Planning a big move across the country is exciting, but it does come with its fair share of challenges. But there’s one in particular that comes with some unexpected obstacles. How do you move your vehicle across the country when you don’t have the time to drive it?
While Aotearoa offers some of the most scenic drives in the world, the reality of a cross-country move often means time is the priority. Whether you're doing a massive move from the North Island to the South, or just need to get your vehicle from point A to point B, we’ll explore the best, hassle-free options for non-driving car transport.
Driving your car across the country, especially between Islands, is a significant time commitment. Not only do you need a few days to do it, but you also need to worry about a ferry, accommodation, and food along the way.
While most Kiwis like a road trip, there are times when using a car transport service just makes more sense:
You're flying: You need to be at your destination fast, and the time or cost of driving doesn't make sense.
You bought a car in another city: Using a car transport service can give you more options if you can't find the car you want in your own city.
You have a tight timeline: You need the car to arrive by a specific date, and you simply can't spare the driving days.
You have multiple vehicles: Trying to drive two or more cars across the country on your own is logistically complicated.
Your car isn’t road-trip ready: If your vehicle isn't roadworthy (like a classic car, project, or damaged vehicle), a professional transporter is the more reliable option.
You want to avoid wear and tear: For new or high-value vehicles, you might want to avoid adding hundreds or thousands of kilometres to the odometer.
If driving cross-country isn’t viable, there are a few ways to get your car from A to B without getting behind the wheel. Each one has its list of pros and cons.
This is the classic, low-cost option. You ask a trusted friend, relative, or acquaintance to drive your car for you. While this is most likely the most affordable option, it also may present some problems along the way.
It’s cheap: You’re asking a big favour, but our friend gets a free trip, and you get your vehicle delivered to your destination.
It’s the most flexible option: Asking for a favour from a friend means that you both get to decide on the terms and conditions that work for you.
You can add to the deal: You can use your car to move some of your heavier or bulkier items to save on cost.
Reliability: This option is only as reliable as your friend, and even the most reliable friends can have scheduling issues or things can go wrong.
Insurance risk: Your insurance might not provide coverage for another person, or it might cost you to take out comprehensive coverage.
Added mileage and wear: The miles go on your car, which isn’t ideal if you have a new car or would rather not put its road-worthiness to the test.
It’s not just new cars that can be towed by trailer to their destination. With a multi-trailer, a commercial car transport company will load your vehicle onto a large, multi-car carrier truck and ship it to your city. There are two main options you can choose from:
Open Transport: This is the most common and economical option. Your car travels on a trailer but is exposed to the elements.
Enclosed Transport: This premium service option is ideal for classic, prestige, or high-value cars that you may want to protect from the weather or road debris.
It’s hands-off and reliable: It's a professional service with insurance. You’ll know exactly when your car will arrive, and best of all, you won’t have to drive it yourself.
There’s no mileage added: Your car is towed, not driven, so you won’t be adding any mileage to the clock. This is ideal if you would like to sell your vehicle in the not-so-distant future or just don’t want to subject your car to hundreds of miles of road usage.
It’s suitable for cars that aren’t roadworthy: Whether you're moving a work-in-progress or your car doesn’t have a warrant (yet), it doesn’t matter. Most providers can move your vehicle onto the trailer with winches or tilt decks if your car is missing some essential moving parts.
Your car will be transported safely: Your car will be loaded onto the back of a trailer, which will only use the main highways and motorways to get to your destination. This may be safer than lending your car to a friend who may want to take it on narrower country roads.
There are rules on personal items: Most services won’t allow you to use your vehicle as a personal storage unit. If they do, you’ll pay for the added weight. Make sure you read up on each provider's rules before you book this service.
You’ll need to drop off at a depot: Your car is usually delivered from depot to depot. Door-to-door may be available, but this will add more expense to the service. If your car isn’t roadworthy, you’ll need to pay for transportation to the depot.
The timing is less flexible: As this is a shared service, you won’t be able to book your move to an exact schedule. You're tied to the company's depot-to-depot schedule.
This service connects you with a smaller car carrier often with shorter turn arounds and more personalised services. This service is generally more affordable than booking a multi-car trailer, but with the added benefit of having your car delivered sooner.
It comes with door-to-door convenience: Smaller carriers offer flexible, door-to-door pick-up and delivery tailored to fit your personal moving schedule.
You’ll get more luggage space: One of the biggest advantages to using this type of service is the ability to use your vehicle as extra storage. You can often fill your boot and back seat with personal items and boxes – but try to stick to non-valuables.
The delivery time is faster: Since your driver is focused solely on delivering your car, the timeframe for getting your vehicle delivered is often significantly quicker than waiting for a multi-car trailer route to fill up. This is a great option if you need to stick to a schedule.
Cost: Express, door to door services are great, but they come at a price.
Most professional multi-car carriers or dedicated single car transport providers have their own insurance, but this doesn’t mean you should skip this step. Read your own insurance policy or call your provider to make sure your policy covers the vehicle while being driven by a third party or while it’s on a commercial carrier.
If your car needs to travel across the Cook Strait, you’ll also need to factor in a ferry booking into your costs. If you are using a transport provider, they will handle the ferry booking and cost for you. It will be included in your total transport quote. If you’re enlisting the services of a friend, you’ll need to decide who covers this cost.
Curious about the costs? Read our guide on how much it costs to transport your car in New Zealand.
No matter which service you choose, now is a great time to give your vehicle a thorough once-over:
Prep your car for the road: If your car is going to be driven, make sure it’s ready for the long haul. Check your oil levels, ensure your tyres and lights are in good working order, and fill up the petrol tank.
Clean and declutter your vehicle: Some transport companies have rules about what you are allowed to pack in your car. They may also charge you extra or refuse to transport it if it contains personal belongings. Make sure the driver is informed about any extra items they’re transporting.
Document any pre-existing damage: To protect yourself, take photos of the car’s interior and exterior right before the handover. Note any bumps, scratches, and chips you can find. This creates a clear, dated record of your car's condition and may just help save your friendship, too.
Have important documents ready: To make the handover process run as smoothly as possible, make sure any documents you need (insurance, registration details) are accessible on the day of the drive or drop off.
Choosing a car transport service gives you peace of mind when transporting your car. Not only do you get to choose the services based on your needs, but you can also rest easy knowing that your car is in safe hands.
Wise Move makes it easier to book professional and highly-rated car transport services in New Zealand. From pick-up to drop-off time, you’ll enjoy door-to-door services and fixed prices from reliable car transport movers.
Wise Move is New Zealand’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
