A Smarter Way to Import Your Vehicle

Importing a vehicle can seem complicated if you have never done it before. Between shipping logistics, paperwork, and compliance requirements, it is easy to feel uncertain about where to start. Door to door car shipping takes away that complexity by connecting every part of the process into one managed service from start to finish.

At Dolphin Shipping, this approach is at the heart of what we do. Our team coordinates every step, from collection overseas to compliance and delivery in New Zealand, so you can focus on the excitement of owning your new vehicle instead of worrying about the details.

What Door to Door Really Covers

Many importers hear the phrase "door to door" but are not sure what it includes.

Here is what it actually means when handled by a professional logistics company:

• Vehicle pickup from your supplier, auction house, or address overseas
• Pre-export checks
• International shipping by Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) vessel
• Customs entry, GST processing, and MPI cleaning or inspection in New Zealand
• Delivery to a certified compliance centre for final approval

The biggest benefit is that you only deal with one company, not four or five.

Why Importers Choose Door to Door Shipping

Less stress

Everything is coordinated under one plan with real updates at each stage.

Better protection

Your car is handled fewer times, which reduces the risk of transport damage.

Fewer delays

MPI and customs coordination happen automatically because the paperwork is consistent from start to finish.

Local support

Once your vehicle lands, Dolphin Shipping’s team and trusted partners in Auckland and Christchurch take over immediately. No third party handovers and no confusion.

How the Process Works

Vehicle Collection

The vehicle is collected from its location overseas and prepared for export.

Shipping and Tracking

Vehicles are shipped on RoRo vessels that operate regular schedules to New Zealand ports. You receive updates as the ship departs and when it arrives.

Customs and MPI

Once the vehicle arrives, we manage all customs paperwork and MPI requirements.

Compliance and Delivery

Once customs clearance is complete, you can choose where your vehicle gets delivered. You can have it delivered to your home, but as the vehicle will not be legal for driving on New Zealand roads yet, we recommend delivery directly to a compliance centre. Dolphin Shipping can deliver to your preferred compliance centre anywhere in New Zealand.

We work closely with Fasttrack Compliance (Auckland) and Magnum Compliance (Christchurch) and recommend their services for professional NZTA entry certification and WOF testing. Both centres provide reliable, efficient inspections to ensure your vehicle is road ready as soon as possible.

You will need to pay CO2 charges before the vehicle can be registered.

Common Misunderstandings About Door to Door Shipping

It is only for luxury cars

Not true. Most vehicles shipped door to door are everyday models such as hatchbacks, SUVs, and work vehicles.

It is much more expensive

Costs are slightly higher upfront but often lower overall because port storage, cleaning, and admin delays are avoided.

It is slower

It is faster. Fewer handovers mean less downtime between each step.

Why Dolphin Shipping Leads in Door to Door Imports

• Trusted New Zealand owned vehicle logistics company
• End to end management
• Regular communication and progress updates
• Transparent pricing with no hidden extras
• Experienced partners