Import a Car from New Zealand to Australia
Prestige Car Imports helps Australians source and import vehicles from New Zealand. We assist with finding the right car, checking its history and condition, arranging inspections, handling payment securely and managing the entire import process through to compliance and getting the vehicle on the road in Australia.
New Zealand offers a strong supply of right-hand-drive vehicles, Japanese imports and 25+ year old enthusiast and classic cars, with shipping that is generally quicker than many other overseas markets.
Why Import From New Zealand?
Close to Australia
New Zealand is one of the closest overseas markets to Australia. Once a vehicle has been purchased, the import process can often take around 10 weeks from purchase to being ready to drive in Australia, depending on shipping and compliance.
Huge RHD & JDM market
New Zealand has a large supply of right-hand-drive vehicles, including many cars originally imported from Japan. This gives buyers access to a broad range of enthusiast, performance and classic vehicles.
Climate & choice
New Zealand’s climate can make it an attractive alternative to some overseas markets where severe corrosion is a major concern. Condition still varies from vehicle to vehicle, which is why we recommend inspecting and checking the history before purchase.
Why Import With Prestige Car Imports?
Australian based
Prestige Car Imports is based in Melbourne, Australia.
New Zealand contacts
We have contacts across New Zealand who assist with inspections and vehicle checks.
Vehicle inspections
Where practical, we can arrange inspections before purchase.
History checks
We can help confirm ownership history, finance owing, stolen status, odometer history, registration history, accident/write-off information, VIN details and available service history.
Seller verification
We help confirm the vehicle exists and verify the seller before funds are sent.
Complete process assistance
We assist from sourcing through to shipping, customs, quarantine, compliance and getting the vehicle on the road.
How Importing From New Zealand Works
Tell us the vehicle you are considering, or what you are looking for. We inspect and check history where practical, help with a secure purchase, then help with shipping, customs, quarantine, compliance and getting the vehicle on the road.
1
Talk to us
Tell us what vehicle you are considering or what you are looking for.
2
Engage Prestige Car Imports
When you are ready to proceed with sourcing or inspection work, the $1,190 AUD engagement/deposit fee becomes payable.
3
Find the vehicle
We can help source from Trade Me, private sellers, dealers, Facebook Marketplace and specialist sellers.
4
Inspection & history checks
Where practical, we arrange an inspection and check the available history before you decide whether to proceed.
5
Negotiate & approve
We help communicate with the seller where required. You approve the vehicle and purchase before we proceed.
6
Purchase
We assist with arranging payment securely, whether the vehicle is being purchased from a private seller or dealer.
7
Shipping & import
We arrange inland transport where required, export, shipping, customs, quarantine and other applicable requirements.
8
Compliance & on the road
We help arrange Australian compliance and the process of getting the vehicle ready for registration in your state.
Typically around 10 weeks from purchase in New Zealand to being road-ready in Australia, depending on shipping and compliance.
Finding a Car in New Zealand
Trade Me is one of the main places we source vehicles from in New Zealand, but we can also assist with private sellers, dealers, specialist dealers and Facebook Marketplace. If you have already found a vehicle, send us the listing and we can help assess the car, the seller and the import process before you commit.
Inspections & Vehicle History
We can arrange inspections across much of New Zealand through our local contacts, with the best coverage in the major cities. Before recommending that a client proceed, we can also help review the available vehicle history and background information.
Ownership history
Finance owing
Stolen vehicle status
Odometer history
Registration history
Accident or write-off information
VIN checks
Available service history
Finance owing
Stolen vehicle status
Odometer history
Registration history
Accident or write-off information
VIN checks
Available service history
History checks are an important part of assessing a vehicle, but they are not a substitute for inspecting the actual car where an inspection can be arranged.
What Cars Can You Import From New Zealand?
Not every vehicle can be imported into Australia. Eligibility depends on the actual vehicle.
Vehicles 25 years or older may be eligible under the rolling 25-year import pathway, subject to the applicable requirements.
Many newer vehicles are only eligible if they appear on the federal Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles (SEVS) approved list or another applicable import pathway.
If the car you want is not on the list and is not 25 years old, still ask — some vehicles can be imported another way.
If you are unsure whether a specific vehicle is eligible, send us the make, model and year before purchasing and we can help check the available import pathway.
What Does It Cost to Import From New Zealand?
There is no single landed price. The NZD purchase price, exchange rate, inland New Zealand transport, shipping, customs/clearance, duty where it applies, GST, luxury car tax where it applies, compliance, our fee and your state on-road costs all change the total.
When you are ready to begin sourcing or inspection work, the initial engagement/deposit payment is $1,190 AUD. Prestige Car Imports’ total fee depends on the vehicle and the transaction. You pay in stages as invoices fall due, rather than everything up front.
Estimates do not include state roadworthy, registration or stamp duty.
Import cost example
Ferrari 348
A vehicle Prestige Car Imports helped import from New Zealand. Figures below are from this example. Note: this is an estimate, not a quote. Exchange rate used: 1 AUD = 1.20 NZD.
| Car cost | NZD $125,000 |
| Exchange rate | 1 AUD = 1.20 NZD |
| Vehicle value in AUD | A$104,166.67 |
| Shipping, customs, heat treatment and BAF | A$5,500 |
| 5% duty | A$5,208.33 |
| CIF | A$114,875 |
| 10% GST | A$11,487.50 |
| Landed incl. GST | A$126,362.50 |
| Luxury Car Tax (LCT) | A$13,738.65 |
| Compliance | A$2,200 |
| Prestige Car Imports fee | A$4,990 |
| TOTAL | A$147,291.15 |
Estimate Import Costs
Use our New Zealand Import Cost Calculator to estimate the landed cost based on the vehicle price, then contact us for a more detailed estimate on the actual car.
Prestige Car Imports
Unit 4/43-45 Launceston St, Williamstown
- This was the first car I’ve imported. I was really uneasy about importing a car. I reached out to Prestage Car Imports through an add on Facebook and Dyson was the person that answered. He was very professional and upfront about the … More process what was involved and most importantly the time frame it was going to take. After that initial phone call I knew Prestage Car Imports were the people I was going to go with. I didn’t even bother contacting anyone else. I was still very hesitant about going through with importing a car. In the end I bit the bullet and done it. Now that I have the vehicle in my possession I’m very happy and pleased with the condition of the car. A big thank you to Dyson and Tayla for the dedication and work. I would highly recommend Prestage Car Imports. This won’t be my only import.
Ben Campbell - Dyson is knowledgeable and I definitely never felt that he was annoyed by my questions or repeated messages, he's always accommodating and respectful. He's a true businessman.
You can text him anytime and he always came back to … More me.
I initially approached him for a certain car but he showed me that it cannot be imported and directed me to a different car.
Car arrived safely and I drove it with pleasure, he wasn't bothered that I chose my own compliance warehouse in Sydney as my ones can do cars within 48 hours, very quick.
Downsides, car required a set of tyres, a new battery and service, but that is reasonable and can be expected.
Overall, I would recommend Dyson if you want to buy from Japanese auctions, as he had best prices so far. Doesn't matter which state you're in, Dyson is able to help - Review
I recently purchased a car from Prestige Cars and couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the beginning, the Dyson and Tayla was friendly, professional and easy to deal with. There was no pressure, and everything was explained … More clearly throughout the process.
The car was exactly as described, the whole process was smooth and straightforward, and the team went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of.
I would definitely recommend Prestige Cars to anyone looking for a quality vehicle and a dealership that genuinely cares about its customers. I’d happily buy from them again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Just wanted to give a huge shoutout to Dyson and the team at Prestige Car Imports.
I recently purchased an R35 GT-R from Japan, and the whole experience was far easier than I ever expected. Importing a car can seem pretty daunting when … More you're doing it for the first time, but Dyson guided me through every step and was always available to answer questions and provide updates.
Communication was excellent from start to finish, and I always felt confident that everything was being handled properly. The car arrived exactly as described and exceeded my expectations.
If you're thinking about importing a car from Japan, I'd highly recommend talking to Dyson. He's knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about helping you find the right car.
Couldn't be happier with my GT-R and the service I received. Thanks again, Dyson! - Here’s a polished Google review that sounds genuine and highlights the key points you mentioned:
I had an excellent experience with Prestige Car Imports when importing my 2021 Toyota Crown RS Advance. From the very beginning, they were … More professional, transparent, and incredibly easy to deal with.
They initially advised that the process would take around 3–4 months from the auction date, but I had my car delivered in just 2.5 months, which exceeded my expectations. The final cost was also within the indicative budget they had provided, with no surprises along the way.
What really stood out was their communication. They kept me updated throughout the entire process, were always on top of everything, and I never had to chase them for updates. Their professionalism and honesty made the whole experience completely stress-free.
I highly recommend Prestige Car Imports to anyone looking to import a vehicle. I wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again in the future!
Facebook reviews
Common Questions About Importing From New Zealand
Yes, where the vehicle is eligible. Prestige Car Imports helps Australians source, inspect, purchase and import vehicles from New Zealand through to compliance and getting the car on the road.
Typically around 10 weeks from purchase in New Zealand to being road-ready in Australia, depending on shipping and compliance. New Zealand is one of the closer overseas markets, so shipping is generally quicker than many other countries.
Where practical, yes. We have contacts across New Zealand who assist with inspections and vehicle checks, with the best coverage in the major cities. You get the condition information before you decide whether to proceed.
Yes. We can help review ownership history, finance owing, stolen status, odometer history, registration history, accident or write-off information, VIN details and available service history. History checks are important, but they are not a substitute for inspecting the actual car where an inspection can be arranged.
Eligibility depends on the actual vehicle. Vehicles 25 years or older may qualify under the rolling 25-year pathway, subject to the applicable requirements. Many newer vehicles are only eligible if they appear on the federal SEVS approved list or another applicable import pathway. Send the make, model and year before you buy and we can help check.
Yes. Send us the listing. We can help assess the car, the seller and the import process before you commit, then assist with inspection, history checks, secure payment and the rest of the import if you proceed.
Ready to Import From New Zealand?
Tell us the car you are looking for or send us a listing. We will talk through eligibility, likely costs and the process before you commit.