Moving costs in New Zealand (2026)
A truck with two movers usually costs $120 to $180 per hour. A local move of a 3-bedroom home comes to about $500 to $1,600. Moving between islands is priced by volume and costs a lot more. Below you see what movers charge and what changes the price.
Hourly rates for a local move
Most movers charge by the hour for a move within the same town or region. The clock usually starts when the truck leaves the depot, so travel time counts too.
| Crew | Guide price per hour, incl. GST |
|---|---|
| 2 movers + truck | $120 to $180 |
| 3 movers + truck | $160 to $240 |
Many companies charge a minimum of 2 hours, and some add a booking fee.
What a move costs by home size
| Home | Local move, incl. GST |
|---|---|
| 2-bedroom home | $400 to $1,300 |
| 3-bedroom home | $500 to $1,600 |
A 3-bedroom local move takes about 5 to 7 hours with two or three movers.
Long-distance and interisland moves
For long moves, movers price by the volume of your goods in cubic metres (m³), ferry included. A 2-bedroom home is about 20 m³, a 3-bedroom home about 30 m³.
| What | Guide price, incl. GST |
|---|---|
| Interisland, per m³ | $80 to $140 |
| 3-bedroom, Auckland to Christchurch | $4,000 to $7,000 |
What makes a move more expensive
These things often add to the price:
- Stairs, a lift or a long carry from the truck to the door
- A shuttle truck when the big truck cannot reach your home
- Heavy items like a piano, a pool table or a safe
- Packing by the movers: one packer for 4 hours costs about $400
- Storage between moving out and moving in
- Moving at the end of the month or on a weekend, when movers are busiest
Frequently asked questions about moving costs
How much do movers cost per hour in NZ?
Usually $120 to $180 per hour for a truck with two movers, and $160 to $240 per hour with three movers.
How long does a 3-bedroom move take?
About 5 to 7 hours for a local move with two or three movers. Stairs and a lot of boxes make it longer.
What does it cost to move from Auckland to Christchurch?
For a 3-bedroom home, about $4,000 to $7,000, including the ferry. Movers price these moves by volume.
How can I save on moving costs?
Compare quotes from a few movers, pack the boxes yourself, have everything ready when the truck arrives, and avoid the busy end-of-month days.
Average prices including GST, from several price guides. Checked in October 2026. Always ask for a quote for your own situation.
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