Shipping from China to New Zealand Cost and Time
China is New Zealand’s largest product trading partner. The bilateral trade volume will reach more than NZ$40 billion in 2022. The price, time, customs clearance and other knowledge of Shipping from China to New Zealand are also what exporters want to know. I hope this article will help you with shipping from China to New Zealand. A comprehensive guide to help you.
Shipping from China to New Zealand
What are the transportation methods from China to New Zealand?
There are several main modes of transportation from China to New Zealand, mainly including sea transportation and air transportation. Goods can be sent to Chinese freight forwarder Basenton Logistics’ warehouse, or we can pick them up directly from your factory. Then choose the appropriate shipping method. Each shipping method is outlined below:
It’s 11,000 kilometers across the ocean from China to New Zealand. Both countries are on the sea, so sea freight is a logical choice, but air freight can also provide efficient and timely delivery for smaller, higher value items.

Sea Freight from China to New Zealand
For larger shipments from China to New Zealand, sea freight is often the most cost-effective method of shipping. Basenton Logistics has special ocean shipping routes from China to New Zealand, including customs clearance and delivery to your required address in New Zealand – this can be your own residential or business address, or even your warehousing partner in New Zealand. This means you don’t need to hire a customs broker in New Zealand.
Ocean shipping from China to New Zealand typically takes approximately 25-30 days, making it an extremely cost-effective option for individuals and businesses looking to minimize shipping costs when importing from China to New Zealand.


New Zealand’s major sea ports
Port of Auckland
Location and throughput: The port is located in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, with an annual throughput of approximately 1.5 million TEUs, mainly serving the North Island.
Main trading partners and strategic importance: Asia, especially China and Australia, is its important trading partner, and its important commodities include containers, automobiles and bulk cargo.
Business Background: If your goal is to access New Zealand’s densest, most industrialized regions, the Port of Auckland may become a key consideration in your shipping strategy due to its central location and excellent intermodal connectivity.
Port of Tauranga
Location and throughput: The port is located in the Bay of Plenty and is New Zealand’s largest port in total cargo volume, with an annual throughput of more than 1.9 million TEU.
Key trading partners and strategic importance: The port is strategically positioned as the port of choice for the Greater Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, New Zealand’s largest export market.
Business background: Businesses looking to capitalize on New Zealand’s strong domestic market may find the Port of Tauranga’s domestic handling capabilities and its extensive network to Australia and Asia to be highly advantageous.
Port of Lyttelton
Location and volume: Lyttelton is located in Christchurch’s natural harbor and manages approximately 420,000 TEUs annually.
Main trading partners and strategic importance: Famous trading partners include Asia, America, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries, which are known as the main driving force of South Island’s trade and economy.
Business Background: If your business operations need to tap into the South Island economy, the Port of Lyttelton’s status and efficiency should be integrated into your logistics strategy.
Port of Auckland Napier
Location and throughput: The port is located in Hawke’s Bay and handles approximately 1/4 of New Zealand’s exports, handling approximately 109,000 TEUs per year.
Major trading partners and strategic importance: Its links with East Asia, Australia, Canada and the United States are important, with strong links in timber and agricultural exports.
Business background: Napier distinguishes itself among businesses in the forestry and agriculture sector due to its strategic east coast location and ability to specialize in forestry and agricultural products.
Port Nelson
Location and throughput: The port is located at the top of the South Island and handled nearly 103,000 TEU in 2020.
Major trading partners and strategic importance: It plays a significant role in the region’s economy and is vital to the local seafood and timber industries, conducting extensive trade with Australia, Asia, Germany, France, Italy and other European countries and the United States.
Business Background: If you are transporting seafood, forest products or fruit, Port Nelson’s ability to efficiently handle these products should be at the heart of your strategic planning.
Port of Dunedin
Location and throughput: Located at the Port of Otago, the port handles approximately 200,000 TEU per year and is critical to the southern export market.
Main trading partners and strategic importance: Main trading partners include Asia and Australia, and the main trading areas are forestry, dairy products, meat and other agricultural products.
Business Background: If your business operations are closely linked to the southern China export market, then utilizing Dunedin’s robust agricultural processing facilities can optimize your logistics.
Air freight from China to New Zealand
The biggest advantage of air freight is speed. Items shipped from China can arrive in New Zealand within 2 to 7 days. This is the best option for high-value items as they spend less time in transit. However, that speed comes with some trade-offs.
Air freight is usually more expensive than sea freight. It’s also better suited for smaller items since airlines have weight and volume restrictions. If you’re sending small, value-intensive items, such as electronics or pharmaceuticals, fast, reliable air freight may be the best option for your business. Air freight also uses more fuel than other modes of transportation, so if you and your company are ethically concerned about your carbon footprint, you’ll choose sea freight.
Keep in mind that air freight usually only involves delivering goods to an airport in New Zealand and not to the stock’s final destination. Additional shipping facilities must be provided to get your shipment to its final destination. The exception, of course, is if you have arranged door-to-door shipping. As mentioned above, door to door delivery can arrange for the goods to be transported from the airport to the final destination and cleared through New Zealand Customs.


New Zealand’s major international airports
Auckland Airport
Cargo volume: Auckland Airport handles more than 2 million tonnes of cargo each year.
Main trading partners: The main trading partners are Australia, China and the USA.
Strategic Importance: As New Zealand’s largest and busiest airport, it is the region’s main hub for international freight.
Notable features: The airport has recently invested in a new cargo hub to improve the efficiency of cargo handling and transfer.
For your business: If you frequently send cargo to and from the Asia-Pacific region, the airport’s extensive network and modern facilities may optimize your shipping strategy.
Christchurch Airport
Cargo volume: Christchurch Airport handles more than 30,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
Major trading partners: Major trading partners include Australia, China and the United Kingdom.
Strategic importance: Christchurch Airport is particularly important to the South Island as it connects the region to the rest of the world.
Distinctive Features: The airport has specialized facilities for handling perishable and valuable items.
For your business: If your cargo is time-sensitive or requires special handling, utilizing Christchurch Airport’s cargo services can provide your business with an extra layer of quality assurance.
Wellington International Airport
Cargo volume: Approximately 10,000 tons of cargo are handled annually.
Main trading partners: Australia and Fiji are its main trading partners.
Strategic importance: It is the gateway to New Zealand’s capital and has excellent links with the country’s urban areas.
Salient Features: It has customized air and land transfer processes to facilitate efficient cargo transfer.
Right for your business: If your business involves rapid movement from air to road transport, Wellington International Airport’s efficient services can add significant value to your supply chain.
Queenstown Airport
Cargo volume: Handling volume is small compared to other companies, with an annual handling capacity of 1,000 tons.
Main trading partners: The main trading partners are Australia, Oceania countries and domestic routes.
Strategic Importance: Important to the south-western region of the South Island, providing an important link for commerce in the region.
Distinctive Features: It has a unique focus on handling high value and travel merchandise.
Right for your business: If your shipment contains high-value items or is geared towards the tourism industry, Queenstown’s dedicated service can perfectly suit your requirements.
Dunedin Airport
Cargo volume: The airport handles approximately 1,700 tons of cargo per year.
Main trading partners: The main trading partners are Australia and domestic regions.
Strategic Importance: Located at the lower end of the South Island, providing vital connectivity for the region’s exports.
Notable Features: Dunedin Airport is well-equipped to handle a variety of cargo, including livestock.
Right for your business: If livestock or regional exports are part of your business, Dunedin Airport’s services can ensure your cargo arrives safely and on time.


What goods are usually shipped by air from China to New Zealand?
Air freight customers are merchants who frequently transport cargo of smaller weight and volume but higher value. Or in any case, it is necessary to reach the destination in the shortest time according to time conditions. Some of these importers are:
- Importer of mobile phones, mobile parts and related accessories.
- Importer of laptops, computer parts and related accessories.
- Importer of Flash Memory, External Hard Drives and Power Banks.
- Importers of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies must reach their destination as quickly as possible.
- Importers of petrochemical equipment and industrial instruments typically import goods as items and must deliver the goods to their destination within a certain period of time.
- Importers of perishable goods.
- Luxury car parts importer, importing goods to destination according to customer orders
- Importers of electronic components.
Should I choose air or sea shipping from China to New Zealand?
Both modes of transportation have their pros and cons, you just need to find which one works best for your situation.
- Advantages of air freight
Less transportation risk
Faster and takes less time
No need to add too much packaging, saving some packaging costs - Benefits of sea shipping
Maritime transport can transport a wide variety of goods in huge quantities.
Low pollutant emissions.
Affordable and cost effective.
Broad global coverage
How much does it cost to ship from China to New Zealand
The final shipping cost from China to New Zealand depends on several factors. Before preparing a quote, your freight forwarder may ask for the following details:
- Nature of your shipment
- Your preferred shipping method (FCL, LCL, air freight)
- The weight and dimensions of your shipment
- Origin and destination
- Service type (e.g. port-to-port, door-to-door)


Cost Of Shipping 20ft And 40ft Container From China To New Zealand
How much does it cost to ship a container from China to New Zealand? The average price to ship a container from China to Portugal ranges from US$1,050 to US$3,550.
Ocean and air freight prices fluctuate over time and are affected by supply and demand relationships and carrier strategic adjustments. Year-over-year differences can be significant, and last week’s prices may not apply to this week. In addition, each shipment is different and the shipping cost from China to New Zealand cannot be provided, it can only be an estimate. If you want to know the latest price, you can contact Basenton Logistics to get a quote.
Container shipping service from China to New Zealand | Type of container | Ocean freight rates from China to New Zealand: |
---|---|---|
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to New Zealand. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1150 20FT average price from: $1850 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to New Zealand. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $950 20FT average price from: $1650 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to New Zealand. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1250 20FT average price from: $1850 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to New Zealand. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1050 20FT average price from: $1550 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to New Zealand. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1250 20FT average price from: $1850 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to New Zealand | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1450 20FT average price from: $2050 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to New Zealand | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1650 20FT average price from: $2250 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to New Zealand | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1550 20FT average price from: $2350 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to New Zealand | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1150 20FT average price from: $2050 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to New Zealand | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $1650 20FT average price from: $2850 40FT |
Air Freight Cost From China To New Zealand
Shipping goods from China to New Zealand via air freight is an economical option, with prices ranging from $4 to $8 per kilogram.
This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a fast and cost-effective shipping solution.
Air freight charges are basically a combination of various fees and surcharges, including air freight, fuel surcharges, security fees, terminal fees and other surcharges. These fees are set by different airlines based on their operating costs. Airlines often adjust these charges to reflect market changes based on factors such as season, international oil prices, off-season, and other factors.
Air freight charges are calculated based on the kilograms of goods multiplied by the cost per kilogram. Airlines charge fuel surcharges at a fixed rate per kilogram, regardless of how many miles your cargo travels. Fuel surcharge is another expense you need to consider when determining the cost of air freight. The fee is charged at a fixed rate per kilogram and is based on international oil prices and therefore fluctuates regularly.


How long does it take to ship from China to New Zealand?
Ocean shipping from China to New Zealand usually takes around 15 to 35 days. However, keep in mind that shipping times can vary based on a variety of factors, such as the specific port used for shipping, the weight and type of shipment.
From (China) | To (New Zealand) | Average Transit Time (Days) |
Shanghai | Auckland | 21 |
Shenzhen | Wellington | 16 |
Tianjin | Christchurch | 20 |
Guangzhou | Tauranga | 17 |
*Please note that these transit times are averages and could vary depending on specific shipping schedules.
Air shipping between China and New Zealand takes approximately 3 to 7 days. However, the exact shipping time depends greatly on several factors, such as the specific airport involved, the weight of the package, and even the nature of the cargo being shipped. This means the timing of each shipment may vary slightly.
Door to Door shipping from China to New Zealand
Door to Door Shipping from China to New Zealand, as the name implies, refers to the full logistics service from the shipper’s door or designated location (China) to the consignee’s door or designated location (New Zealand). Regardless of the mode of transportation (air, sea, rail), door to door service ensures that the goods reach the final destination directly, achieving seamless connection throughout the process
What are the door to door shipping methods from China to New Zealand
- Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): Under DDU terms, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods to New Zealand, but the buyer is responsible for paying duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees when the goods arrive. This option can save the seller some costs, but requires the buyer to deal with local customs and additional fees.
- Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): DDP is a worry-free and labor-saving option, where the seller is fully responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s door, including all duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. This method ensures that the buyer has a seamless and stress-free experience because all costs and responsibilities are borne by the seller.
Why do we need door to door shipping from China to New Zealand?
Here are five reasons why you might want to choose it.
- Worry-free logistics: Door-to-door service eliminates the need for you to organize multiple transportation segments. Sit back, have a cup of coffee and watch your shipment being picked up from its origin in China and shipped all the way to its final destination in New Zealand without any effort on your part.
- Prompt delivery: Urgent shipping? No sweat. Door-to-door service strives to be precise. It ensures your goods transition smoothly between shipping modes, minimizing delays and ensuring your goods arrive on time.
- Special care for complex goods: Are there products that require special care? do not be afraid. Door-to-door service guarantees professional care when handling sensitive or complex shipments. Your cargo will be taken care of throughout the journey, giving you peace of mind.
- Convenience and worry-free: As we all know, your goods will not be dropped at your door. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Auckland or the tranquil landscape of Dunedin, this service can handle trucking from the port to your doorstep or warehouse, adding an extra layer of convenience.
- Book an all-inclusive service: Confused about the fees for various services? Avoid those worries. Door-to-door service provides a simple, all-inclusive quote that covers everything – transport, customs clearance, possible duties. What is mentioned in your quote is what you pay. No hidden surprises!
In short, door-to-door service is a “one-stop shop” for your shipping needs from China to New Zealand. It’s an efficient, customizable and convenient way to give you more time to focus on other areas of your business, rather than time spent on logistics.
Information on goods imported from China to New Zealand
New Zealand imports a wide variety of goods from China. The following are the most important categories:
- Motors: From generators to batteries and more.
- Mechanical equipment: including engines and refrigeration equipment.
- Vehicles: including cars, trucks and related parts.
- Computers and Electronics: Personal computers, parts and other electronic equipment.
- Fossil fuels: such as oil and coal.
- Plastics and plastic products: from plastic packaging to PVC.
- Optics, Technology, Medical Devices: Covers eyewear, technology and medical devices.
- Steel: Steel raw materials and processed products.
- Electrical Appliances: Various household and commercial appliances.
- Organic chemicals: used in various industries.
- Aluminum: Raw and processed aluminum products.
- Tires: Various types and sizes for different vehicles.
Documents required for New Zealand customs clearance
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork required to clear customs? Don’t panic. Next, we’ll unpack four important documents – the bill of lading, packing list, certificate of origin and conformity document (CE standards) – to unravel this complex process. From definitions to their importance, this section will clarify your path to completion.
Bill of lading
The bill of lading is an important document you will encounter when shipping goods from China to New Zealand. It marks your item’s journey from seller to buyer, which is critical in establishing the transition of ownership. Think of it as a trustworthy companion, escorting your cargo throughout the journey. But here’s a pro tip: To speed things up, switch to a bill of lading issued electronically or “by telex” – it’s fast, secure, and you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging the paper document. If you’re shipping by air, an air waybill (AWB) works similarly. Please be sure to double check and ensure the accuracy of your bill of lading or air waybill to avoid potential disputes or customs clearance delays. Your shipment will thank you!
Packing list
Navigating complex customs procedures can be daunting, especially when shipping goods between China and New Zealand. Among the necessary documents, the packing list plays a crucial role. As the shipper, you are responsible for producing this important document truthfully and meticulously. Think of it like a biography of your shipment, where every detail – as small as the weight of a single item, as large as the gross weight of the entire consignment – needs to be spelled out. This is the reference information that customs officials inspect based on actual goods. Under- or over-declaration may cause unnecessary delays at customs. Whether your goods are soaring in the clouds or crossing oceans, a packing list is the key to your seamless transportation. Remember, effective and error-free documentation is not only dynamic but also strategic. Your adventure in the wide world of shipping begins with a comprehensive packing list. Accurate and detailed to keep your shipment running smoothly.
Commercial invoice
When shipping goods from China to New Zealand, your commercial invoice is an important document that helps your goods get through customs smoothly. It should include key details such as the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, details of the goods being transported (including HS code and unit value) and the agreed Incoterms. Small differences between your commercial invoice and other shipping documents, such as the bill of lading or air waybill, can delay customs clearance. So please double check that the details match exactly. For example, a slight difference in declared value may raise a red flag. Keeping your commercial invoices accurate and consistent helps ensure your goods reach their destination without delay.
Certificate of Origin
Shipping goods between China and New Zealand? Be sure to have your Certificate of Origin (COO) ready. This important form is your product’s passport, specifying its birthplace to avoid any supply chain issues. When it asserts its roots as “Made in China,” and vice versa, the COO can offer opportunities for preferential tariff rates. Imagine a Chinese company shipping wooden furniture to Auckland. A clear COO could smooth the customs clearance process, potentially cutting some tariffs through a trade deal. So think of it as investment protection. Is there a clear COO? This removes one more obstacle on the road to successful trade.


New Zealand import taxes and duties
All imported goods are subject to GST at 15% of the FOB (free on board) value and an additional 10% on top of this.
When developing a transportation cost budget, it is important to consider the following factors:
When importing products from China to New Zealand, calculating the landed cost is essential. This is determined by tariffs on imports from China to New Zealand
Logistics cost of importing from China to New Zealand
Customs broker prices
Cost of hiring a Chinese freight forwarder to transport goods to New Zealand
In New Zealand, tariffs typically range from 0% to 10%, depending on the product.
The average tariff rate in New Zealand is typically 4%.
Certain items are not subject to any duties or customs duties, such as electric guitars, laptops and computer peripherals.