Transport is a major component of economic activity in New Zealand. The country's transport system owes its characteristics to New Zealand's dependence on external trade and remoteness from many of its trading partners, and also to its rugged terrain and scattered population.
As a result, the country has established a comprehensive network of roads (around 93,100 kms) and railways (4,000 kms) linked to ports and airports. The efficiency of the country's internal transport system has played a critical role in New Zealand's economic growth.
Over the past 20 years the transport sector has been systematically deregulated. Previously government-owned operations have been corporatised and many have been sold.
Sea
Just under 89 percent of New Zealand exports by value are transported by sea. Four ports (Auckland, Tauranga, Port Chalmers, and New Plymouth) accounted for 65 percent of exports by value during this period.
New Zealand is a ship-using rather than a ship-operating nation, and its shipping policy seeks to ensure that New Zealand exporters and shippers benefit from fair competition between carriers.
Conference lines and vessel sharing agreements are involved in much of New Zealand's overseas shipping. Increased competition in New Zealand's international trade over recent years has seen increasing participation by independent carriers.
Several companies operate inter-island shipping services.
Ports
Port companies operate New Zealand's 13 major commercial ports.
Benefits from the reform of New Zealand's port industry have been realised through corporatisation and privatisation of the ports.
Port reforms have seen ship turnaround times halved and New Zealand exporters have been able to negotiate lower freight rates as a result of savings derived from port reforms.
For more information about ports, download the New Zealand ports and airports document below.
Air services
New Zealand is well served by international airlines, including Air New Zealand, linking the country with the rest of the world with both extensive freight and passenger services.
Since 1985 New Zealand’s international aviation policy has been to encourage its negotiating partners in bilateral air services negotiations towards mutual liberalisation, thereby increasing competitiveness in existing and potential markets.
The number and scope of New Zealand’s bilateral air service agreements has increased significantly, especially with Asian and Pacific Rim countries.
For more information about air services, download the New Zealand ports and airports document below.
Rail
New Zealand's main railway system is nearly 4,000 km long. The track is currently owned by New Zealand Railways Corporation (NZRC), a state-owned enterprise. KiwiRail owns and operates the trains that run on the railway system.
The main railway system connects all major population centres and includes inter-island rail ferries.
Freight forwarders
New Zealand exporters are well served by freight forwarding companies, both national and international. For more information refer to the following:
Consolidation of freight
Most New Zealand freight forwarders will consolidate freight on your behalf. You can either contract the freight forwarding company to consolidate the freight from the various companies you are buying from or request the company/ies to forward the goods to the freight forwarder.
You can also talk to freight forwarders in your own country as they will often have a corresponding relationship with a New Zealand-based freight forwarder who can arrange consolidation of your freight. There are a number of trading houses that consolidate freight going to the Pacific Islands. Some of these trading houses specialise in specific products.
» Download the New Zealand ports and airports document (PDF, 84 kb)
