With the continuous growth of global trade, China has become an important source of imports for New Zealand. Whether it is a business or an individual, shipping containers from China to New Zealand is one of the most economical and efficient ways. So, what is the cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers?

Sea freight is the most cost-effective mode of shipping from China to New Zealand, suitable for large items such as machinery and equipment, car tires and other large goods. Sea freight from China to New Zealand usually takes about 15-30 days, which is a very cost-effective option for individuals and businesses who want to minimize shipping costs when importing from China to New Zealand.

What are the main shipping routes and ports to ship containers from China to New Zealand?

Main ports of departure (China)

China has many international ports, and containers exported to New Zealand are mainly shipped from the following ports:

• Shanghai Port: One of the largest ports in the world, with dense routes and sufficient shipping capacity.
• Ningbo Port: An important foreign trade port in East China with a wide range of routes.
• Shenzhen Port: One of the busiest ports in South China, connecting Southeast Asia and Oceania.
• Guangzhou Port: An important foreign trade port in the south, suitable for southern export companies.

Other major ports such as Qingdao Port, Xiamen Port, and Tianjin Port also offer routes to New Zealand.

Main destination ports (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s shipping ports are mainly distributed in the North Island and the South Island. The main ports include:

• Auckland Port: New Zealand’s largest and busiest port, suitable for most cargo imports.
• Tauranga Port: New Zealand’s second largest port, located in the North Island, handling a large number of container transports.
• Lyttelton Port: The largest port in the South Island, suitable for cargo imports to the South Island market.
• Wellington Port, Napier Port, etc. are also important cargo transit ports.

Transportation time and cost vary from port to port. Enterprises can choose the most suitable destination port according to the final delivery address.

Cost of Shipping from China to New Zealand

Shipping Mode	Cost (USD)
Sea Freight (FCL – 20GP)	$850 to $1850
Sea Freight (FCL – 40GP)	$1,200 to $2,800
Air Freight	$4.00 to $8.00 per kg

The cost from China to New Zealand can be referred to the table above. The final shipping cost depends on the following factors. Before preparing a quote, your freight forwarder may ask the following details:

• Nature of cargo
• Your preferred mode of shipping (FCL, LCL, air freight)
• The weight and size of your shipment
• Origin and destination
• Type of service (e.g. port to port, door to door)

20ft Container Shipping Cost from China to New Zealand

20ft container is suitable for small cargo transportation, with a loading capacity of about 33 cubic meters. The average price of shipping a 20ft container from China to New Zealand is between US$850 and US$1,850. Here is a detailed breakdown of the important cost factors associated with shipping a 20ft container:

Cost Component	Estimated Cost (USD)
Base Freight Rate	$$850 to $1850
Port Charges	$100 to $300
Customs Duties & Taxes	Varies based on goods
Insurance	$50 to $150
Inland Transportation	$300 to $600
Documentation Fees	$50 to $200
Additional Fees	Varies

40ft Container Shipping Cost from China to New Zealand

40ft container is suitable for bulk cargo transportation, with a loading capacity of about 67 cubic meters. The average price of shipping a 40ft container from China to New Zealand is between $1,200 to $2,800.

Cost Component	Description	Estimated Cost (USD)
Base Freight Rate	This is the primary charge by the shipping line for transporting the container across the ocean.	$1,200 to $2,800
Port Charges	Fees incurred at the port for loading and unloading operations, including terminal handling charges.	$150 to $350
Customs Duties & Taxes	Import taxes and duties levied by New Zealand authorities based on the nature of the goods.	Varies based on goods
Insurance	Coverage to protect against risk of loss or damage during transit.	$100 to $200
Inland Transportation	Costs incurred for the movement of goods from the port to their final destination within New Zealand.	$300 to $600
Documentation Fees	Charges for preparing shipping documents, such as bills of lading and customs declarations.	$100 to $250
Additional Fees	Other potential costs, including demurrage, loading/unloading, or special handling fees.	Varies

Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to New Zealand

The cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from different ports in China to different ports in New Zealand can be referred to the following table:

Route	20ft Container	40ft Container
Shanghai → Auckland	$800 – $1600	$900 – $2,000
Shenzhen → Auckland	$850 – $1700	$950 – $2,100
Ningbo → Wellington	$700 – $1500	$900 – $2,000
Guangzhou → Christchurch	$900 – $1700	$1,000 – $2,200
Qingdao → Auckland	$550 – $1750	$1,000 – $2,250

You may be interested in: 20FT and 40FT Container Shipping Cost from China to Australia

Note:
The above prices are only port-to-port charges, and do not include customs declaration fees, destination port clearance fees, inland transportation fees, etc. The freight costs from China to New Zealand may fluctuate due to changes in the shipping market. Please consult the freight forwarding company for specific prices.

Door to Door Cost shipping from China to New Zealand

Door to door shipping from China to New Zealand is a comprehensive service where the logistics provider takes care of everything from picking up the goods from China to shipping directly to the recipient’s address in New Zealand. The service includes picking up the goods, international transportation (sea or air), customs clearance and final delivery.

Door to door shipping costs from China to New Zealand usually include transportation fees, customs clearance fees, delivery fees, etc. The specific fees depend on the type of goods, weight, and destination. Usually, door to door shipping costs are 20-30% higher than ordinary shipping costs. For reference, the door-to-door cost of 100kg air freight is between US$5 and US$10, and the door-to-door cost of a 20ft container by sea from China to New Zealand is between US$1,500 and US$3,000.

How to reduce the cost of sea freight from China to New Zealand?

The most suitable mode of transportation
For small quantities (less than 10CBM): choose LCL, which is charged by cubic meters and has a lower cost.
For large quantities (more than 15CBM): choose FCL, which is relatively cost-effective.

Choose the right port
North Island customers can choose Auckland Port or Tauranga Port to reduce inland transportation costs.
South Island customers can choose Lyttelton Port or other closer ports.

Book shipping space in advance
Avoid booking during the peak season (September-December) to effectively reduce freight costs.

Choose a professional freight forwarder
A professional freight forwarder can help optimize transportation plans, reduce hidden costs, and ensure the safe delivery of goods.

Freight Forwarder from China to New Zealand

Choosing the right China freight forwarder is essential to ensure that the transportation process is smooth, efficient and cost-effective. Basenton Logistics is a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions from China to New Zealand. We can provide you with:

• Full Container Load (FCL) & Less Than Container Load (LCL) Shipping
• Door to Door (DDU/DDP) Delivery
• Customs Clearance & Warehousing Services
• Professional Customized Logistics Solutions

We work with many shipping companies around the world to ensure that your goods are delivered to New Zealand safely, on time and economically. If you need to get the latest quotes or logistics solutions, please contact us!