Shipping a car from Auckland to Christchurch

[2ba 355]

I have agreed a deal on a car which is in Auckland . Is it wise to arrange shipping to Chch as the car is quite expensive ( are they handled ok loading and unloading !?) or I was planning to fly up an drive it back and call into see some friends and relatives on the way back which I am quite happy to do. Anyone shipped a car this route and have any ideas of costs and time spans ?? Anything to watch out for ?

Thanks
James

[GravelBen]

I'd be inclined to drive, and see a few of the sights along the way. may even work out cheaper, depending how thirsty the car is.

oh yes and theres some nice roads between Picton and Chch

[Esprit]

Personally I'd do the fly/drive thing.

For starters it's a nice drive... easily doable in 2 days, but doable in 1 if you're in a hurry. Auckland to Wellington in 1 day, hotel overnight in Welly, early morning ferry and you'll be home in chch by Lunchtime Lots of nice sights to see, especially if you're not familiar with the country.

Secondly it's a GREAT way to shake down the new wheels... you'll have plenty of time to get familiar with it. Means that if you've anything to discuss with the previous owner, you'll know that much quicker.

There ARE some good freight companies out there, but for what it'll cost you, it's probably a similar price to fly/drive... and more enjoyable

[robdickinson]

Driving will cost you $200 for the ferry + $75 pp I think, something like that, flights are $200?

Ferry sometimes gets canceled due to weather but the trip is doable in 2 days.

Have a friend in Auckland heading down in a couple of weeks if you want a freebie driver.

IMO make a weekend of it (go friday) drop by Waitomo, Taupo & Wellington (we liked wellingtons book lovers B&B btw), ferry early in the morning, pickup some wine in Blenheim, lunch in Kaikoura(crayfish) or Pegasus Bay winery/Pukeko Junction.

Whats the car?

>> Edited by robdickinson on Tuesday 16th May 03:36

[kylie]

When I got transferred job wise quite a few yrs ago I got my car carted from Timaru to Auckland, work paid $1200.00. I tried looking for the transporter Co documents but I cant find it sorry Biffed it ages ago. I wasn't too worried about shipping this car because it wernt that flash being a Toyota MR2 and had high ground clearance for the ramps. Was all insured and knowing that people may take it for a skid while loading/unloading wasn't too concerned. I had no problems or scuffs on the car.

If I had the Lotus at the time, I would have driven it even if it did break down on the journey...lol touch wood. Because of the poor ground clearance thing can't gaurantee they would use blocks and poor visability looking out the rear. Being a bit wider than a Falcon they are bound to scrape it too. There would be tears

Its a personal thing. Your claiming its an expensive car and we assume its worth looking after? I dont think anyone could gaurantee a good carrier as it depends on the day whos assigned to the job. You get good guys and bad guys. Someone here would have to name the driver who were to look after it the whole way.

[2ba 355]

Thanks everyone. Rob , it's a late Rangie Vogue V8 . No problem with Ground clearance ! It would be sent by truck to Wellington, driven onto the Ferry , then loaded onto a truck to Chch . Been quoted $770 incl GST . The dealer would arrange it. It would seem the more sensible option but......... it would be a great way to see the country !

[RobDickinson]

As I said I have a mate in Auckland who'd likely do it for free but you'd get to see N island..

[v8sag]

$770 seems very reasonable,i'd go for it.

[iain a]

Hi

I recently bought a WRX wagon from Invercargill.. I live in Wellington. Like you i priced shipping, and then decided to fly down and drive it back myself. I had a great trip driving via Wanaka and the west coast, camping out near Franz Josef and picking up some wine on the way. OK it was 1100km and quite hard work, but it was a great weekend away.
Let me know if you need somewhere to stay in Welly

Cheers

Iain

[RobDickinson]

Plane chch to Auckland - $130
Fuel - $150(?)
Overnight in Wellington - $150
Ferry(car and 1 person)- $210
Seeing your new country - priceless

[2ba 355]

Sounds fun trip Iain . Why should I rush ! Seeing relatives in Hamilton and Tauranga would make it a nice trip.

Rob, your'e in the wrong job ! I hope you were granted copyright on that one mate !

I see that there is not a DVD for the sat nav in NZ on the Range Rover ?? It is the same system they used on BMW X5 etc I think. I know there are not many roads etc but if its got, it's a shame it can't be used ??

[RobDickinson]

2ba 355 said:

I see that there is not a DVD for the sat nav in NZ on the Range Rover ?? It is the same system they used on BMW X5 etc I think. I know there are not many roads etc but if its got, it's a shame it can't be used ??

Join State Highway 1.
Procede to wellington.
Get ferry.
Rejoin State Highway 1 (tho it wont actualy seem like a state highway...)
Arrive Christchurch...

[iain a]

And that bit through wellington looks like a state highway??? Who are they kidding?

[Kiwi XTR2]

2ba 355 said:

Sounds fun trip Iain . Why should I rush ! Seeing relatives in "Hamilton" and Tauranga would make it a nice trip . . .

Careful, you'll talk yourself out of it.

There's always a bit of rough with the smooth.

[jamieheasman]

I had the TVR transported down to Christchurch a couple of years ago and I seem to remember it cost around $400.00. The car got there safe and sound without a scratch. However, it was sent via rail on the way back and arrived scratched with a broken door mirror. Of course they denied it was them and I couldn't prove otherwise!

Either get a very experienced and well respected transporter company to take it or drive it yourself.