How much does it cost to transport a car in NZ?
Real 2026 prices, route by route. No lead-magnet gates, no "starting from" games, the numbers below are what an average car actually ships for.
Route-by-route car transport pricing
| Route | Distance | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland → Hamilton | 125 km | $350 - $550 |
| Auckland → Tauranga | 210 km | $500 - $750 |
| Auckland → Wellington | 640 km | $800 - $1,100 |
| Wellington → Christchurch | 460 km + ferry | $1,100 - $1,400 |
| Auckland → Christchurch | 1,180 km + ferry | $1,750 - $2,150 |
| Christchurch → Queenstown | 485 km | $650 - $950 |
| Christchurch → Dunedin | 360 km | $650 - $950 |
Typical ranges are for a standard drivable car under 1.9m high, incl. GST. Larger utes, vans, SUVs, non-runners ($250) and modified/lowered vehicles ($150) carry a premium. Inter-island prices include the Cook Strait ferry allowance. Request a quote for your exact job and we will confirm a fixed price.
Questions people actually ask
How much does it cost to transport a car in New Zealand?
Every job is priced on the exact pickup and drop-off points, vehicle size, and whether it crosses the Cook Strait. The route ranges above are generated from our pricing engine. For a fixed price for your specific car and addresses, request a quote or ring us on 027 363 1044.
What affects the price of car transport in NZ?
Distance, vehicle size (a Hilux costs more than a hatchback), whether it runs and drives, whether you need enclosed transport, urgency, and whether the pickup or delivery is in a hard-access location. Inter-island moves also include the Cook Strait ferry fee, which we bundle into a single quote.
Is open or enclosed car transport better?
Open carriers are what 90% of vehicles ship on, they're safe, cost-effective and used by dealerships every day. Enclosed transport is worth the extra cost for high-value classics, EVs with soft paintwork, low-slung sports cars, or anything with restoration-grade paint that shouldn't see road grit.
How long does car transport take in New Zealand?
North Island runs are usually 1-2 business days door-to-door. Auckland-Wellington is often overnight. Inter-island transport (any North Island city to any South Island city) takes 2-4 business days depending on ferry sailings and route.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. MOVD carries carrier's liability cover on every load, we'll send you the paperwork with your quote. Check with your own insurer to confirm any additional vehicle cover in transit.
How do I get a car transport quote?
Ring 027 363 1044 or use the online quote form. Give us the pickup and drop-off suburbs, the vehicle make/model, and whether it runs and drives. We'll come back with a fixed price, no drip pricing, no fuel surcharges added later.