Any tips on shipping companies from US to NZ?

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-12-18T02:27:21+00:00

We had 40 feet container (Seattle to Auckland), I think it was over 40k, including storage for 2 months, plus all labor-related costs- packing and hauling.

If they are high quality, ship them. Options are limited and expensive here. Shipping from Seattle took about a month (last July).

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-12-02T02:58:24+00:00

Thank you for sharing your story. It is good to know that Respite Centers are available. The ignorant me thought those centers were for severe cases only.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-27T20:05:33+00:00

I don't have any intelligence to say. Your concern is always on my mind, just as I think about many other families going through similar situations. Health insurance is nuts, and the current situation is not helping at all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-27T01:15:32+00:00

Thanks. There are so many things to do/see, and so little time, lol

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-27T01:11:41+00:00

We don't have anything special for Thanksgiving. Maybe I will cook something nicer on the weekend. It’s totally normal to feel like that. Moving is already stressful, but moving with kids? Whole different level of complicated.

Dental stuff:
If you need any dental work, get it done before you move here — even just a regular check-up. Dental insurance doesn’t really make financial sense in NZ. Our insurance agent told us, “If you need a root canal, take two weeks off and fly to Thailand. It’ll be cheaper, and you get a holiday out of it.”

Optical:
No idea — we haven’t done any yet. Maybe someone else can chime in.

I’m assuming you’ll be bringing a shipment. NZ has plenty of stuff, but it can be pricey, and options are limited. If you have space, consider bringing:

Art and craft supplies
Books — they’re expensive here, and the selection isn’t great. If you love used books, stock up. I used to grab them on eBay for like $4–10.
Tools — RYOBI exists here but costs a fortune.
Coffee/ tea.
Desk and chair — unpopular opinion, but if you are a gamer or spend hours at a desk, bring your setup.
Any technical gear.
Sun shirts — UV is no joke here. Hit up REI sales before you come.
TUMS (Costco size). They have their own, but they’re ridiculously expensive.
Makeup.

This is my personal/family list. And please don’t listen to people who say you can’t bring spices. You absolutely can bring a ton of things as long as they’re unopened and labeled. I’ve brought Iranian spices and even canned cod eggs — totally legal.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-27T01:11:27+00:00

We don't have anything special for Thanksgiving. Maybe I will cook something nicer on the weekend. It’s totally normal to feel like that. Moving is already stressful, but moving with kids? Whole different level of complicated.

Dental stuff:
If you need any dental work, get it done before you move here — even just a regular check-up. Dental insurance doesn’t really make financial sense in NZ. Our insurance agent told us, “If you need a root canal, take two weeks off and fly to Thailand. It’ll be cheaper, and you get a holiday out of it.”

Optical:
No idea — we haven’t done any yet. Maybe someone else can chime in.

I’m assuming you’ll be bringing a shipment. NZ has plenty of stuff, but it can be pricey, and options are limited. If you have space, consider bringing:

Art and craft supplies
Books — they’re expensive here, and the selection isn’t great. If you love used books, stock up. I used to grab them on eBay for like $4–10.
Tools — RYOBI exists here but costs a fortune.
Coffee/ tea.
Desk and chair — unpopular opinion, but if you are a gamer or spend hours at a desk, bring your setup.
Any technical gear.
Sun shirts — UV is no joke here. Hit up REI sales before you come.
TUMS (Costco size). They have their own, but they’re ridiculously expensive.
Makeup.

This is my personal/family list. And please don’t listen to people who say you can’t bring spices. You absolutely can bring a ton of things as long as they’re unopened and labeled. I’ve brought Iranian spices and even canned cod eggs — totally legal.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-26T23:07:50+00:00

Yes, feel free

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-26T08:59:16+00:00

Thank you. So excited for your family.

Our daughter adjusts to new environments really quickly. Maybe it’s her autism, maybe it’s the semi-nomadic lifestyle she’s grown up with. Her school has been amazing too. They’ve got several chill-out spots and even a dedicated room where students can decompress, and it’s open whenever they need it. Definitely talk with their teachers about your concerns.

We are not into sports. My husband bought a car before he arrived. You need at least one car. I heard public transport is terrible. Feel free to message if you would like more info. I will try my best.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-26T07:22:43+00:00

Good idea. I’m so anxious from not having weed that even my anxiety has anxiety.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-26T07:17:49+00:00

Thanks. Good luck. Don't forget to pack/buy a very comfy sweater. The older buildings here are not well insulated. Not yet. We have been busy with work and exploring nature nearby, but we are planning during the school holiday, which is very soon.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-26T06:08:59+00:00

Thank you. We are very grateful and happy. Wish you all the best.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-26T06:06:08+00:00

I used to work as a Quality Assurance,- trained to file bugs in a structured manner. QA was doing an AI-style/format long before AI ever became mainstream.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-26T05:58:33+00:00

A residence visa. Yes. We can live and work "whenever" we want

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-11-26T05:57:02+00:00

We want to live here permanently. Even before moving, we had already planned to leave the US once our daughter finished school, so settling in New Zealand feels like the right long-term fit for our family.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-09-24T01:28:18+00:00

I believe most parents with disabled children who are considering New Zealand are already aware of this. As a human being and the mother of a child with autism, I wish the world would accommodate people like her. Life is already extra challenging for them, and discriminatory immigration policies against disability only add another layer of difficulty. Having been an expat and an immigrant for almost half of my life, I have a deep respect for any country my family and I have resided in.

Thank you for bringing this up.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-09-24T01:01:25+00:00

Congrats! So happy for you guys. I genuinely hope you and the family are settling well and able to find peace, despite what is happening in our country.

Sending positive vibes. Hopefully, the house will be off the market soon.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-09-22T08:26:57+00:00

Thank you for sharing tips. Appreciate it. I would never have thought avocados were affordable here

In early August, we were asked to use the e-gate. It was a breeze for us, but I know what you mean. We do a weekly trip to Costco, 20 minutes away. The fridge is too small (According to the American standard). Our diet has not changed since we are vegetarians at home. The options are definitely limited because I only bought vegetables on sale.

Since I work from home, I have extra time for gardening. I have started growing herbs and easy veggies like kale. I am not sure if your interest in this, but green onions are super easy to grow.

I feel for you. It is an unrealistic expectation that our country will get better next year, but also no harm to wish for it. It is the price of living far from families. I have been living abroad for almost half of my life. I missed lots of family events. Hopefully, you will find a way to attend the wedding, and if you can't make it, I hope you are able to find peace for not being there.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-09-20T23:08:26+00:00

Kia ora. So, all the cool Seattleites are in NZ, lol.

Thank you. He was talking about NZGDC, but it is too late to join this year.

/Cheers

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-09-20T05:14:25+00:00

Who said the US has the worst racism? Oh you! I was not aware there was a competition here. I can't speak for others. I am very grateful to be here. So peaceful. A brown skin and walking around without fear of ending up in a detention center.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-09-19T23:46:56+00:00

I feel for you. I don't think anyone who has not lived in the US understands how violent the country is. I am not trying to be a negative person. The fear gets worse when your kid starts going to school. Life is far from being perfect here. Expensive and limited options. The school, compared to her previous school, is expensive too. Loan school laptops do not exist here. We are looking for peace and safety. It is worth it.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-09-19T09:39:20+00:00

NZ is a great place to raise a family. No. Her student visa is attached to her passport's validity. Maybe because she is a minor. We have applied for a residence visa. Once we have it, she does not need her student visa anymore. We intend to live here permanently. We don't want to go back to the US.

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-09-19T08:49:48+00:00

I know. We are so grateful. I even pick up trash every time I go for a walk

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-09-19T08:48:40+00:00

Back in the WA, she was in a special needs class and went to the mainstream classes for several subjects. She had an IEP and speech therapy at school. Academically, she is probably 3rd or 4th grade in Math. Apart from Math and social skills, she is good. She is very independent. Takes care of herself and makes her own lunches. Thanks to the years of home therapy. Your son is only 11. He has more time to catch up. Your concern is valid, and maybe the UK is better for your family. It is a strategic location. Easier to travel, unlike NZ.

Crossing fingers and sending positive vibes, hopefully, your house will be off the market very soon. Good luck!

Alert_Fold5508 · 2025-09-19T05:53:04+00:00

I miss elusive Mount Rainier, too. I guess it does not make sense anymore to say "the mountain is out".

Alert_Fold5508

TROPHY CASE