Shipping Longboard to New Zealand

General Discussion
1

Hello!

I am looking for advice on the best way to ship two longboards to Auckland from California.

Thanks!

K

2

I had to send a 7’0" from Oceanside to New Zealand last year, and it was painful and expensive. I went through shipping companies, and the best deal I could find was over $800 just to the airport. That didn’t include customs and delivery to an address. If you know anyone who’s going that way, it may be best to send the boards as baggage.

3

tongue in check, PM a guy named OTAY

5

MapCargo are pretty good, and had 3 boards come from Australia on Air Canada freight to LA for $150 per board- they were all under 6’ though. Generally it’s better to set up an airport pickup as the door to door charges can be brutal- about $80 to bring something to my house 20 mins from the airport.

6

Thanks for the info, consafos. I will definitely check that out.

I am actually moving there and don't want to have to deal with carrying boards through the airport - I will have three pieces of luggage as is. I am also making several stops/visits along the way before I reach NZ.

K

7

are you sentimentally attached to your longboards ? Have you considered selling them there and having a couple of customs waiting here for you on arrival ? Or, of course you could just buy when you get here.The exchange rate could work in your favour.

There are several longboard shapers here in NZ the equal of anyone.

Do you know where you’ll be living ?

8

To me, my boards are priceless. I could never sell.

I don't have a place to live yet; working on that. I will be attending the Univ. of Auckland, getting my masters.

K

9

Oh yeah- TOP LOAD ONLY/PLEASE DO NOT STACK/NO FORKLIFT in BIG letters all over the box/boxes is pretty essential. You’ll like Auckland, the Uni has a nice campus and Piha is not too far away. Good luck getting cheap accomodations in and around the inner city though, I heard it’s getting pricey as hell.

10

Thanks for all the tips. It seems that MapCargo is the way to go. Yes, it is expensive (~850) but much cheaper than UPS or FedEx (~1300). They were also very friendly on the phone and e-mailed me a quote in about 20 minutes.

Rent seems to be the same as in California, but the current exchange rate is working in my favor!

Thanks again,

Kate

11

**If $800 is expensive, it might be best to lug your boards around until you fly to Auckland. Air New Zealand took our board’s n/c as luggage, although the price of international tickets isn’t that cheap, at least they took the boards at no additional cost.**

12

Well I thought the quote they gave me was for Ocean but when I dropped off my boards I found out it was actually for Air. Shipping my 2 boards (plus my wetsuits, all my camping gear and winter clothing that I shoved into the box) by Ocean came to 342. It’s going to take two and a half weeks, but since I don’t have a place to live yet this works out perfectly.

13

Hey Kate

I guess you’re probably on your way now so you might not see this for a while ,

but , it occurred to me today that you might like to join our longboard club while you’re here.

It’s based a bit north ofAuckland but several members live around the center of town - you might hook up with them to come to meetings and comps , or even just go surfing.We’ve got several quite active female members too.

Anyway just a thought.

Orewa Longboard Club