Quick answer: Looking for movers in Port Hills Christchurch? You need a moving solution that accommodates the challenges of moving from a hill, such as a steep driveway, tight streets, and restricted space for a truck to park. Before booking, take a picture of your driveway and streets, and find out what truck and loading methods your mover will use. Every hill quote at EZMoving considers all these challenges.
Hill moves are very different from flat-ground moves because they involve an incline and are much more challenging in terms of the truck you can use, the number of trips, and the amount of time you have on the day. This article highlights how hill moves differ from others and how to access your property.
Why are hill moves different?
A majority of Christchurch houses will have a flat driveway and an accessible street where a moving truck can park next to the house. This may not be the case for many houses located in Port Hills. Some of the main challenges include:
- Steep driveways: An overloaded truck might not be able to drive up or down safely.
- Winding roads: A large turning circle is needed and other obstacles might also prevent entry of the truck.
- Parking place: No parking facilities at a distance accessible from the entrance of the house.
- Driveways and public way: Free access should be allowed.
- Carrying distance: The presence of stairs, paths, and terraces increases the carrying distance between the truck and the door.
- Overhead power cables and low tree branches: Some driveways are unsuitable for high trucks because of this problem.
- Road access: Roads at hillsides are more vulnerable to winds and frost/snow in winter.
These obstacles occur commonly in Port Hills suburbs of Christchurch, including Cashmere, Heathcote, Huntsbury, and Mount Pleasant, as well as Sumner and Lyttelton. For house movers Christchurch, check their experience of accessing houses on hills.
How do you check whether a truck can reach your property?
These are some areas where you may consider before asking for a quote:
- Driveway: Is it steep, wide, and curvy?
- Turning space: Is there enough room for the truck to turn around, or will it need to back in and out?
- Overhead clearance: Is there wiring, tree branches, and/or a carport?
- Street: How wide is the street, and where do cars usually park on it?
- Carry: Steps up and distance from truck stopping point.
Photographs and video of each will be useful to understand the situation better. It is important to know which size of truck is required, since a small truck takes more runs but reaches more places.
Moving to/from Lyttelton through the road tunnel? There are restrictions on vehicle size and width (4.27 meters and 2.6 meters, respectively) and restrictions on transporting dangerous goods. LPG up to 45kg or three approved cylinders can pass through without prior approval. For gas cylinders and high vehicles, refer to the NZTA Lyttelton Tunnel By-law.
What if a large truck can’t get close?
In cases where a large truck cannot access the property, there are normally three choices. The choice that should be considered the best will depend on distance, stairs, and the weight of your belongings.
| Option | Works best when | Trade-off |
| Park lower and carry | The carry is short, and the path is safe | More time on the day |
| Use a smaller vehicle for the last stretch | The street is too steep or narrow for the big truck | More loading and unloading |
| Split the move into two loads | The access is tight, but a smaller truck can get there | A longer day or a second trip |
Heavy pieces such as fridges, wardrobes and washing machines need extra planning on slopes and steps. Our guide to heavy item movers in Canterbury explains how to prepare them, and a piano removal on a hillside should always be discussed before booking.
What are Sumner and Lyttelton like for moving?
Sumner. There are sections of Sumner that run on, or next to, the hills; hence, access may vary depending on the streets. Some streets provide easy access to the house, while others provide steep driveways with little space to park.
Lyttelton. It has steep streets, and there are some places where parking on the road is difficult. In such cases, it is important for the mover to know the particular street first.
This means that even when two houses are a few hundred meters away from each other, they may require different arrangements. This is why a picture of your driveway is more helpful than your suburb name.
When is the best time to move on the hills?
Weather planning is important. Strong wind, frost, and snow might impact the higher roads; therefore, it is vital to check the forecast and road conditions in advance. It will be useful to start early in order to have enough time to complete everything.
Notify the neighbours if you use their driveway or street on that day. In case it is necessary to have road space free for the truck, you should ask the Christchurch City Council for permission.
What should you tell your mover before you get a quote?
Provide this information to the mover for planning their vehicle and crew:
- both addresses and the date of your choice
- photos of the driveway, street, and front door
- the number of stairs, and the distance of the carry
- whether the driveway is shared
- large/heavy items, such as a fridge, safe, piano, or fitness equipment
- gas bottles
- whether you can prepare in advance
For box assistance, you may use our packing and unpacking service.
What affects the cost of a hill move?
Just because Hill moving is not more costly doesn’t mean that there are no factors affecting the time spent. Longer distances, several trips with the smaller truck, heavy items carried up the stairs, and any weather conditions will influence your budget. Request a quotation in writing using photos. Read more about moving costs here.
Why choose EZMoving for hill moves?
EZMoving originates from Central Christchurch, and our staff is trained to move and transport in a safe manner. We use padded blankets, trolleys, straps, and specially designed trucks to move your stuff, and we conduct a final check with you prior to our departure. We are a licensed and insured moving company, and we provide an estimate prior to the actual moving day.
Frequently asked questions
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on the gradient, the width, the curve, and the truck. Send a photo of the driveway and your mover can tell you if it is safe.
They can, if the access adds time or means extra trips. A quote based on photos shows exactly what is included.
Yes. The Lyttelton Tunnel limits vehicle height to 4.27 metres and width to 2.6 metres, so tell us about any tall vehicles or gas bottles.
Let the neighbour know the date and time so access stays clear, and tell your mover about the shared driveway when you ask for a quote.
Not necessarily, but frost, snow, and wind can affect the higher roads. Choose a flexible date and check conditions beforehand.
Moving to or from the hills? Get a quote
Give EZMoving the address and a photo of the driveway, and we will plan the truck and crew for that day.
Get a free quote · Call +64274272161 · Email info@ezmoving.co.nz
