Since 2005, Castle European have imported hundreds of motorhomes for people just like you

New Zealand importation and compliance formalities managed on your behalf

Castle European has been importing European motorhomes into New Zealand since 2005 - many years before most of the present dealers were in the business.

Extensive experience

Paul and Diane, founders of Castle European Ltd, have enjoyed five extended European tours by motorhome and the information on this website and the information it contains is based on their personal experience.

Understanding both sides of the process enables Castle European to organise all the formalities for you, collect and process the paperwork, and simply ask you to sign a few forms.

Easy as one, two, three...

The vehicle of your choice will be waiting for collection at a convenient place in the UK on your arrival, ready for your motorhome holiday to begin! 

Once your trip is over, we’ll ask you to deliver your vehicle to Southampton or one of the European shipping ports from which our preferred shipping line departs.

If required, we will organise fumigation, which is required prior to shipping for all used motorhomes.

Around eight weeks later we’ll hand your motorhome back to you in New Zealand, fully processed, certified and ready for your next adventure.

Take a look at our travel tips on the do's and dont's of motorhome touring, along with lots of Europe travel information.

Will I save money buying my new motorhome and importing it this way?

Almost certainly, yes!

If you are thinking about purchasing a new motorhome to own in New Zealand, this is the most financially efficient way to achieve your goal.

​All compliance requirements on imported vehicles are completed for you, including on-road, electrical, gas and self containment certification

The nuts and bolts of how it all works

A new motorhome purchased tax-free in the UK gives you an immediate 20% saving and in addition to this, because there is no trade-in this usually means a decent discount for you.

Rules and regulations

  • Only new unregistered vehicles can be bought tax (VAT) free.
  • The vehicle must be permanently exported from the European Union within twelve months of personally taking delivery of it.
  • It cannot be lent to anyone and can only be used by the owner.
  • It can be used in any EU member state
  • A driving licence not issued by an EU member state only allows the holder to drive vehicles of 3500kgs or less. Having a Heavy Vehicle licence in your home country does not change this.
  • On-road insurance is compulsory in the UK and driving without it is a serious offence. If you’re caught without insurance it’s likely the vehicle will be seized at the road side. Two companies specialise in insurance for overseas visitors to the UK and Europe. Downunder Insurance in London and Milestone Insurance Brokers.

VAT-free!

Firstly, you don’t pay the UK’s 20% VAT (Value Added Tax). In addition to this, if you use the vehicle for a minimum of ninety days it will qualify for a depreciation allowance on it’s value before NZ customs calculate the NZ entry taxes.

This depreciation allowance increases with time and it means the value on which the duty and GST is based is gradually reduced. In short – no tax at the UK end and reduced tax at the NZ end.

Now factor in that your brand new motorhome has provided you with your accommodation and your transport throughout your overseas trip and you’re financially well ahead!

Once your motorhome is back in New Zealand it's value on the New Zealand market depends on many factors, but we have yet to have any disappointed customers.

Of course, the financial side of the process is obviously important, but it's not the full story...

Organising these sorts of trips has been Castle European’s core business since 2005 and during that time we’ve seen a cross section of people in all stages of life enjoying their dream trip.

Thirty-somethings with young families taking the kids out of school for a year to enjoy and learn from a trip they’ll remember all their lives, working people who have managed to take a few months off work to fulfill their dream of seeing all the famous places in Europe they’ve heard so much about, people who are between businesses and need some time to consider their next venture and of course retired people enjoying their free time and avoiding the New Zealand winter.

Some import their new motorhome and continue to enjoy it in New Zealand, while others sell thier vehicle after they get home.

You’re free to do either. The choice is yours.

Don't leave it too late to get in touch

If touring Europe or the UK by motorhome is for you we strongly recommend you put the wheels in motion by contacting Castle European at least four months or more prior to your intended travel date.

Although we can assist with shorter time frames, the choice of available vehicles is often reduced.

You will receive unbiased support

Castle European's core business is importing motorhomes, which means we are service providers. We rarely get involved with the buying and selling of vehicles. Whilst we usually source vehicles for our clients we don’t usually supply them ourselves.

It makes no difference to us which vehicle you buy and we won't push you toward any particular brand, though we will impartially try to steer you away from models which aren't well accepted or unsuitable for New Zealand.

Your trip of a lifetime is waiting for you...

So what are you waiting for?!

Get in touch today and we'll get back to you for a no obligation discussion about the process.
"Nothing was too much trouble and all the pressure of undertaking a complicated and somewhat daunting task was taken from us."
Anne and John Hasell
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