International Shipping from New Zealand
Sending a parcel from New Zealand to an overseas destination involves more steps than domestic shipping. You'll need to consider customs documentation, restricted items, delivery timeframes, and cost differences between carriers. This guide covers everything you need to get started.
Choosing an International Shipping Service
Several carriers operate international parcel services from New Zealand:
- NZ Post International: Offers tracked and untracked options to most countries, including economy and express tiers.
- DHL Express: Premium door-to-door express service with strong global coverage. Best for time-sensitive or high-value shipments.
- FedEx: Similar to DHL, with reliable international coverage and customs support.
- UPS: Another premium option for business senders needing reliable documentation and tracking.
For everyday parcels to Australia, the UK, or the US, NZ Post offers competitive rates. For valuable or urgent items, DHL or FedEx are typically more reliable.
Understanding Customs Requirements
All international parcels leaving New Zealand require a customs declaration. This tells border authorities what is inside the package, its value, and whether it is a gift or commercial goods. Key points to know:
- Declare items accurately and honestly — under-declaring value is illegal and can result in delays or seizure.
- Attach the customs form (CN22 or CN23) securely to the outside of the parcel.
- Keep your invoice for commercial shipments — this is required by many destination countries.
- Some countries require an HS (Harmonised System) tariff code for commercial goods.
Restricted and Prohibited Items
Certain items cannot be sent internationally or require special documentation. Common restrictions include:
- Lithium batteries (restricted in air freight)
- Aerosols and flammable liquids
- Fresh food and biological materials
- Counterfeit goods
- Certain medications (check destination country rules)
Always check NZ Post's prohibited items list and your destination country's import regulations before packing.
Estimated International Delivery Times
| Destination | NZ Post Economy | NZ Post Express | DHL Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 5–10 business days | 3–5 business days | 2–3 business days |
| United Kingdom | 10–20 business days | 5–7 business days | 3–4 business days |
| United States | 10–20 business days | 5–7 business days | 3–5 business days |
| Asia (e.g., Japan, Singapore) | 7–15 business days | 4–6 business days | 2–3 business days |
Note: Delivery times are estimates and can vary due to customs clearance, public holidays, and carrier capacity.
Tips for Successful International Shipping
- Use tracked services wherever possible — untracked mail can be difficult to trace if lost.
- Insure high-value items — most carriers offer optional insurance at the time of booking.
- Pack to survive rough handling — international parcels often go through multiple handling points.
- Label in both English and the destination language where possible.
- Send early in the week to avoid delays over weekends at customs checkpoints.
With the right preparation, shipping internationally from New Zealand is reliable and manageable — regardless of whether you're sending to Sydney or Stockholm.