Nationwide moving

Intercity and Inter-Island
Moving Company in New Zealand

Moving from Auckland to Wellington is quite a different proposition from downsizing a flat in your local area. Moving a complete household from the North Island to Christchurch adds more: a longer distance, different roads and, if you cross the Cook Strait, ferry bookings, weather and commercial cut-off times.

Citymove handles these transfers from our Mount Wellington, Auckland depot. We pack (or work with goods you have already packed), load, run the road freight, book the ferry if needed and deliver to the rooms at the other end. You deal with the same office from the first quote to the day the truck arrives.

Get an intercity quote

Call 0800 126 128

Planning

Why these moves need expert planning

An intercity or inter-island move is classed as a linehaul. The truck stays on the road for extended hours, sometimes overnight, and your goods are in transit for much longer. A local move within Auckland is typically a same-day job.

That changes how we pack and load. Furniture is wrapped in commercial blankets and stretch wrap. Drawers are removed or fastened in place. Glass, mirrors and electronics get corner pads and bubble wrap. Everything is strapped to the tie-rails so nothing moves on the Desert Road, on the climb out of Wellington or during the ferry crossing.

Schedules are also more realistic. Ferry delays and road disruptions happen, so we give a delivery window instead of promising a fixed hour three days ahead.

Our service

Long distance moving with Citymove

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Dedicated truck

A truck used only for your freight. It leaves as soon as the load is ready and travels direct, within route and driver-hour limits. Ideal for larger households or when you want the fastest transit time.

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Shared load or backload

Uses spare space on a truck already heading that way, or returning empty. It is cheaper than a dedicated truck, but the delivery window is wider because the driver may pick up or drop off other jobs en route. Most people who choose this are moving a one-bedroom flat or a partial load, or have flexible dates.

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Cook Strait ferry co-ordination

Inter-island moves need a commercial booking with Interislander or Bluebridge. Citymove books your place and reserves vehicle deck space and timing so your truck is in the right spot in the queue. Your goods stay on the truck (or in a container) during the crossing, and we plan for weather cancellations.

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Packing for New Zealand roads

Furniture sees more vibration and movement on a long journey than on a local move. We use furniture blankets, heavy-duty shrink wrap and corner guards. Choose full packing, or pack yourself and we supply materials and protect the larger items on the day.

Routes

Routes commonly travelled

Citymove runs between the main centres and a good number of regional towns. Common routes:

Auckland to Wellington, with stops along SH1 including Hamilton, Taupō and Palmerston North
Auckland to Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown (North to South Island via Cook Strait)
Auckland to Tauranga, Rotorua, Napier and the wider Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay
Wellington to Nelson, Blenheim and Christchurch
To and from Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, in either direction

Transit times vary. A direct Auckland to Wellington move is normally 24 to 48 hours from loading in Auckland. Auckland to Christchurch takes around 3 to 5 working days because of ferry times and driving time. Shared loads take longer than dedicated trucks.

Move day

On the day and after

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Check and load

We confirm stairs, long driveways, restricted parking and lift availability ahead of time. Then we load the truck, protect your goods and depart.

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Crossing included

If the move goes to another island, the ferry crossing is part of the plan from the start.

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Unload and assemble

Goods are unloaded into the rooms you designate, and beds and tables are assembled if you ask.

Settlement dates can be flexible: Citymove offers safe storage in Auckland, or can arrange storage with partner providers elsewhere. We also cover office moves, pianos and direct pallets on the same network. Commercial moves are scheduled to minimise downtime, and pianos are quoted separately because of the extra time and protection involved.

House moving | Piano moving | Storage

Pricing

Pricing on long-haul moves

Quotes include labour, truck, road user charges, fuel, GST and ferry costs (if crossing the Cook Strait). The price quoted before loading is the price charged, provided the volume and access are as stated when you enquired.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How long does an intercity or inter-island move take?

North Island routes such as Auckland to Wellington are usually scheduled at 1 to 2 days on a dedicated load. Inter-island moves such as Auckland to Christchurch or Wellington to Dunedin are normally 3 to 5 business days, allowing for ferry runs, driver hour limits and weather delays. Shared loads always take longer than dedicated trucks.

Do I have to book the Cook Strait ferry myself?

No. Citymove makes the commercial booking on Interislander or Bluebridge, and it is included in your quote.

What is the difference between a dedicated move and a backload?

A dedicated move guarantees a truck for your load and the shortest transit time. A backload or shared load uses available space on a truck already going that way. It is cheaper but has a wider delivery window.

How do you transport delicate and fragile items?

Mirrors, glass, TVs, artwork and wood furniture are protected with transit blankets and industrial stretch wrap, then strapped so nothing shifts. Drawers are emptied or secured. These steps apply on both the road and ferry legs.

What if settlement dates do not align?

Citymove offers short-term storage in Auckland and partners for short-term storage elsewhere. Mention any gap when you request your quote so it can be included.

Is an intercity office or piano move available?

Yes, subject to availability. We plan the move time to minimise business downtime. Pianos are priced separately because they need more padding, more labour and sometimes a specialist lift.

What if the ferry is cancelled or a road is closed?

Citymove monitors conditions and adjusts the timing. If you are caught in a delay, your goods stay on the truck until the road reopens or the next sailing. This is why inter-island quotes give a delivery window rather than a specific hour.

How can I get an accurate quote?

Share accurate details when you request your quote: pickup and drop-off locations, your preferred date and the size of the move in cubic metres or number of rooms. Include access issues such as stairs, long driveways or parking difficulties so we send the right equipment and crew, and add photos of the home or larger items if you can. If you are unsure of measurements or weights, contact us on WhatsApp for a video call and we will guide you through. With this information we can provide a detailed estimate covering transport, labour and, where relevant, ferry and port charges.

Ready to book your move?

Call Citymove on 0800 126 128 or request a quote online. Tell us the route, rough volume and your move dates.

Request a quote