Moving Guide from Auckland to Christchurch

Moving Guide from Auckland to Christchurch

WeMove makes inter-island relocations easy, reliable, and well-organised. With years of experience handling North-to-South Island moves, our team manages every part of your relocation, from packing and ferry coordination to transport and delivery.

Our professional movers, modern trucks, and real-time GPS tracking ensure your belongings reach their destination safely. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or lifestyle, WeMove makes the journey simple and stress-free.

Get your free quote today and let us handle your Auckland to Christchurch move with care.

Key Takeaways

  1. Distance: Around 1,080 km (road + Cook Strait ferry crossing).
  2. Full Services: Packing, ferry coordination, storage, junk removal, and delivery.
  3. Typical Cost Range: $2,300 – $3,600 depending on load size and services.
  4. Booking Tip: Book 4–6 weeks ahead to secure ferry space and truck availability.
  5. Insurance: Transit and ferry insurance available.
  6. Community Support: WeMove donates to Christchurch City Mission after every major move.

Our Services for Auckland to Christchurch Moves

Home and Office Relocations

WeMove handles complete residential and office relocations between the North and South Islands. Our trained team ensures each item is packed, loaded, and delivered with precision.

Packing and Unpacking

We use sturdy boxes, wrapping, and labelling for safe ferry and road transport. Full and partial packing services are available depending on your budget and schedule.

Specialty Item Moving

We transport pianos, artworks, spa pools, and fragile items using professional lifting gear and protective materials. Extra care is taken during ferry handling and transfers.

Storage Options

If your Christchurch property isn’t ready yet, WeMove offers secure short- or long-term storage in monitored facilities.

Junk Removal

Save time before or after your move by letting us remove old furniture, boxes, or packaging. We dispose of unwanted items responsibly.

Inter-Island Coordination and Ferry Logistics

WeMove manages the entire route — scheduling ferries, timing transfers, and monitoring each stage for an effortless experience across the Cook Strait.

WINZ Quotes

We provide WINZ-approved quotes for clients eligible for Work and Income relocation assistance.

Cost of Moving from Auckland to Christchurch

Your moving cost depends on load size, ferry timing, access, and service options. Here’s an overview:

Move TypeEstimated CostIncludes
1–2 Bedroom Home$2,300 – $2,700Small truck + ferry + movers
3–4 Bedroom Home$2,800 – $3,200Medium truck + ferry + packing
Large Home or Office$3,300 – $3,600 +Full service + storage/junk removal

Additional charges may apply for stairs, long carries, or ferry delays. Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your needs.

Appointment

Let’s Make Your Move Stress-Free!

Ready to get started? We’re here to help with all your moving needs, big or small. Whether you’re relocating your home, office, or need a specialized service, our team of experts is just a click away.


Testimonials

Feedback from our customers

We Move place picture
5.0
Based on 107 reviews
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Jesse Dick profile pictureJesse Dick
02:31 23 Dec 25
Jas and his team moved our 4 bedroom home contents from Winton Southland (just out of Invercargill) to Christchurch. We were super impressed with their care, communication and affordability. I would highly recommend using We Move for moving around the South Island or within Christchurch.
Mayu Minami profile pictureMayu Minami
02:30 22 Dec 25
Jas and his team were great! They were on time, very efficient, professional and easy to communicate 🙂 Thank you so much!
Rodrigo Bueno profile pictureRodrigo Bueno
23:19 21 Dec 25
High recommended
Ashish Kohli profile pictureAshish Kohli
01:56 19 Dec 25
Very good moving experience. The team arrived on time and worked quickly. Furniture was moved safely and placed exactly where requested. Pricing was fair and service was Awesome .
Woozie profile pictureWoozie
07:27 13 Dec 25
We have used them twice, and both times they were efficient and expert at loading and unloading furniture and boxes. Would use them again.
Nelson Pomeroy profile pictureNelson Pomeroy
01:46 17 Nov 25
Jas was responsive on communication and was able to fit in with the our timing moving from Hawke's Bay to Christchurch. We did most of our own packing but they expertly loaded the truck to the brim and nothing was broken or lost. Friendly and helpful service.
Roger King profile pictureRoger King
10:07 02 Nov 25
Had the pleasure of using Jas and his offsider to move a few large items to our new home. Arrived on time and everything was well wrapped and transported carefully. I highly to recommend We Move and would not hesitate to use again.
Luana Marques profile pictureLuana Marques
22:02 20 Sep 25
Easy and fast communication before and during the move day. Very efficient and planned well how to transport our furnitures and boxes, safe travel around specially as we have some kids in our block. Good price comparing to others that we quoted and I was not disappointed. Highly recommend them.
Udit Sharma profile pictureUdit Sharma
02:50 16 Sep 25
I had an urgent job moving five pallets within Christchurch, and the WeMove team did an amazing job. They arrived with a well-equipped truck, handled everything smoothly, and got it done quickly and professionally. Special thanks to Jas – he made the whole process super easy with clear communication and fast work. Really happy with the service and would definitely recommend WeMove!
greg scott profile picturegreg scott
04:57 23 Jun 25
The We Move team were totally helpful and on point! We needed to move on a public holiday and the We Move team happily helped and took care of everything. I would absolutely recommend We Move if you're needing a reliable and trusted moving service.
Response from the owner 06:42 23 Jun 25
Thank you for the wonderful review, Greg! We're so glad our team could provide a helpful, reliable holiday move.
Amanda Ryken profile pictureAmanda Ryken
01:21 23 Jun 25
Awesome and fast. Easy to work in with our plans. Thanks heaps.
Response from the owner 06:45 23 Jun 25
Thank you, Amanda! We're so glad you found our service awesome, fast, and easy to schedule. We appreciate it!
Donna Mita profile pictureDonna Mita
16:45 13 Jun 25
Moving with Jas and his team was seamless. They were quick efficient and communication was great.
Thanks Jas
Response from the owner 09:36 17 Jun 25
Thank you, Donna! Jas and the team appreciate your feedback.
Charmaine Liedeman profile pictureCharmaine Liedeman
06:22 11 Jun 25
Thank you Jas and Money for your excellent service, you’ve been very helpful, I recommend you 💯 😶much appreciated.Keep up the great work. ,
Response from the owner 09:35 17 Jun 25
Thank you! We'll pass your kind words to Jas and Money.
Jo Heathcote profile pictureJo Heathcote
22:17 05 Jun 25
Would use this company again. Great communication and on time. Nice guys.
Response from the owner 09:33 17 Jun 25
Thanks, Jo! We're so glad you had a great experience.
Judith McKenzie profile pictureJudith McKenzie
10:16 05 Jun 25
Used WeMove today, absolutely amazing. I highly recommend these movers to anyone wanting to move. Punctual and very hard workers. Nothing was a problem Very helpful. Thankyou Jas and colleague .
Response from the owner 09:32 17 Jun 25
Thank you, Judith! So glad we could help.
Mat Kirkwood profile pictureMat Kirkwood
01:49 04 Jun 25
Response from the owner 08:34 04 Jun 25
Thanks 🙏
Vanessa Cave profile pictureVanessa Cave
20:22 31 May 25
The 2 men that moved us from Barrytown to Ross where super efficient and packed the truck well. Was a quick move. None of our items where damaged. Would use them again. Thankyou Jas and team
Response from the owner 10:23 03 Jun 25
Thanks so much for the feedback! Jas and the crew are happy your Barrytown-to-Ross move went smoothly. We’re here whenever you need us again.
Tim Jamieson profile pictureTim Jamieson
02:32 23 May 25
Jas and the team a first class, highly recommend. He was great to work with, and get through the details of what we needed done, and the whole team is super friendly.

We had a niggly move, from a 3 bedroom place in Ashburton, into a two bedroom apartment in central Christchurch with some tricky access and stair work (sorry crew) but they knocked it out in good time, at a good price, and with good care - 10/10 will be using them again next time we move.
Response from the owner 15:43 23 May 25
Hey Tim 👋 We’re glad you had a great experience – thanks for the awesome review! 😃
Toni Campos profile pictureToni Campos
20:07 18 May 25
Great experience with Jas and team. They strategicly handled all our stuffs in the truck. They were efficient and would recommend! Booking them was a breeze as well.
Response from the owner 15:44 23 May 25
Thanks so much for the 5 stars! We really appreciate your support! ✌️

Step-by-Step Moving Process

  1. Free Consultation – Discuss your move and receive an initial estimate.
  2. Personalised Quote – Get a detailed, written quote with ferry costs included.
  3. Packing and Preparation – Our team packs and labels your items safely.
  4. Loading and Transport – Goods are loaded securely, ferried, and tracked in transit.
  5. Delivery and Unloading – Everything is placed where you want it in your new Christchurch home.
  6. Final Check and Support – We confirm that every item arrives safely before completing the move.

Expert Tips for a Smooth Auckland to Christchurch Move

Long-distance, inter-island moves require planning. Here are practical tips from WeMove’s experts to make your relocation efficient and worry-free.

Book Early a Professional Moving Company:

Book your move at least 4–6 weeks in advance. This guarantees ferry space and preferred dates, especially during busy summer months. Early booking also lets movers inspect access points and coordinate timing across both islands.

Get Quality Packing Materials and Put as Much in Boxes as You Can:

Use heavy-duty boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Group items by room and mark fragile boxes clearly. Because your belongings will travel by ferry and highway, sturdy packing prevents movement and moisture damage.

Label All the Boxes:

Label boxes with contents, destination room, and handling notes such as “Fragile” or “This Side Up.” Number each box for tracking. Clear labels make unloading faster and avoid confusion at delivery.

Declutter Your Home:

Before packing, remove items you no longer need. Sell, donate, or recycle old furniture, décor, or kitchenware. Fewer items mean less cost and easier unpacking in Christchurch.

Book the Right Truck:

Choose a truck based on your home size, small (3–5 m³) for apartments, medium (10–15 m³) for homes, or large (20 m³ +) for big moves. Mention heavy or oversized items like pianos when requesting your quote.

Protect Against Weather:

Weather conditions can shift quickly along both islands. Cover furniture with plastic wraps or tarps and secure boxes against humidity. Keep extra blankets handy for wet conditions during loading or unloading.

Arrange Transit Insurance:

Ask your moving company about transit and ferry insurance. It covers damage or delays during ferry transfers or long road travel. It’s a low-cost safeguard for valuable belongings.

Plan for Pets and Plants:

If you’re bringing pets or plants, prepare carriers and ventilated boxes. Avoid leaving them in the truck during ferry crossing and provide water breaks during the long trip.

Update Address and Utilities:

Notify electricity, internet, and postal providers before moving. Update your mailing and billing details to ensure smooth service once you arrive in Christchurch.

Pack an Essentials Box:

Keep a small bag or box with essentials, toiletries, chargers, tools, and snacks, for your first night. It helps you settle in comfortably after the long journey.

Why Choose WeMove for Your Auckland to Christchurch Relocation

  1. 5.0 Google Rating with 80 + reviews.
  2. Locally owned and operated moving company.
  3. Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.
  4. Experienced, friendly team trained for inter-island moves.
  5. Community partnership with Christchurch City Mission.
  6. Flexible booking and custom quotes.
  7. WINZ quotes available for eligible clients.

How to Choose a Moving Company

Join hundreds of New Zealanders who’ve trusted WeMove for inter-island relocations. Here’s how to choose the right mover for your Auckland to Christchurch journey.

Assess Your Relocation Needs:

Identify your move’s size, timing, and required services, such as packing, storage, or ferry logistics. A clear list helps movers prepare accurate quotes and allocate resources efficiently.

Research Multiple Companies:

Look for reputable NZ movers with inter-island experience. Compare at least three to five options for pricing, reliability, and ferry coordination. Check local listings and online forums for honest feedback.

Check Reviews and Ratings:

Read customer feedback on Google, Trade Me, or Facebook. Prioritise companies with more than 50 reviews and an average rating above 4.5. Look for mentions of punctuality, clear communication, and careful handling.

Verify Accreditations and Licenses:

Ensure your mover is licensed for both North and South Island operations. Accredited movers follow strict safety and insurance standards, reducing risk during ferry transfer and long hauls.

Get Detailed Quotes:

Ask for written quotes that include all fees, ferry, packing, storage, and access charges. Provide the same details to each company to compare fairly. Always check for weekend or peak-season surcharges.

Inquire About Insurance Coverage:

Accidents are rare but possible on inter-island routes. Ask about transit insurance and confirm high-value or self-packed items are included. This ensures protection from Auckland all the way to Christchurch.