Motorhome Import Cost Calculator

How to use our import cost calculator

Simply enter the purchase price of the motorhome you plan to import in New Zealand dollars. The calculator will use this information to figure out all the empty fields — producing a total estimated import cost for bringing your motorhome into New Zealand.

Shipping costs have been calculated based on importing from the UK and are indicative only.

Motorhome purchase price (NZ$)

Calculate

Shipping Costs*
Freight
Insurance (for shipping)
Total estimated shipping cost
Government Charges
Duty
GST
Total estimated landed cost
On Arrival Compliance Costs
Gas
Electrical
Self containment
Total on arrival compliance cost
TOTAL ESTIMATED IMPORT COST

Before you decide to go ahead with purchasing that new motorhome from overseas, you’ll want to ensure you’ve accounted for the additional costs of importing it into the country. These costs are clarified under the import cost calculator assumptions tab below.

This calculator has been designed for the purchase of a new motorhome. All costs are indicative only.
Motorhome purchase price Change the purchase price of your preferred motorhome from foreign currency (pounds, euros or US dollars) into NZ dollars and enter this figure. Fluctuations in currency conversion rates can have a significant impact on your purchase price. This is especially important to keep in mind if you're not planning to buy right now.
Value-added tax (VAT) Many countries have a VAT system in place — and some (like the UK) offer VAT exemptions under certain circumstances. To be VAT exempt when buying a motorhome from the UK, you’ll need to export your motorhome within 12 months of purchasing it. Be sure to complete the necessary paperwork at the time of purchase as you could save a significant amount of money with a VAT exemption.

Shipping costs

The shipping costs of freight and insurance have been calculated with the assumption that you’re importing from the UK.
Freight The rate of freight is calculated using flat rack shipping. This calculator assumes an approximate freight cost of 16% of the purchase price — based on flat rack costs at the time of writing (August 2023).
Insurance It’s very difficult to determine what it would cost to insure a motorhome on the journey to New Zealand by ship. Our insurer has indicated that transporting a single NZ$200,000 motorhome by roll on-roll off shipping would have an insurance premium of around $1,000 — with an excess of $2,000. Alternatively, transporting the same motorhome by flat rack shipping would cost about $1,500 for insurance with a $5,000 excess. For this motorhome import cost calculator, we’ve assumed flat rack shipping.

Government charges

Duty Expect a New Zealand government duty charge of 10% for importing a motorhome.
GST The goods and services tax charged on your import is 15%. This tax is charged on the total cost of the motorhome — inclusive of all your other costs like freight, insurance and duty.
Total landed cost This is the total cost in NZ dollars of your new motorhome once it has arrived in New Zealand.

On arrival compliance costs

Modifications will have to be made to the motorhome after landing to ensure the vehicle meets New Zealand regulations. This includes gas and electrical warrants of fitness — plus any changes needed to meet self-containment requirements. Other work, such as installing compliant seatbelts, may also be required on certain motorhomes.

This calculator assumes that basic gas, electrical and self-containment work is needed. However, it doesn’t include optional items like solar panels, a TV or an inverter.

These gas, electrical and self containment estimates are based on what it would cost a motorhome dealer through their regular contractors.

Note
We’ve excluded any costs that are the same whether you buy a motorhome locally or import one — such as annual insurance, registration and a certificate of fitness (CoF) or a warrant of fitness (WoF).

Our import cost calculator will help you determine whether importing a motorhome is your best option from a financial standpoint. But there are also non-financial factors to consider before making your final decision.

Navigating the process of importing an RV into New Zealand will likely be more stressful than visiting a few local motorhome specialists. You’ll need to deal with the shipping company, organise customs paperwork and make sure your motorhome meets New Zealand’s safety and compliance requirements.

Purchasing locally through a dealer will come with a local warranty and after sales support. You’ll find it more convenient to compare options in person and to purchase a motorhome that already meets New Zealand compliance standards.

You’ll also be able to connect with motorhome community groups who can offer advice and support.

Get in touch

Once you’ve assessed the total cost of importing a motorhome into New Zealand, get in touch with our team to compare this with purchasing direct from a dealer.