Selling in New Zealand from Australia: The online seller’s guide
Last updated: 24 February 2025
Explore how Australian businesses can tap into New Zealand’s growing market with low costs, reduced competition, and shared consumer values.
Key takeaways
- Selling in New Zealand is ideal for Australian businesses due to proximity, low shipping costs, and shared consumer preferences.
- Niche markets in New Zealand offer opportunities with less competition compared to larger markets like Australia.
- Tailoring your marketing to New Zealand’s values, like sustainability, builds trust and enhances local engagement.
- WorldFirst’s multi-currency account lets you collect funds in NZD, hold the funds in your World account, and repatriate them any time at competitive rates
Trade between Australia and New Zealand has been thriving. In 2023, Australia exported $5.46 billion of goods to New Zealand, while New Zealand exported $5.2 billion to Australia
With shared cultural values, geographic proximity, and strong trade relations, there’s a significant opportunity for Australian businesses to expand into New Zealand.
But how do you seize this opportunity and enter the market at the right time? What steps should you take to ensure success? This article breaks it down from choosing the right products and platforms to setting up a seamless shipping strategy and tailoring your marketing efforts for New Zealand. Let’s help you make the most of this opportunity!
Table of Contents
Why sell in NZ: What's in it for Australian businesses?
Selling in New Zealand offers Australian businesses a unique opportunity to tap into a market that’s both familiar and accessible. Thanks to the close ties between the two countries, including shared language, cultural similarities, and strong trade agreements, expanding into New Zealand can be a simple and rewarding move.
Here are the potential benefits for Australian businesses to expand in NZ.
Close proximity means lower shipping costs
Expanding into international markets often comes with high shipping costs and lengthy delivery times, which can deter potential customers. However, this isn’t the case with New Zealand.
Located just across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand is one of the most accessible international markets for Australian businesses. This close proximity means shipping products is both faster and significantly more cost-effective compared to markets in Asia, Europe, or North America.
Lower shipping costs allow you to maintain competitive pricing, even with the added expense of cross-border logistics. Additionally, quicker delivery times can greatly enhance the customer experience, as New Zealand consumers value reliable and efficient service.
Shared language and similar consumer preferences
Australians and New Zealanders share many similarities, including a common language and comparable cultural values, which extends to their buying habits. These shared traits mean you won’t need to make significant changes to your products or marketing strategies when targeting the New Zealand market.
Beyond language, the cultural values and lifestyles of Australians and New Zealanders are closely aligned. Both nations prioritise quality, sustainability, and reliability in the products they purchase. These shared preferences mean that marketing strategies that work in Australia are often just as effective in New Zealand. For example, if your branding emphasises ethical sourcing, family values, or innovation, it’s likely to resonate with both markets.
Growing demand for Australian products
New Zealanders have a strong appreciation for Australian brands, recognizing them for their quality and reliability. Products made in Australia are often associated with high standards, ethical sourcing, and trusted manufacturing processes.
Whether it’s fashion, beauty, food, or home goods, Australian-made products resonate with New Zealand consumers who value familiar brands and are willing to pay for quality. This demand provides a ready-made market for Australian businesses, allowing you to build on your existing reputation and gain a foothold quickly.
Smaller market, lower competition
New Zealand’s population of just over 5 million may seem small compared to other markets, but this presents a distinct advantage: reduced competition. Many industries in New Zealand are less saturated compared to Australia, providing businesses an opportunity to carve out a niche.
For businesses offering niche products or services, New Zealand’s market is particularly appealing. Gaps in certain sectors create opportunities for brands to introduce unique offerings and capture a loyal customer base. For example, eco-friendly and sustainable goods, specialty foods, and innovative tech solutions are often well-received due to the country’s consumer preferences and growing interest in these areas.
Favourable trade agreements simplify transactions
The Australia–New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (ANZCERTA), often referred to as the CER Agreement, strengthens the trade relationship between the two countries by removing barriers. This agreement eliminates tariffs on goods originating from either country, provided they meet the rules of origin, which require at least 50% of the product’s content to be sourced from Australia or New Zealand.
The trade agreement reduces costs and simplifies customs procedures, making it easier for businesses to move goods across borders. For shipments over AUD $1,000 or NZ$1,000, permits may be required.
- Open 15+ local currency accounts and get paid like a local
- Pay suppliers, partners and staff worldwide in 100+ currencies
- Collect payments for free from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy, PayPal and Shopify
- Save with competitive exchange rates on currency conversions and transfers
- Lock in exchange rates for up to 24 months for cash flow certainty
Things to know before you start selling in NZ
Here is everything you should know before you start selling in NZ:
Export and tariff rules
Understanding export and tariff rules is crucial when selling in New Zealand. Under the Australia–New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (ANZCERTA), goods made with at least 50% Australian materials typically qualify for tariff-free entry..
Relevant documentation
You’ll need to provide the right documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance. This may include invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and any permits required for restricted items. For shipments exceeding the NZ$1,000 threshold, import declarations must be submitted electronically. Ensuring your paperwork is accurate and complete can save time and avoid delays.
Prohibited and restricted items
Certain goods are prohibited or restricted from being imported into New Zealand. These can include items such as certain agricultural products, firearms, or hazardous materials. Always check the New Zealand Customs Service website for the latest list of restricted items and ensure your products comply with their import regulations.
Preferred payment methods by the customers
New Zealand customers typically prefer payment methods such as credit and debit cards, PayPal, and other secure online payment systems. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also growing in popularity. Offering multiple payment options can make your checkout process more seamless and appealing to customers.
Cultural and regulatory requirement
While New Zealand and Australia share many cultural similarities, it’s important to respect and understand subtle differences. Additionally, ensure compliance with local regulations, including consumer protection laws, product labeling requirements, and advertising standards, to maintain trust and credibility in the market.
How to sell in NZ from Australia?
Selling in New Zealand from Australia can be a smooth and profitable venture if you plan strategically. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Do a complete market research
Market research is your starting point when expanding into the New Zealand market. It’s all about understanding what customers want, how they shop, and what’s trending. Dive into data on consumer behaviour, look for what’s popular, and figure out if there’s a gap your product can fill. Tools like Google Trends, market reports, or even browsing forums and social media can give you insights.
Take time to check out the competition, too. Who are the key players? What are they doing well, and where can you do better? Platforms like Trade Me or social media pages are great places to start.
Research helps you shape your pricing, marketing, and product strategy. It reduces risks and ensures you’re not flying blind. With the right insights, you’ll know exactly how to position your business to attract New Zealand customers and stand out in the market.
Finalise the products you want to sell along with their pricing
Choosing the right products and setting competitive prices is key to selling successfully in New Zealand. Start by identifying items with strong demand and minimal competition. Use insights from platforms like eBay and Amazon to research what sells well and adjust your offerings accordingly.
Pricing requires a balance. Consider costs like shipping, taxes, and currency conversion fees, and research competitor prices to stay competitive. A business bank account in New Zealand or a foreign currency account in NZ can help manage payments and reduce conversion costs.
Choose your preferred online marketplaces
Picking the right platforms is essential to reaching your New Zealand audience effectively. Each marketplace has unique strengths, so choose based on your business goals:
- Trade Me: New Zealand’s most popular local marketplace is ideal for selling to customers who prefer trusted, homegrown platforms. It’s especially effective for niche items, second-hand goods, or services tailored to the New Zealand market.
- Amazon and eBay: Global giants like Amazon and eBay offer access to a larger audience and are excellent for general products, electronics, or items with broad appeal. Their advanced selling tools and international reach make them suitable for scaling businesses.
If you’re building your own website, optimise it for New Zealand users with local currency options, GST compliance, and flexible shipping.
Make sure to consider factors like audience size, platform fees, product categories, and customer preferences.
Setup a shipping strategy
A strong shipping strategy is crucial for selling cross-border successfully. Start by planning how to get your products into New Zealand. If you’re sourcing products from China, consider consolidating shipments to Australia first to streamline logistics. You can use Amazon FBA to take advantage of their fulfilment services to handle storage, packing, and shipping for faster delivery to New Zealand customers.
When selling on platforms like Trade Me NZ, ensure you’ve partnered with reliable logistics providers familiar with the Australia-New Zealand shipping landscape. They can assist with customs clearance, ensuring your products meet import regulations and avoid delays.
Finally, plan your last-mile delivery, as this impacts customer satisfaction. Offer flexible options, like local couriers, to meet New Zealanders’ expectations for timely and affordable delivery. A well-thought-out shipping strategy ensures smooth operations and helps build trust with your customers.
Create a localise market strategy
Connecting with New Zealand customers means speaking their language—literally and figuratively. Tailor your marketing to reflect their culture and preferences. For example, New Zealanders often value sustainability, so if your product is eco-friendly or ethically sourced (even from places like China), make sure that’s front and centre in your messaging.
Don’t forget the digital side. As of 2022, over 89 percent of New Zealand’s population were active social media users and this number is growing exponentially. Social media is a powerful tool for building engagement, and targeted email campaigns can keep your audience in the loop about new products and offers.
A localised strategy isn’t just about selling—it’s about showing your customers you understand them, which builds trust and loyalty.
Monitor and adapt
Once your business is up and running, regularly review how it’s performing. Monitor metrics like sales trends, customer feedback, and market shifts. For sellers using platforms like Amazon FBA or Trade Me NZ, track platform-specific data to identify opportunities for improvement.
Use insights from customer reviews and market trends to refine your strategies. For example, if you notice a demand for products sourced from sustainable materials, adapt your offerings accordingly. Staying responsive to changes in preferences and conditions ensures your business remains competitive and successful in New Zealand.
WorldFirst makes marketplace collections easy
Fluctuating currency conversions are one of the biggest challenges online sellers face when expanding into new regions. These fluctuations can affect your profit margins, making international growth more complex and unpredictable.
WorldFirst offers a solution to these challenges with its World Account, which is a multi-currency account designed specifically for online sellers to simplify global transactions, reduce costs, and protect profitability.
Here’s how WorldFirst’s global business account resolves the most pressing pain points:
- Save on fees and maintain control of your profits.
With a World Account, you can send, receive and hold funds in 15+ currencies, including GBP, USD, EUR, CAD, JPY, AUD, SGD, NZD, HKD and CNH.
- Streamline marketplace payments
Collect payments from over 100+ global marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, AliExpress, and Stripe. This makes it seamless to expand into new markets without worrying about payment complexities.
- Flexible currency management to protect margins
Hold your earnings in their original currency to time your conversions and maximize value. You can use your collected earnings to o pay suppliers or withdraw funds to your bank account at competitive exchange rates, keeping more of your hard-earned profits.
- Global reach with ease
Send and receive payments in 40+ currencies across 130+ countries and regions, giving you the freedom to trade globally while keeping costs predictable.
With WorldFirst, expanding internationally doesn’t have to mean sacrificing profitability. Simplify your global transactions, minimise currency risks, and focus on scaling your business with a global business account.
Disclaimer: The information contained is general only and largely our views. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from your reliance of such information.
Guide to selling on Trade Me NZ
Learn how to sell on Trade Me, one of New Zealand's leading marketplace. Discover fees, setup steps and tips for success...
Feb / 2025
Selling in New Zealand from Australia: The online seller’s guide
Explore how Australian businesses can tap into New Zealand's growing market with low costs, reduced competition, and shared consumer values...
Feb / 2025
How to turn first-time buyers into long-term customers
Find actionable strategies for e-commerce businesses to keep new customers engaged and create lasting loyalty with this guide from WorldFirst.
Feb / 2025Insights from WorldFirst cover the latest FX news, top accounting tips, strategies to mitigate risk and key industry trends. Choose a category below to find out more.
- Almost 1,000,000 businesses have sent USD$300B around the world with WorldFirst and its partner brands since 2004
- Your money is safeguarded with leading financial institutions
