How to Use Amazon Australia in New Zealand

If you’re living in New Zealand and want to make the most of Amazon Australia for your shopping needs, you’re in the right place.

Since July 2021, New Zealanders have accessed millions of products on Amazon.com.au and enjoy the benefits of lower shipping costs and faster delivery times.

Amazon Australia’s introduction of direct shipping to New Zealand has made it easier than ever to take advantage of the wide range of products on offer.

To start shopping, you need to download the Amazon Shopping app or visit www.Amazon.com.au.

Standard delivery rates start at AU$2.99, and expedited shipping, with delivery in around three business days, is available in certain areas of Auckland and Christchurch beginning at AU$6.99.

So, not only will you be able to enjoy a greater choice of items and brands, but also support small businesses, including New Zealand-based companies selling on Amazon.com.au.

Shopping on Amazon Australia – Tips for New Zealanders

Understanding the Amazon Australia Platform

The Basics of Navigating

Amazon Australia provides a convenient platform for New Zealand customers to expand their shopping options.

To start shopping on Amazon Australia, simply visit the website and create an account using your email address and a password.

Browse through the various product categories or use the search bar to find items you’re interested in purchasing.

You can view product details, read customer reviews, and quickly compare prices.

Remember to check the shipping options available for your location.

Amazon Australia now offers direct shipping to New Zealand for some eligible items, which means you may receive faster deliveries and save on shipping costs.

Once you have found the items you wish to purchase, simply add them to your basket and proceed to checkout.

Understanding Fees and GST

When purchasing items from Amazon Australia, it’s important to understand the potential fees and Goods and Services Tax (GST) charges that may apply.

For orders shipped from Australian sellers to New Zealand, a 15% GST will be applied to the total cost of your order.

This includes both the product’s purchase price and any applicable shipping fees.

Be aware that you’ll see the GST amount displayed during checkout so that you can make an informed decision before completing your purchase.

In addition to GST, you might encounter additional fees from both Amazon and the shipping providers.

These fees may include currency conversion fees, order handling fees, and expedited shipping charges (if you opt for faster shipping options).

Ensure to review the fee details in your Amazon account and during the checkout process.

Benefits of Shopping on Amazon Australia

Millions of Products

Shopping on Amazon Australia from New Zealand is a breeze, providing access to millions of products at your fingertips.

Whether looking for items from popular brands or everyday household essentials, you can easily browse, compare, and place your orders.

Serious Food Co and Other Brands

In addition to global brands, Amazon Australia offers a variety of local and regional favourites, such as the Serious Food Co.

When shopping on their platform, you can explore numerous products from this brand and others, ranging from delicious snacks to practical kitchen tools.

As a bonus, if your total order is over AU$49, you can score free shipping on select items.

By taking advantage of Amazon Australia’s extensive selection and affordable shipping options, you can discover and purchase items from various local and international brands.

Delivery Options to New Zealand

You have a few delivery options when shopping on Amazon Australia from New Zealand.

This section will delve into the two main types of delivery services: Standard Delivery and Priority Delivery.

Standard Delivery

Standard Delivery is a cost-effective option for shipping items to New Zealand. Standard delivery starts at AU$2.99.

Expedited Delivery

If you’re in a hurry to receive your items, Expedited Delivery is a faster option for certain areas in Auckland and Christchurch.

This service offers delivery in as little as three business days, starting at AU$6.99.

Expedited shipping ensures a quicker delivery time than standard shipping, making it a suitable choice if you need the products sooner.

Free Delivery (spend over $49)

Amazon also offers FREE Shipping to New Zealand when you spend over $49.

To be eligible for free shipping, your order must meet specific requirements, noted below:

Orders sold and fulfilled by Amazon AU, or sold by a third-party seller and fulfilled by Amazon shipping to New Zealand with at least AUD $49 of eligible items based on the order total inclusive of 10% Australian GST before checkout, qualify for free international shipping excluding Amazon Global Store orders.

For Amazon Global Store orders; you must add over AUD $49 of eligible items inclusive of 10% Australian GST before checkout which are dispatched and sold by Amazon US or Amazon UK to qualify for free international shipping.

You can identify eligible items by the “FREE Shipping” message on the product detail or search results pages. Canceling items, combining orders, or changing your shipping address, speed, or preference might affect your order’s free shipping eligibility.

Returning Products to Amazon Australia from New Zealand

You may occasionally need to return a product when shopping on Amazon Australia from New Zealand.

This can be an expensive endeavour, as shipping return costs to Australia are not always covered by Amazon.

We’ll show you some examples below.

To initiate a return, visit the Return Items You Ordered section on your Amazon account orders page.

Locate the order containing the item you wish to return and select “Return items.” For items sold and fulfilled by a third-party seller, the button may be labelled “Return or replace items.”

After clicking “Return or replace items,” follow the instructions to select the items you want to return.

You’ll need to select a reason for your return and may be prompted to provide more detail.

You’ll then need to choose between a refund to your Amazon Account balance or your original payment method.

Amazon cleverly refunds to your account much more quickly than your original payment method with a two – four hour refund after receipt of items versus three to fifteen business days for the credit card refund.

Refund to your Amazon account balance: Estimated refund timing: two to four hours after receiving the item.

Refund to your AmericanExpress: Estimated refund timing: Within 3 to 15 business days of receiving the item.

If you plan on buying more items with Amazon, refunding your account will be the quickest way.

Otherwise, be prepared to wait for your credit or debit card refund.

The shipping costs of returning items depend on your reason for returning the item.

In the above example where I stated I bought the item by mistake, I am fully responsible for the DHL shipping cost (the same price for pickup where I live and dropoff at a DHL Express location – this may differ if you live rurally).

The $16AUD shipping cost takes up a huge part of my refund, so in this instance, I would not proceed to return the item.

You’ll notice in the above image that I have selected ‘Item damaged’ for the purpose of returning.

In this case, the DHL shipping cost is borne by Amazon Australia.

So, returning faulty items to Amazon Australia from New Zealand does not incur a shipping cost to the purchaser, but change of mind or human error purchases do.

In most cases, you can return faulty items, but some products may not be eligible for return.

For a detailed explanation, check Amazon’s Returns and Refunds policies.

In both instances you will be required to print off a return shipping label so ensure you have printer access.

Once Amazon Australia receives the item, they will process the return, and if your return is approved, you’ll receive a refund or replacement as per their policies.

By being aware of Amazon Australia’s return policies and procedures when shopping from New Zealand, you can confidently and efficiently address any issues with your purchases.

Comparing Amazon Australia and US Store

Pricing Differences

When shopping on Amazon from New Zealand, it’s essential to consider the pricing differences between Amazon Australia and US stores.

The Australian store displays prices in Australian dollars, making comparing costs with local retailers easier (I always add roughly ten per cent for a quick calculation).

However, don’t assume that the prices in the Australian store are always lower.

It’s worth checking both stores, as you may find better deals or discounts on the US site.

Be aware, though, that shopping from the US store might lead to additional shipping fees and longer delivery times.

Availability of Products

Availability of products can also vary between Amazon Australia and US stores.

While the Australian store may offer a more limited selection of items compared to the US site, you may find some products that are exclusive to the Australian market.

Ensure you explore both sites to get the best selection and check if the desired item is available for international shipping.

Remember to keep a lookout for great prices, be mindful of the Australian dollar exchange rate, and explore both the Amazon Australia and US stores to make the most of your shopping experience.

Final Thoughts on Shopping from New Zealand

When shopping on Amazon Australia from New Zealand, you can enjoy a wide range of products and faster delivery, especially if you’re located in some regions of Auckland or Christchurch.

With expedited shipping from Australia, delivery in these regions takes approximately three business days and starts at AU$6.99.

As a result, you, Kiwi shoppers, have the opportunity to save costs.

To begin, simply visit Amazon.com.au or download the Amazon Shopping app.

Shopping from Amazon Australia offers New Zealand customers increased convenience and access to an extensive range of products, quicker delivery times, and the opportunity to support local New Zealand businesses who sell on the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free shipping available for NZ customers on Amazon Australia?

Yes, free shipping is available for New Zealand customers on Amazon Australia.

If your total order is over AU$49, you can enjoy free shipping on eligible items.

Does Amazon Global Store deliver to New Zealand?

Amazon Global Store does deliver to New Zealand. With the introduction of Amazon Australia’s expedited shipping, delivery is available within three business days to certain areas in Auckland and Christchurch, starting at AU$6.99.

Is Amazon Prime available for New Zealand customers?

No, Amazon Prime is not yet available for New Zealand customers.

New Zealanders can sign up to PrimeVideo to avail of Amazon’s video streaming service, but there is no expedited shipping or other benefits.

Are there any restrictions on items that can be shipped to NZ from Amazon Australia?

Some restrictions may apply to items due to NZ customs and import regulations.

It would be best to check the product listing details on Amazon.com.au to see if the item can be shipped to your location in New Zealand.