If you’re running a business in New Zealand, you’ve probably had to relocate something valuable — stock, equipment, tools, or even your office — at some point. Moving it where it needs to be, especially between the North and South Islands, can be a headache. That’s where we come in.

At Alpine Carriers, we do more than just drive trucks. We help people and businesses keep moving forward. Whether it’s a full load to Auckland or just one pallet to Wellington, we take the hassle out of inter-island freight with our reliable service. As a Christchurch-based team, we know how to get it done right.

Why Inter-Island Freight Matters

There’s more to crossing the Cook Strait than just booking a ferry. You need timing, the right vehicles, and a solid grasp of how weather and ferry schedules play out.

Our clients rely on us to:

• Deliver products to shops and warehouses
• Move building gear and machinery to remote job sites
• Shift homes or offices from the South to the North Island
• Safely move large or awkward loads

Labourer Sayed Aadam sums it up well:

“If the freight service between the islands isn’t dependable, everything comes to a standstill. And as we all know, in business, time is money.”

What Are the 4 Categories of Freight?

You might be wondering: “What are the different types of freight?” Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Truck Freight – Road transport (that’s us).
• Rail Freight – Ideal for bulk commodities over long inland distances.
• Air Cargo – Fast but expensive. Great for time-sensitive shipments.
• Sea Freight – Perfect for global shipments or, in our case, moving freight across the Strait.

We focus mainly on road and sea freight — we load your goods onto trucks, arrange ferry crossings, and deliver throughout the country.

What Is Inter-Island Delivery?

Inter-island delivery means moving goods between New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Sounds simple, but there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.

Here’s how we make it easy:

• We collect your load from anywhere in the South Island.
• We map out the most efficient ferry route and get your cargo across the Strait safely.
• We deliver directly to your door — whether it’s Auckland, Hamilton, or beyond.

One team, one job, no stuffing around.

What Does International Freight Mean?

International shipping involves moving products to other countries by sea or air and covers customs, quarantine, and documentation.

While our focus is on New Zealand, we can help connect your shipment to international carriers if needed. Once we’ve handled it locally, we’ll point you in the right direction for its global leg.

How Do Freight Services Work?

Here’s the no-BS version:

1️⃣ You book. Tell us what you’re moving and where it’s going.
2️⃣ We plan. We pick the right truck, equipment, and ferry timing.
3️⃣ We pick up. We come to your site and collect your load.
4️⃣ We ship. We get it safely across the Strait.
5️⃣ We deliver. Straight to your door — no handovers, no headaches.

It’s all about trust. When you book with Alpine Carriers, we handle the entire trip start to finish.

Freight That Fits Your Load

Some businesses only handle standard cargo. That’s not us.

We move:

• Construction gear
• Event and AV equipment
• Palletised stock
• Farm machinery
• Household goods

Our Christchurch fleet includes flat decks, hiabs (truck-mounted cranes), swinglifts, and more. Fragile or heavy, big or small — we’ve got the truck (and the skills) for it.

Ferry Crossings? We’ve Got You

The ferry trip can be the trickiest part. Delays, limited sailings, rough weather — it all adds up.

Because we’ve been working with ferry operators for years, we know how to:

• Lock in bookings quickly
• Secure and pack your load safely
• Adapt if the weather turns

Your cargo is safe from A to Z.

Christchurch-Based, NZ-Wide

We’re based in Christchurch but deliver all over the country — from Dunedin to Tauranga and everywhere in between.

We know:

• The South Island’s back roads and tricky driveways
• North Island logistics and drop-off points
• How to navigate between islands with no drama

Who We Work With

We’re proud to serve local businesses, tradies, and families. Over the years, we’ve worked with:

• Retailers moving stock between islands
• Builders relocating diggers and tools
• Families moving homes from Christchurch to Auckland
• Farmers shifting gear between sites

No matter the job, we show up, talk straight, and get it done.

Thinking of Booking Freight? Here’s What to Know

When you book, it helps to have:

• Dimensions and weight of your cargo
• Delivery address and any special access notes
• Any special loading needs (like if you need a hiab)
• Your deadline

With that info, we can give you an accurate quote and plan the trip right the first time.

Practical Tips for Effortless Inter-Island Freight

• Label everything clearly.
• Let us know about tricky driveways or load zones.
• Book early if you’re in a hurry.
• Mention anything fragile or weather-sensitive.

Good communication is key. The more we know, the better we can help.

Let’s Get Your Load Moving

If you need regular inter-island freight or just a one-off job, we’re ready to help. We’re local, experienced, and care about getting it right.

Come see us: Unit SA5, 198 Springs Road, Christchurch

Alpine Carriers — helping Kiwis move what matters, one truckload at a time.