Long-Distance Vehicle Towing Across New Zealand: What to Expect

Whether you’re relocating, selling a car to someone in another region, or dealing with a breakdown far from home, long-distance towing is the safest and most reliable way to move a vehicle between cities in New Zealand. With the right provider, the process is smooth, fully insured, and handled door-to-door by experienced professionals.

OTS Group has been transporting vehicles across both islands for over 50 years. Here’s what to expect when you book a long-distance towing or transport service in New Zealand — and how to make the process stress-free from start to finish.

1. What Qualifies as Long-Distance Towing

Any tow that spans multiple regions — for example, Auckland to Wellington or Christchurch to Dunedin — is considered long-distance. These jobs require additional planning for timing, route selection, and coordination between depots.

Our Long-Distance Vehicle Towing Service covers every major route across both islands, with Auckland and Christchurch hubs providing consistent coverage nationwide.

2. How Long-Distance Vehicle Transport Works

When you book a long-distance tow with OTS Group, our dispatch team coordinates the entire journey:

1. Initial Booking — Provide pickup and drop-off details, vehicle type, and preferred schedule.
2. Pre-Trip Inspection — We record the vehicle’s condition before loading and confirm transport insurance coverage.
3. Loading & Securing — Cars are loaded using hydraulic tilt trays or flatbeds, secured with soft-strap systems to prevent movement.
4. Intercity Transport — Vehicles are moved by experienced drivers using the safest routes, with updates available throughout transit.
5. Delivery & Verification — Upon arrival, we confirm delivery condition and obtain a sign-off from the recipient.

For regular business or fleet transfers, our OTS Business Division offers scheduled intercity transport solutions.

3. Key Benefits of Professional Long-Distance Towing

• Peace of Mind — Every journey is fully insured from pickup to drop-off.
• Nationwide Coverage — Consistent service across both islands, including rural and regional locations.
• Modern Equipment — Hydraulic decks, low-loaders, and purpose-built towing rigs for all vehicle types.
• Experienced Operators — Professionally trained drivers ensure safe loading and handling.

4. Typical Uses for Long-Distance Vehicle Transport

• Relocating for work or lifestyle changes.
• Delivering sold vehicles between cities.
• Fleet redistribution for dealerships and leasing companies.
• Recovering a broken-down car or accident-damaged vehicle from another region.

For longer hauls, we also coordinate transfers through our Intercity Car Transport network, ensuring seamless movement between North and South Island locations.

5. How to Prepare Your Vehicle Before Pickup

A few small steps can help speed up the process and protect your vehicle during transport:

• Remove personal items and valuables from inside the car.
• Check tyre pressure and ensure minimal fuel (around a quarter tank).
• Fold in mirrors and secure loose parts like spoilers or antennas.
• Provide a spare key if possible for driver access during delivery.

Summary — Safe, Simple Long-Distance Transport

Moving a vehicle across New Zealand doesn’t need to be complicated. With an experienced team, modern fleet, and full insurance coverage, OTS Group ensures every long-distance tow is handled safely and efficiently.

Whether you’re transporting a family car, a fleet vehicle, or a classic collectible, we’ve got the equipment and experience to move it nationwide.

Call 0800 22 00 33 or Request a Quote today to book long-distance vehicle towing anywhere in New Zealand.