Shipping Cars to Port of Auckland, Auckland
New Zealand · UN/LOCODE NZAKL
The Port of Auckland on Waitematā Harbour is New Zealand's principal vehicle import gateway, handling the majority of UK car shipments destined for the North Island. Ports of Auckland Ltd operates the dedicated Bledisloe and Fergusson vehicle terminals, which receive RORO and container tonnage from European and Australian carrier services calling via Melbourne or Fremantle.. See our shipping to New Zealand guide or request a quote.
Services
RORO, Container (FCL & shared)
Transit Time
35–45 days from Southampton or Tilbury via Asia or the Cape of Good Hope, depending on carrier routing
UK Ports
Southampton, Tilbury
Region
Oceania
Overview
The Port of Auckland on Waitematā Harbour is New Zealand's principal vehicle import gateway, handling the majority of UK car shipments destined for the North Island. Ports of Auckland Ltd operates the dedicated Bledisloe and Fergusson vehicle terminals, which receive RORO and container tonnage from European and Australian carrier services calling via Melbourne or Fremantle.
Terminal & Vessel Facilities
Dedicated car-handling capacity at the Bledisloe Terminal includes covered vehicle storage, pre-delivery inspection bays and direct road access to State Highway 1 for onward transport across the North Island. Container vehicles are discharged at Fergusson Container Terminal and can be transferred to the same compound for MPI biosecurity inspection.
Typical Transit Time from the UK
35–45 days from Southampton or Tilbury via Asia or the Cape of Good Hope, depending on carrier routing.
UK departure ports served: Southampton, Tilbury.
Customs & Clearance Notes
New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) requires every imported vehicle to be steam-cleaned and biosecurity-inspected before release, checking for soil, seeds and insect contamination in the engine bay, wheel arches and underbody. NZ Customs also requires a Used Motor Vehicle import entry, and vehicles must meet NZTA frontal impact and right-hand drive compliance rules, most UK cars satisfying the latter automatically.
Collection & Storage
MPI inspection typically adds 1–3 working days after discharge; failed inspections require the vehicle to be professionally cleaned again at the importer's cost before re-inspection. We recommend arranging an MPI-approved transitional facility booking in advance to avoid yard storage fees, which accrue quickly at Auckland's compact terminal footprint.