Arriving in January, bike in March. Any advice? (keith.mu)

[Keith.mu]

Hi All,

Glad to have found the forum, have read lots of good stuff on here but I still have loads of questions, so please forgive a newbie their ignorance.

I have the working visa in my hot little hand and so it's time to start the shipping process for my GSX1250FA, I'm hoping that it will land in Wellington approx. mid Feb/ early March, and I'm looking for some practical advice on the import and registration process if anyone has done it recently.

The shipping company are charging £1400 including all charges both for UK and NZ except the GST, entry certification & registration. Is this a reasonable price for them to take all the hassle? Or could I save some cash and deal with it myself, they are also suggesting RO-RO for the shipping rather than crate, I didn't even know they did RO-RO for bikes! Not sure on this one, it seems like a sure way to get a damaged bike!

I've got to find an entry certifier when I arrive, any recommendations?

I'm annoyed cause I only bought the bike in June, paid VAT on it and then got the job in Wellington, and because I've not owned & used it for 12 months I'm gonna get stung for about $1700 GST when it lands, does anyone know of a way to mitigate some of this, or am I going to have to stump up the cash?

Anyway, I've had my car licence for 20 years but only got round to passing my bike licence in March 2012, will this cause an issue getting a swap to the NZ licence? Really don't want to have to go through another test if I can avoid it.

I'm looking to do some sight-seeing when I can, weekends mostly, so if anyone can suggest some good 1-2 day routes, or some organised trips I can get involved in I'd appreciate it.

Whats the insurance market like? I'm hearing different things, I don't want to leave the bike unprotected, but I'm hoping that the rates are lower than the UK? Paying £380 fully comp at the moment with 0 no claims on the bike.

I appreciate your patience.

[JafaSaffer]

Anyway, I've had my car license for 20 years but only got round to passing my bike license in March 2012, will this cause an issue getting a swap to the NZ license? Really don't want to have to go through another test if I can avoid it.

Not sure of the current rules but when I moved to NZ four 5 years ago, I simply signed a form and got my South African license converted to a New Zealand one.. The rule then was you must have had your full license for at least 2 years before you could convert it. But you should be able to use your current one for up to 12 months in NZ from arrival date. ... best is to contact NZTA

[JacksColdSweat]

^^ Sounds about right but it is best to contact these guys

http://www.nzta.govt.nz

You'll be in good company - loads of people have done it before you so I gather it's not that difficult to arrange to do it

Enjoy your stay in Godzone!