Moving to Australia from NZ — Complete Checklist

1. Three to Six Months Before Your Move

Starting early gives you time to compare movers, sort finances, and avoid last-minute stress. Here's what to tackle first:

2. Visa & Right to Work in Australia

Great news for Kiwis — you don't need to apply for a visa. New Zealand citizens are automatically granted a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) on arrival in Australia. This allows you to:

• Live in Australia indefinitely
• Work for any employer without restrictions
• Study at any institution
• Access Medicare (public healthcare)
• Enrol your children in public schools

What you need at the airport:

• Valid New Zealand passport
• Incoming Passenger Card (given on the plane)
• Completed customs declaration

3. Organising Your Move — Shipping & Movers

This is usually the biggest logistical task. You have several options for getting your belongings across the Tasman:

Full Container Load (FCL)

Best for 3+ bedroom houses. You get an entire 20ft or 40ft shipping container. Door-to-door, typically $6,000–$12,000 NZD. Takes 3–5 weeks.

Shared Container / Groupage

Your items share a container with other shipments. Ideal for 1–2 bedroom moves. Costs $2,500–$5,000 NZD. Takes 4–6 weeks (waiting for the container to fill).

Air Freight

Fastest option (5–10 days) but most expensive. Best for urgent items, electronics, or small volumes. Expect $8–$15 per kg.

What to Pack & What to Declare

Australia has strict biosecurity (quarantine) laws. Your mover will handle customs paperwork, but you should know:

• Allowed: Furniture, clothing, electronics, books, kitchenware, personal effects
• Needs treatment: Wooden items, outdoor furniture (may need fumigation)
• Not allowed: Fresh food, plants, seeds, untreated timber, certain animal products
• Vehicles: Can be imported but must meet Australian standards and will be inspected

4. Finances, Banking & Tax

Australian Bank Account

Open an Australian bank account before you arrive. Most major banks (CommBank, ANZ, Westpac, NAB) let NZ citizens open accounts online or over the phone before arrival. You'll need your passport and proof of address once you arrive to fully activate it.

Tax File Number (TFN)

Apply for a TFN as soon as you arrive — you'll need it before starting any job. Apply online through the ATO website. It takes 10–28 days to arrive by post.

NZ Bank Accounts & IRD

You can keep your NZ bank accounts open. Notify IRD that you're leaving NZ — you may need to file a final tax return. Keep your IRD number for any ongoing NZ income or KiwiSaver management.

Transferring Money NZ → Australia

Avoid your bank's exchange rate — use a specialist FX service like Wise, OFX, or XE. You'll typically save 1–3% compared to bank rates, which can mean hundreds or thousands on a large transfer.

5. KiwiSaver & Superannuation

Your KiwiSaver doesn't automatically transfer when you move. Here are your options:

• Leave it in NZ: Your KiwiSaver stays invested but employer contributions stop. You can still make voluntary contributions.
• Transfer to Australian Super: After 12+ months in Australia, you can transfer your KiwiSaver to a complying Australian superannuation fund under the Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability scheme.
• Withdraw (limited): Generally you can't withdraw KiwiSaver early just because you've moved overseas, unless you meet specific criteria.

Set up Australian superannuation as soon as you start working — your employer must contribute 11.5% (2026 rate) of your salary. You can choose your own super fund or use the employer's default.

6. First Week in Australia

7. Settling In — First Three Months