We route your motorcycle to the most practical departure port based on your US location.
Los Angeles, CA
West Coast — shortest transit ~20–25 days to Auckland
Newark, NJ
Northeast US — ~30–35 days transit
Baltimore, MD
Mid-Atlantic US — ~30–35 days transit
Houston, TX
Gulf Coast US — ~30–35 days transit
Miami, FL
Southeast US — ~30–35 days transit
Savannah, GA
Southeast US — ~30–35 days transit
West Coast departures from Los Angeles offer the fastest crossing to New Zealand. If timing is a priority, we can route your domestic pickup to Los Angeles regardless of where you are in the US — call us to discuss before booking.
Three New Zealand arrival ports — North and South Island covered
New Zealand has three designated arrival ports for international motorcycle shipments — one serving the upper North Island, one the lower North Island, and one the South Island. Your arrival port is determined by your New Zealand destination.
Auckland
North Island — primary arrival port
New Zealand’s largest city and the country’s primary vehicle import hub. Serves the upper North Island including Auckland, Northland, Waikato, and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Wellington
Lower North Island — Cook Strait gateway
New Zealand’s capital city. Serves Wellington, the Wairarapa, and the lower North Island. Also a practical arrival point for riders planning to take the Interislander ferry to the South Island.
Christchurch (Lyttelton)
South Island — Canterbury gateway
Serves Christchurch, Queenstown, Canterbury, and the South Island. Ideal for riders heading to the Crown Range, Lindis Pass, Milford Sound, and other iconic mountain routes.
Not sure which port fits your NZ destination? Submit your quote request with your destination city and we’ll confirm the correct arrival port for your shipment.
Transit time — USA to New Zealand
New Zealand sits deep in the South Pacific — the crossing from the US West Coast takes approximately 20 to 25 days. East Coast and Gulf departures run approximately 30 to 35 days.
West Coast (Los Angeles) → New Zealand
~20–25 days
Shortest crossing — Los Angeles to Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch
East Coast & Gulf ports → New Zealand
~30–35 days
Newark / Baltimore / Houston / Miami / Savannah to New Zealand
These transit times are from the US departure port to the New Zealand arrival port and do not include the domestic US leg from your pickup location to the port. Once your motorcycle arrives in New Zealand, allow an additional 5 to 10 business days for MPI biosecurity inspection and customs clearance before collection — New Zealand’s biosecurity process is thorough and the timeline is worth building into your planning.
RoRo vs container shipping to New Zealand
Both methods are available for New Zealand. Unlike some European routes, container shipping is widely recommended for the New Zealand crossing — the long South Pacific voyage and NZ’s biosecurity requirements make the added protection worthwhile for most motorcycles.
RoRo — Roll-On/Roll-Off
Standard — cost-effective for running motorcycles
Your motorcycle is ridden onto the vessel and secured on the car deck, enclosed within the hull for the South Pacific crossing. The most cost-effective method — but your bike must be in full working order to ride onto the vessel. All motorcycles arriving by RoRo are still subject to MPI biosecurity inspection on arrival at the New Zealand port.
Container Shipping
Shared or exclusive — recommended for most NZ shipments
Shared container: Your motorcycle shares a container with other bikes — cost-effective and does not require the bike to be in running condition. Most motorcycle shippers recommend container for the New Zealand route due to the long crossing and biosecurity requirements.
Exclusive container: Entire container reserved for your motorcycle. Maximum protection, guaranteed departure date. The right choice for high-value, vintage, or collector motorcycles making the South Pacific crossing.
From your US address to the departure port
Every New Zealand shipment starts with an enclosed truck run from your US location to the departure port. Two options available for the domestic leg.
MPI biosecurity inspection — what every NZ-bound shipment must pass
New Zealand enforces some of the strictest biosecurity regulations in the world. Every used motorcycle arriving in New Zealand is inspected by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before it is released. This is non-negotiable — no exceptions.
MPI inspections check for dirt, plant material, insects, and other biological contaminants. Your motorcycle must arrive thoroughly cleaned and free of soil, mud, grass, or organic matter in any area of the bike.
If MPI inspectors find contamination at the arrival port, your motorcycle will be quarantined and professionally cleaned at your cost before release. Cleaning fees in New Zealand are charged at hourly rates and can be significant. The best way to avoid this is to have your motorcycle professionally cleaned in the United States before it’s loaded — and to document that it was clean at the time of shipping.
MPI biosecurity inspection typically adds 5 to 10 business days to the timeline after the vessel docks. Build this into your planning — your motorcycle will not be immediately available for collection on the day the ship arrives. Your assigned customs broker coordinates the MPI inspection and clearance process on your behalf.
⚠️ Before your motorcycle leaves the USA
- Clean to showroom condition — no dirt, mud, or organic matter anywhere
- Pay particular attention to wheels, tyres, undercarriage, engine, and all crevices
- Remove all personal items and loose accessories
- Reduce fuel to a quarter tank or below
- Disconnect the battery and disable the alarm
- Photograph the motorcycle thoroughly before pickup — document its clean condition
Documents required to ship a motorcycle to New Zealand
New Zealand’s documentation requirements are more involved than European destinations. Have everything ready before booking to avoid any delays at the US port or the New Zealand MPI inspection.
- Title — free and clear of any liens
- Bill of sale (for purchased motorcycles)
- Passport copy (for customs identification)
- Customs clearance broker — assigned by AA Motorcycle Shipping at booking (details on your Document Receipt)
- Motorcycle must be in showroom condition — professionally cleaned before loading (MPI requirement)
- Fuel level at or below a quarter tank before pickup
Call us at 1-888-347-1391 with any documentation questions before booking — New Zealand has more pre-shipment requirements than most international destinations and it pays to be prepared.
What to expect at New Zealand customs
New Zealand customs is administered by the New Zealand Customs Service, working alongside MPI for biosecurity clearance. Your assigned customs broker handles the import declaration and coordinates both processes at the arrival port.
New Zealand charges 15% GST on the motorcycle’s value plus freight and insurance. Customs duty may also apply (typically 0–10% for US-made motorcycles), with all calculations handled by your assigned broker.
The recipient — or an authorized representative — collects the motorcycle at the arrival port after both MPI biosecurity clearance and customs release. Both clearances must be completed before the motorcycle is released. Any applicable GST and duty are paid at that time. We do not publish specific duty rate estimates as these are subject to change under New Zealand trade regulations.
If you are relocating to New Zealand as a permanent resident and the motorcycle has been owned and used overseas for more than 12 months, a GST exemption under the Returning Resident’s Relief may apply. Eligibility depends on your specific circumstances — consult a New Zealand customs specialist or your immigration advisor before booking if you believe you may qualify.
Shipping a motorcycle from the USA to New Zealand — four steps
New Zealand adds an MPI biosecurity inspection step after arrival that doesn’t exist on European routes. Plan your timeline to include 5 to 10 business days for MPI clearance after the vessel docks.
Request a quote
Fill out our international quote form with your bike’s details, US pickup zip, and New Zealand destination city. Tell us Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch — it helps confirm your arrival port. Or call 1-888-347-1391.
Clean your bike & schedule pickup
Have your motorcycle professionally cleaned to showroom condition before pickup day — MPI will inspect it on arrival. We collect from your US address and transport it to the departure port. West Coast departures from Los Angeles offer the shortest crossing.
South Pacific crossing
Your motorcycle is loaded onto the next available sailing — RoRo or container. West Coast transit runs 20 to 25 days to New Zealand. East Coast and Gulf departures take 30 to 35 days. Your customs broker is assigned at booking and coordinates the NZ end.
MPI inspection & collection
On arrival, your motorcycle undergoes MPI biosecurity inspection — allow 5 to 10 business days after the vessel docks. Your assigned broker handles both MPI and customs clearance. You or your representative collects the motorcycle, pays GST and any applicable duty, and it’s yours.
Shipping motorcycles from the USA to New Zealand since 1983
New Zealand offers some of the world’s best motorcycle riding, from the South Island’s mountain passes and Milford Sound to the North Island’s East Cape and Coromandel Peninsula. For Americans relocating to New Zealand, shipping their own motorcycle is often the best choice.
Container shipping is the recommended method for most New Zealand-bound motorcycles. The long South Pacific crossing, the MPI inspection requirement, and the added protection during port handling all make container the sensible choice for anything other than a basic commuter bike. We’ll advise you on the best method for your specific motorcycle when you get your quote.
New Zealand drives on the left — headlight adjustment required
Like Australia and the UK, New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. A US-spec motorcycle with a headlight aimed for right-hand traffic will need the beam adjusted for New Zealand road legality before riding on public roads. Arrange this with a local dealer or mechanic at your arrival city after collecting from the port — before your first ride.
Every motorcycle type — shipped to New Zealand
From Harleys and Indians to adventure tourers built for South Island mountain passes — we ship the full range of motorcycle types to all three New Zealand arrival ports.
- Harley-Davidson (all models)
- Indian motorcycles
- Sport bikes & supersports
- Cruisers & touring bikes
- Adventure & dual-sport bikes (ideal for NZ’s mountain terrain)
- Vintage & classic motorcycles
- Custom builds
- Electric motorcycles
- Trikes & sidecars
All motorcycles — regardless of type — must be professionally cleaned to showroom condition before shipping to New Zealand. MPI inspects every used motorcycle on arrival. Electric motorcycles or oversized configurations may have additional documentation requirements — call us before booking.
How to pay for your New Zealand motorcycle shipment
- Zelle
- Venmo
- Bank of America deposit
- Wire transfer
- Cashier’s check
- Regular check
- Credit card
- Debit card
Google reviews — AA Motorcycle Shipping
“My experience with AA Motorcycle Shipping was excellent. My Softail HD is spotless with no blemishes — it was picked up in Wisconsin and dropped off in California in the same condition. The staff and drivers were kind and professional. I would highly recommend them.”
Shipping a motorcycle from the USA to New Zealand — common questions
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How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle from the USA to New Zealand?
Cost depends on your US pickup location, motorcycle year/make/model, your New Zealand destination city, and whether you choose RoRo or container shipping. Submit your quote request or call 1-888-347-1391 for accurate pricing specific to your shipment.
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How long does it take to ship a motorcycle from the USA to New Zealand?
West Coast departures from Los Angeles reach New Zealand in approximately 20 to 25 days. East Coast and Gulf departures (Newark, Baltimore, Houston, Miami, Savannah) take approximately 30 to 35 days. Add 5 to 10 business days for MPI biosecurity inspection and customs clearance after the vessel docks before your motorcycle is available for collection.
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Which New Zealand port will my motorcycle arrive at?
Auckland is the primary arrival port and serves the upper North Island. Wellington serves the lower North Island and is the gateway for riders heading to the South Island by ferry. Christchurch (Lyttelton) serves the South Island including Queenstown and the Southern Alps. Tell us your destination city when you request a quote and we’ll confirm the correct arrival port.
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What is the MPI biosecurity inspection and why does it matter?
MPI stands for New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries. Every used motorcycle arriving in New Zealand is inspected by MPI for soil, organic matter, insects, and biological contamination before it is released from the port. If contamination is found, your motorcycle will be quarantined and professionally cleaned at your cost. To avoid this, your motorcycle must be cleaned to showroom condition — no dirt, mud, or organic matter anywhere — before it is loaded in the USA. This is non-negotiable.
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Is container or RoRo shipping better for New Zealand?
Container shipping is recommended for most New Zealand-bound motorcycles. The long South Pacific crossing, the MPI inspection process, and port handling conditions all make container the preferred method for anything other than a basic commuter bike. Shared container is cost-effective and does not require the motorcycle to be in running condition. Exclusive container is recommended for high-value, vintage, or collector motorcycles.
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What documents do I need to ship a motorcycle to New Zealand?
You’ll need the title (free of liens), bill of sale (for purchased motorcycles), and passport copy. AA Motorcycle Shipping assigns a licensed customs broker at booking — their details are on your Document Receipt. The broker handles both MPI biosecurity clearance and New Zealand Customs Service import declaration at the arrival port.
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How do New Zealand customs duties and GST work?
New Zealand GST of 15% applies to all imported motorcycles, calculated on the declared value plus international freight and insurance. Customs duty may also apply depending on the motorcycle’s country of manufacture and NZ tariff classification. Both are paid at the arrival port after MPI and customs clearance. If you are relocating to New Zealand as a permanent resident, a GST exemption under Returning Resident’s Relief may apply — consult a NZ customs specialist for eligibility guidance.
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Will my US-spec motorcycle need modifications for New Zealand roads?
New Zealand drives on the left. A US-spec motorcycle headlight aimed for right-hand traffic will need the beam adjusted for NZ road legality — a straightforward job for a local dealer or mechanic at your arrival city after collecting from the port. Arrange this before your first ride on New Zealand roads.
Ready to ship your motorcycle from the USA to New Zealand?
Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. West Coast transit 20–25 days. MPI biosecurity and customs handled by your assigned broker. One company, start to finish.
Get an international shipping quote →Or call 1-888-347-1391 — available 7 days a week. Live chat also available.