Decision rule: Ship what costs more than NZD $200 to $300 to replace in NZ and that you actively use. Sell the rest and buy again on arrival.

A 20-foot container holds the contents of a standard 3-bedroom house. Costs:

• Vancouver to Auckland: CAD $12,000 to $18,000 door-to-door, 4 to 5 weeks sea transit
• Toronto via Halifax to Auckland: CAD $14,000 to $20,000, 7 to 10 weeks

LCL (shared container) costs CAD $5,000 to $9,000 for partial loads - cheaper but slower.

MPI biosecurity restrictions prohibit: soil of any kind, used gardening equipment with soil traces, untreated timber, most food products, and feathers. Outdoor gear (camping equipment, ski boots, golf bags) can be shipped but must be cleaned of all soil and organic matter. MPI inspectors check incoming containers - non-compliant items are held or destroyed at the owner's expense.

New Zealand is a rabies-free country. Pet import rules are strict, and the mandatory waiting periods cannot be shortened. Start 9 months before your intended departure if possible. Starting at 6 months is the absolute minimum.

Stage 1: Check breed eligibility. American Pit Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, Brazilian Mastiffs (Fila Brasileiro), and Japanese Tosas are prohibited. Check the MPI prohibited breeds list first.

Stage 2: Microchip, then vaccinate. The pet receives an ISO 15-digit microchip, then a rabies vaccination. This order is legally required. Do not vaccinate before microchipping.

Stage 3: Titre test and 90-day wait. A blood titre test confirms adequate rabies antibody levels (≥ 0.5 IU/mL) at an MPI-approved laboratory. A mandatory 90-day waiting period begins from the blood draw date - not when the result is received.

Stage 4: Import permit. Apply to MPI for an import permit once the titre result is confirmed and the 90-day wait is complete.

Stage 5: Pre-export requirements. Within 5 days of departure: a health inspection by an NZ-approved vet in Canada, a health certificate, and approved parasite treatments as specified in the MPI import health standard.

Stage 6: Arrival inspection. The pet travels as manifest cargo on an approved airline. MPI inspectors examine the pet and documents on arrival at Auckland Airport. If documentation is complete, the pet is released immediately.

Total cost using a registered pet relocation company: CAD $3,500 to $8,000 per animal.

Birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are either prohibited or subject to prohibitive quarantine requirements. Confirm with MPI before any other planning.