Import a car from Japan to New Zealand
New Zealand drives on the left and welcomes RHD Japanese imports at any age — one of the most open markets we serve. We bid at the auctions, translate the sheets and ship to Auckland; you complete entry certification with an approved agency.
One of the most open markets for used Japanese cars
What New Zealand requires
New Zealand has no blanket vehicle-age cap, but applicable safety and emissions standards depend on age and class. Every vehicle must pass NZTA entry certification (frontal-impact, odometer and identity checks) and MPI biosecurity inspection before it can be registered; most LHD vehicles must be converted or qualify for a permit.
No blanket age cap
New Zealand does not set a blanket age cap on used imports, though applicable safety and emissions standards vary by age and class — from near-new hybrids to 1990s JDM classics, all can be certified once compliant.
Right-hand drive
New Zealand drives on the left and uses RHD cars, so Japanese vehicles fit without conversion. Most LHD vehicles must be converted or qualify for a permit.
NZTA certification & MPI biosecurity
An NZTA-approved agency (VINZ or VTNZ) checks frontal-impact rating, odometer and identity before issuing an entry certificate; MPI biosecurity inspects for pests and soil. Inspection providers may act in Japan, but NZTA and MPI set the official requirements.
GST & compliance fees at your end. New Zealand charges 15% GST on the landed value (import duty on cars from Japan is generally nil), plus entry certification and registration fees. These are paid locally and are not in the JapanAuc landed cost — confirm current rates before buying.
How to import to New Zealand with JapanAuc
Register & set a budget
Sign up free and place a refundable deposit. Tell us your target model and budget, and that it’s headed to New Zealand.
Find eligible cars
We filter the auctions to clean RHD units that will pass entry certification, and translate the auction sheet so you bid with confidence.
Win & inspect
We bid on your behalf. On winning, the car moves to our yard for real yard-in photos and export preparation.
Pay the balance invoice
After you’ve seen the yard-in photos, settle the balance (hammer price + commission + export + freight) by bank transfer, Wise or PayPal.
Export & ship
We complete export deregistration, book RoRo or a container to Auckland, and send you the Bill of Lading and full document pack.
Clear at Auckland
Your New Zealand customs broker pays the GST and entry-certification fees and registers the car with an NZTA-approved entry certifier. We help with any document you need.
Osaka · Kobe
Japan → Auckland
Cars for New Zealand sail by RoRo or in a container from Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka or Kobe to Auckland, Lyttelton or Nelson.
Models buyers ask for
Toyota Aqua
Cheap to run — one of New Zealand’s top imports.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Rugged all-rounder for town and country.
Toyota Estima
Roomy family people-mover, long a Kiwi favorite.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Rally-bred all-wheel-drive icon.
Your JapanAuc landed cost to Auckland
Everything JapanAuc charges is in Japanese yen and transparent: the hammer price you win at, our commission (flat ¥35,000 up to ¥1,000,000, then 3.5%), the Export Package (auction-house fee + inland transport + export handling), then ocean freight. Added up, that’s your CIF Auckland price.
New Zealand GST and entry-certification / registration fees are charged separately on arrival — not part of our quote. Use the calculator for a live CIF figure, then add your local clearing costs.
Importing to New Zealand — common questions
No blanket age cap — but applicable safety and emissions standards vary by age and class. The car needs to pass NZTA entry certification and an MPI biosecurity inspection.
Yes — New Zealand drives on the left and uses RHD vehicles, matching Japan. Most LHD vehicles must be converted or qualify for a permit.
An NZTA-approved agency (VINZ or VTNZ) checks the car’s frontal-impact rating, odometer and identity before issuing an entry certificate, a prerequisite for registration. Inspection providers may act in Japan, but NZTA and MPI set the official requirements.
Roughly 14–24 days to Auckland, Lyttelton or Nelson, depending on the sailing.
Ready to import your car to New Zealand?
Register free, tell us your model, and we’ll find eligible cars at the source.