Thanks for the replies! I was told by the quarantine station in Christchurch that International Pet Transportation (www.iptlax.com/) was reliable. I contacted them and they gave me a detailed quote and sounded like they would take good care of Felix, el gato. They were going to charge me around $1,450 for everything minus quarantine in NZ. Of course this is on top of our vet fees (which will amount to around $600 when all is said and done). There are others around, but I was warned that some are merely shipping people who want to make a quick buck...so watch out.
Does anyone know which electrical appliances from the US should be left here since transformers would not suffice to convert them for NZ use? I heard from one person that dryers and some heat-producing appliances don't work, besides the TVs of course. Any insights into stuff like toaster ovens, blenders deep fryers etc.? We have tons of unused new appliances from wedding gifts...what a waste to sell them at a garage sale!
When are you moving to NZ, Selchie?