WeMove makes South Island relocations simple, safe, and stress-free. With years of experience in long-distance and inter-island moves, our team takes care of every detail, from packing and loading to transport and delivery.
Our reliable movers use modern trucks, GPS tracking, and professional-grade equipment to keep your belongings secure throughout the journey. Whether you’re moving for a job, family, or lifestyle change, WeMove ensures your transition is smooth from start to finish.
Get your free quote today and let us manage your Christchurch to Nelson move with care and expertise.
Key Takeaways
- Distance: About 420 km via Lewis Pass or State Highway 1 and 63 (approx. 6–7 hours by road).
- Full Services: Packing, transport, storage, junk removal, and specialty item handling.
- Typical Cost Range: $1,400 – $2,600 depending on load and services.
- Booking Tip: Reserve 4–6 weeks early for best rates and timing.
- Insurance: Transit insurance and secure storage options available.
- Community Support: WeMove supports Christchurch City Mission through donations.
Our Services for Christchurch to Nelson Moves
WeMove handles both residential and office relocations across the South Island. From small flats to multi-level offices, our team provides careful planning and efficient transport.
Packing and Unpacking
We supply durable boxes, bubble wrap, and labels for safe packing. Choose between full-service packing or partial assistance depending on your budget and schedule.
Specialty Item Moving
Need to move heavy or fragile items like pianos, spa pools, or artwork? Our trained staff use protective padding, straps, and lifting equipment to ensure safe delivery.
If your new home isn’t ready yet, WeMove offers short- and long-term storage solutions. Our Christchurch facilities are secure, monitored, and easily accessible.
Junk Removal
Declutter before or after your move with our junk removal service. We can remove unwanted items, boxes, or old furniture to make your relocation easier.
Inter-Island or Long-Distance Coordination
Our logistics team coordinates schedules and routes, managing all transport details for a seamless move from Christchurch to Nelson.
WINZ Quotes
WeMove provides WINZ-approved quotes for customers eligible for Work and Income relocation assistance.
Cost of Moving from Christchurch to Nelson
Costs depend on distance, load size, access, and optional services. Use this guide to estimate your moving budget:
| Move Type | Estimated Cost | Includes |
| 1–2 Bedroom Home | $1,400 – $1,800 | Small truck + movers |
| 3–4 Bedroom Home | $1,900 – $2,300 | Medium truck + packing |
| Large Home or Office | $2,400 – $2,600+ | Full service + storage/junk removal |
Additional costs may apply for stairs, weather delays, or hard-to-access properties. Contact us for a personalised 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
Thanks Jas
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.
Step-by-Step Moving Process
- Free Consultation – Share your moving details for a quick estimate or site visit.
- Personalised Quote – Receive a clear, itemised quote with no hidden fees.
- Packing and Preparation – Our team safely packs and labels your items.
- Loading and Transport – Belongings are loaded securely and tracked en route.
- Delivery and Unloading – Everything is placed exactly where you need it.
- Final Check and Support – We confirm your satisfaction before completing the job.
Expert Tips for a Smooth Christchurch to Nelson Move
Moving long-distance across the South Island requires careful planning. Follow these expert tips from our team to make your Christchurch to Nelson relocation simple and stress-free.
Book Early a Professional Moving Company:
Schedule your move at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Early booking helps secure your preferred moving date, especially during busy months, and allows the movers to plan routes through Lewis Pass or State Highway 1 efficiently. Early confirmation also prevents last-minute stress and ensures truck availability.
Get Quality Packing Materials and Put as Much in Boxes as You Can:
Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and strong tape to protect your belongings. Group similar items together by room to make unpacking easier. The 420 km drive includes winding hill routes, so secure packing reduces vibration damage and speeds up loading and unloading. Leave fragile or oversized items for professionals to handle.
Label All the Boxes:
Clearly label each box with contents and destination rooms (for example, “Living Room – Décor”). Add special instructions like “Fragile” or “This Side Up.” Include a numbering system to keep track of all boxes, ensuring nothing is misplaced during transport or unpacking.
Declutter Your Home:
Take time to sort through your belongings and remove what you no longer need. Sell, donate, or recycle unused furniture, clothes, or décor. A lighter load lowers transport costs and simplifies unpacking once you arrive in Nelson.
Book the Right Truck:
Select a truck size that suits your move. Small trucks (3–5 m³) are ideal for apartments, medium (10–15 m³) for homes, and large (20 m³ +) for multi-room houses. Include special items like pianos or spa tubs in your quote request to ensure accurate truck allocation.
Protect Against Weather:
The Canterbury–Nelson route often includes variable weather conditions. Use tarps or plastic covers to protect furniture and boxes from rain or dust. Have extra blankets ready to prevent moisture buildup during loading and unloading.
Arrange Transit Insurance:
Even with experienced movers, long drives involve risk. Ask about transit insurance to protect against potential loss or damage during the journey. It’s a simple way to ensure financial peace of mind.
Plan for Pets and Plants:
If you’re relocating with pets or houseplants, prepare ahead of time. Use secure carriers for pets and ventilated boxes for plants. Avoid leaving them in the truck for long periods, and check they have access to water and fresh air during the trip.
Update Address and Utilities:
Inform your electricity, water, and internet providers about your move. Update your address with banks, subscriptions, and government agencies to avoid service interruptions or lost mail.
Pack an Essentials Box:
Prepare a small box or suitcase with essentials like toiletries, snacks, chargers, and a change of clothes. Keep it handy so you can settle comfortably on your first night in Nelson.
Why Choose WeMove for Your Christchurch to Nelson Relocation
- ⭐ 5.0 Google Rating with 80+ customer reviews.
- Locally owned and operated Christchurch moving company.
- Transparent pricing, no hidden charges.
- Professional and friendly movers trained for long-distance routes.
- Community-focused with donations to Christchurch City Mission.
- Flexible scheduling and weekend options.
- WINZ quotes available for eligible clients.
How to Choose a Moving Company
Join hundreds of satisfied customers who’ve trusted WeMove for long-distance and inter-city relocations. Here’s how to choose the right moving company for your Christchurch to Nelson move.
Assess Your Relocation Needs:
Start by determining the move size, distance, and specific services needed, such as packing, storage, or special handling. Listing your inventory helps movers understand your requirements and avoid mismatched quotes or hidden costs later.
Research Multiple Companies:
Look for reliable New Zealand movers experienced in South Island routes. Compare at least three to five options based on pricing, services, and customer support. Use sites like Yellow.co.nz or Reddit to find recommendations from verified users.
Check Reviews and Ratings:
Read reviews on Google, Facebook, or Trade Me to see how each company performs. Focus on those with at least 50 reviews and ratings above 4.5. Pay attention to feedback about punctuality, communication, and item care.
Verify Accreditations and Licenses:
Ensure the moving company has valid NZ transport licenses and meets all safety standards. Accredited movers follow proper loading, route safety, and insurance practices, ensuring accountability from Christchurch to Nelson.
Get Detailed Quotes:
Request written quotes that include all potential costs, transport, packing, access fees, or storage. Provide the same details to each mover to compare accurately. Watch for weekend surcharges or hidden fees before committing.
Inquire About Insurance Coverage:
Accidents are rare but possible during long-distance travel. Always ask about transit insurance to cover loss or damage. Review the policy’s exclusions and confirm that fragile or self-packed items are included for extra protection.
