New Zealand is a reliable trading partner for Canada, with annual bilateral trade exceeding a billion dollars. Canadian exports to New Zealand include machinery, wood products, and aerospace. Both countries are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), enabling duty-free entry on qualifying origin goods. This practical guide explains the cheapest ways to ship from Canada to New Zealand, compares post vs. couriers vs. air vs. ocean freight, and outlines customs, GST, and paperwork.
Expand your logistics options to New Zealand. Contact Jetship now!
Shipping Options from Canada to New Zealand — Everything You Need to Know
Pick the mode that fits your size/weight, speed, budget, and commodity:
- Canada Post → NZ Post: usually the cheapest for small, non-urgent parcels (≤ 2 kg options; tracked services available).
- Couriers (UPS/FedEx/DHL/Jet Worldwide): fastest door-to-door with robust tracking and brokerage; ideal for business shipments.
- Air freight (cargo): good for heavier freight that’s time-sensitive.
- Ocean freight (LCL/FCL): best landed cost for pallets/containers; allow more transit time.
Volumetric (chargeable) weight for air/courier: (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5000. Compare to actual kg and charge the greater. How chargeable weight works
Canada Post Shipping to New Zealand
Canada Post is typically the lowest cost for small, non-urgent parcels. Shipments enter New Zealand for final delivery by New Zealand Post.
- Small Packet Surface/Air/Tracked to New Zealand
- International Parcel (Surface)
- Xpresspost International: delivery often within ~2 weeks
Business savings: Canada Post offers online and volume discounts for business accounts.
Note: Gifts (person-to-person) above ~NZ$110 may still incur duty/taxes/fees at import.
What Does It Cost to Ship to New Zealand?
Costs depend on weight, dimensions, service, destination, and your discount level.
- Typical postal low end: ~CA$35 for ≤ 2 kg (surface, non-urgent)
- Typical courier example: ~CA$150–$190 for ~4.5–10 kg (discount-dependent)
Get your instant Canada ↔ New Zealand shipping rate
How to lower your cost
- Use surface postal options for non-urgent, small packages.
- Reduce volumetric weight with right-sized packaging.
- Consolidate orders and ship on fixed schedules where feasible.
- Compare courier economy vs. priority tiers; don’t over-service.
- Confirm HS codes and origin early to avoid penalties or rework.
Get a Canadian Address to Receive Goods and Ship to New Zealand
If you need a forwarding address similar to a MyUS-type service—but in Canada—a Canadian hub can unlock Canadian suppliers and products exclusive to Canada, plus CPTPP duty-free opportunities for qualifying origin goods.
Shipping Air vs. Ocean between Canada and New Zealand
For small personal parcels, postal surface is often the cheapest. For heavier shipments, economy air freight may be preferable; LCL is typically best for palletized freight and large commercial orders.
Useful read: Ocean shipping to/from Canada
Shipping to New Zealand via UPS, FedEx & DHL
North America’s major carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL) offer reliable express service to Auckland and across New Zealand.
- International Air Express (Priority)
- International Economy
Delivery via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide: International logistics for over 40 years. Options for parcels, pallets, and e-commerce. Contact our team.
Shipping to New Zealand via Purolator
Purolator (a Canada Post company) provides international parcel delivery to New Zealand through partners such as UPS/DHL.
Canadian Export Declaration for Shipments to New Zealand
Shipments from Canada to New Zealand valued at CAD $2,000+ (or otherwise controlled) require an export declaration via CERS.
Shipping Terms to Consider (DDU vs. DDP)
Default parcel terms are usually delivery duty unpaid (DDU) / EXW, assigning import costs to the receiver. Many couriers offer DDP (shipper pays import fees on consignee’s behalf).
Important: When the shipper prepays import taxes under DDP, those taxes are usually not recoverable by the importer. For business receivers, consider whether they should pay GST and reclaim it directly.
Useful read: Incoterms for packages & online orders
New Zealand Parcel Clearance for Shipments from Canada
All imports require an invoice for customs and/or supporting documents with clear descriptions and values.
- Duties are based on the applicable HS code and the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight). See: CIF valuation.
- GST 15% applies to most imports into New Zealand.
- Many electronics are duty-free; clothing and footwear often carry 5–10% duty (verify current rates).
Information NZ Customs expects on the invoice
- Shipper address and contact details
- Importer/consignee details
- Detailed item descriptions, HS codes (if known), quantities, values, currency, and reason for import
- Terms (e.g., FOB/CIF)
- Box numbers for multi-piece shipments
CPTPP Duty-Free Clearance of Goods Shipping to New Zealand
CPTPP reduces barriers and provides preferential duty-free import when goods meet the agreement’s rules of origin.
Low-Value Parcels: Simplified Origin Statement
For qualifying low-value consignments, New Zealand may allow duty-free CPTPP claims without a formal certificate—using a signed origin statement by the importer, exporter, or producer. Ensure the goods truly meet CPTPP origin rules.
DUTY-FREE ≠ TAX-FREE: CPTPP affects duty, not GST. 15% GST still applies to most imports.
Data Needed for CPTPP Certification of Origin
- Certifier (Importer, Exporter, or Producer)
- Name, address, and contact of the certifier
- Name, address, and contact of exporter (if different)
- Name, address, and contact of producer (if different)
- Name, address, and contact of importer
- Description of goods and HS tariff classification
- Origin criterion
- Blanket period (if applicable)
- Signature and date
See Annex 3-B of the CPTPP for full details.
Common Carrier Options for Shipping to Canada from New Zealand
Options include New Zealand Post (best for individuals with small parcels), Jet Worldwide/DHL, and North American carriers UPS and FedEx.
- International Air Express to Canada
- International Economy Air
Export Declaration from New Zealand (when shipping to Canada)
An export entry is required for consignments over NZ$1,000. You’ll need to register for electronic lodgment and classify your goods using the 8-digit NZ tariff + 3-digit statistical code.
Clearance of Consignments from New Zealand to Canada
- Most non-US/Mexico imports valued ≤ CAD $20 are duty- and tax-free.
- Shipments ≤ CAD $3,300 typically clear via the Courier Low-Value Shipment (CLVS) program.
Contact Jet’s logistics team for an estimate of import fees.
CARM for Canadian importers
The CBSA CARM portal streamlines commercial imports. Registration and a surety bond (or deposit) are required. Learn more about CARM
Shipping from New Zealand to the USA
Brands and marketplaces can route direct to the USA—or via Canada—leveraging North America’s integrated logistics. Learn about Section 321 options and contact our team for support.
Get a Quote for Canada ⇄ New Zealand Shipping
Jet Worldwide supports companies seeking rates for parcels, pallets, and e-commerce orders between Canada and New Zealand.
Note on legacy: Jet Worldwide entities in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia are separate companies with a shared heritage.
FAQs: Canada → New Zealand Shipping
What is the cheapest way to ship to New Zealand?
For small, non-urgent parcels, Canada Post surface options are usually the least expensive, with final delivery by NZ Post.
How much does it cost to send a parcel to New Zealand?
Postal surface for ≤ 2 kg can start around CA$35. Couriers for ~4.5–10 kg often range ~CA$150–$190 depending on discounts and service.
What documents do I need?
A commercial invoice with shipper/consignee details, clear description, value/currency, origin, HS codes (if known), and any required permits. Shipments ≥ CAD $2,000 need a CERS export declaration.
Will I pay duty and GST when importing to New Zealand?
Most imports incur 15% GST. Duty depends on HS code; many electronics are duty-free while clothing/footwear often carry 5–10%. Verify current rates before shipping.
Can I ship duty-free under CPTPP?
Yes—if your goods meet CPTPP rules of origin. Low-value consignments may use a simplified origin statement; high-value claims require the minimum data elements for certification.
How do I reduce shipping costs?
Right-size packaging to cut volumetric weight, choose economy services for non-urgent items, consolidate where possible, and confirm HS/origin early.
Disclaimer: Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only. Always confirm requirements with your carrier, customs broker, and the relevant authorities.
