How much does it cost to transport a car in NZ?
Real 2026 prices, route by route. No lead-magnet gates, no "starting from" games — the numbers below are what an average car actually ships for.
Route-by-route car transport pricing
| Route | Distance | Open carrier | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland → Hamilton | 125 km | $250 – $400 | $450 – $650 |
| Auckland → Tauranga | 210 km | $300 – $500 | $550 – $800 |
| Auckland → Wellington | 640 km | $600 – $900 | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Wellington → Christchurch (incl. ferry) | 410 km + ferry | $700 – $1,100 | $1,200 – $1,700 |
| Auckland → Christchurch (incl. ferry) | 1,050 km | $1,100 – $1,600 | $1,800 – $2,600 |
| Christchurch → Queenstown | 485 km | $550 – $850 | $900 – $1,300 |
| Christchurch → Dunedin | 360 km | $450 – $700 | $800 – $1,150 |
Ranges reflect standard cars and light utes. Larger 4WDs, oversize vehicles, non-runners and hard-access pickups carry a premium. Always request a fixed quote for your specific job.
Questions people actually ask
How much does it cost to transport a car in New Zealand?
For a standard car on an open carrier, budget roughly $2–$3 per kilometre on short runs and $1–$1.50/km on longer runs. Typical door-to-door prices range from around $300 for short North Island runs (e.g. Auckland–Hamilton) up to $1,600 for Auckland–Christchurch including the Cook Strait ferry. Enclosed transport for classics, EVs and luxury cars runs about 60–80% higher.
What affects the price of car transport in NZ?
Distance, vehicle size (a Hilux costs more than a hatchback), whether it runs and drives, whether you need enclosed transport, urgency, and whether the pickup or delivery is in a hard-access location. Inter-island moves also include the Cook Strait ferry fee, which we bundle into a single quote.
Is open or enclosed car transport better?
Open carriers are what 90% of vehicles ship on — they're safe, cost-effective and used by dealerships every day. Enclosed transport is worth the extra cost for high-value classics, EVs with soft paintwork, low-slung sports cars, or anything with restoration-grade paint that shouldn't see road grit.
How long does car transport take in New Zealand?
North Island runs are usually 1–2 business days door-to-door. Auckland–Wellington is often overnight. Inter-island transport (any North Island city to any South Island city) takes 2–4 business days depending on ferry sailings and route.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. Haul Haus carries commercial cartage liability cover on every load — we'll send you the paperwork with your quote. Your own comprehensive policy typically also covers the vehicle in transit, but you should confirm with your insurer.
How do I get a car transport quote?
Ring 027 770 0567 or use the online quote form. Give us the pickup and drop-off suburbs, the vehicle make/model, and whether it runs and drives. We'll come back with a fixed price — no drip pricing, no fuel surcharges added later.