Changing Shipping Destination
 

We're off to NZ in September, and we're undecided where we'll live. We like Christchurch, but we plan on travelling around a bit while waiting for our container to arrive, and will then make our final decision.

We'll send the container to Christchurch, but what happens if we change our minds while the container is en route? Can we get it re-routed? If not, does anyone know how easy it is to get everything shifted once we arrive? If we decided to head for Auckland instead, is getting our stuff onto the other island going to be expensive?

If it wasn't for the fact that NZ has so many great places to choose from, we wouldn't have this problem! ;)

Any advice will be gratefully received!

Re: Changing Shipping Destination
 

This could prove costly as boats are loaded according to when on the voyage they are due to be offloaded and how much they reload at each dock. If this is a direct sail to Australia and New Zealand, then a change of destination will probably involve nothing more than a few hundred dollars. The destination change could also be done by road / rail but again, the cost will increase.

Ask your removal company who is going to handle the shipping and contact them about your concerns. If they're ok with it, get a tracking number so you can keep tabs on the ships position and give as much notice as possible.

Re: Changing Shipping Destination
 

Another thing, ask the shipping company for an itinerary of the voyage. If Christchurch is 2nd port on the New Zealand 'round', then any port after this, should be able to take the container. Just bare in mind that customs and MAF will probably also need informing.

Re: Changing Shipping Destination
 

What about relevent documentation as to point of unloading?

Re: Changing Shipping Destination
 

Hence the need to contact MAF and customs. The country remains the same, just the port of entry will differ.

Re: Changing Shipping Destination
 

Reported as spam.

Re: Changing Shipping Destination
 

Thanks for the info. I'm about to get quotes for shipping, so I'll see what the shipping companies have to say.

Does anyone have any experience of removals within New Zealand? I'd be interested to hear what the costs are like for arranging a professional move for complete house contents between islands.