Kiwis: Shipping from New Zealand to the United states

Factual Questions
1

I’m going to New Zealand!

I’m probably going to spend a significant amount of time rock climbing and I want to bring all my gear say 20-30Lb(Right now it’s stored in a box 3x2x2 feet, but could easily go smaller). Bringing it shouldn’t be a problem, but since i’m not going back to the U.S after NZ I will need to somehow ship it back home.

I’m looking at 200-250 NZD to ship my gear from NZ to The US by New Zealand Post. Thats 1.5 - 2.5 times(using the International flat rate system, assuming I will need 2 boxes) what it would cost me to send it from the US to NZ using USPS!
What gives, I know the U.S System is subsidized, but thats a pretty hefty difference.

Is there a more economical way of shipping from NZ to US?

At these costs It might actually make more sense to bring my gear and sell it instead of shipping it home.

2

I don’t think you’re allowed to ship them. :stuck_out_tongue:
Yes yes, I realize the OP doesn’t mean to actually ship New Zealanders nor kiwi birds.

3

After poking around a bit, I’ve found this crowd. Can’t vouch for them but any others I looked at want NZ$400 or so for 15kg.

I looked through this list checking likely sites. Got as far as page 4 but dinner’s calling.

4

I would go on the trip with clothes that I don’t want to keep, leave them behind and return to the states with all my gear in my checked luggage.

5

That sounds an awful lot for so small a box. Are you looking at air freight or sea freight?

6

mad monk I’m not coming back. New Zealand is the start of my round the world backpacking trip. (Soon to be no job + Grad school starts in September 2010 + 3 years of savings in the bank = Adventure)

Quartz
Thats why i’m trying to figure out a cheaper alternative.

See postage rate from NZ post here

7

Dynamite Dave Thanks for the lists. I made it through page 6 and everyone seems to want even more the NZ post!

8

I was surprised at the costs too. Jetta seem to be a good deal, but you need to collect at the other end, plus there could be fees at the US airport. They are more of an excess baggage outfit it seems.

9

Check out:Luggage forwarding
I entered New Zealand/US, 1 package under 25lb - US$193.

Have you also taken a look at what the cost to ship from your next destination is? Would it be worth it to carry the gear for one more stop and ship from there?