There’s nothing quite like the wait for a package you’ve been looking forward to—until it turns into a hassle of missed deliveries and endless calls, with the package seemingly disappearing. 

My friend recently went through this delivery mess: he ordered a birthday gift for his daughter weeks ahead, but it got stuck in a weird “processing” hold. The package showed up three days late and looked worse for wear.

Watching that whole thing made me think: with so many courier companies claiming to be fast and reliable, how do these mix-ups still happen? 

That’s why I spent a few weeks checking out which courier services in Christchurch really deliver your packages. Here’s who I found to be reliable. 

1. Kiwi Express

Kiwi Express stands out in Christchurch for businesses needing fast, reliable delivery of large and heavy items. 

I love how they’ve made sending oversized freight as simple as booking a regular courier—just print the label, they collect, and your customer receives the item, often overnight. 

This kind of speed is rare for bulky goods, so many customers we talked to understandably raved about how Kiwi Express made moving their large freight less stressful.

The live tracking and parcel notifications are also helpful. I appreciate that both senders and receivers can follow the delivery in real-time, which builds trust and keeps everyone in the loop. 

Business owners loved the visibility and felt reassured knowing exactly when to expect their orders. The easy dispatch system, especially when integrated with other platforms saves valuable time and reduces admin headaches.

On the downside, Kiwi Express’s service area is still expanding. Some regions may not be covered yet, which can be limiting if you have customers nationwide.

Business courier and customer service has always been excellent

“We’ve used Kiwi Express for years as our business courier and customer service has always been excellent. Booking a job via phone is hassle free and straight forward.”

• Heydon Mcintosh, Google Reviews

Kiwi Express solve it all ins a couple of hours

“Great Service! i Had my parcel stuck at CHCH Aramex depot for 18 days Kiwi Express solve it all ins a couple of hours, Thanks Guys!”

• Guilherme Simon, Google Reviews

2. DHL Express Service Point – Christchurch (Collection or Drop Off)

DHL Express Service Point is for anyone needing fast, secure international or domestic courier services.

What I really love is the sheer convenience—there’s no need to weigh or measure your parcel beforehand, and you don’t even need to print a label at home.

The staff are helpful and efficient. Several customers have mentioned how easy it is to drop off a parcel and get free packaging right in the store, which saves a lot of hassle.

The tracking system is also awesome. DHL’s real-time tracking, available online or via their mobile app, means you always know where your parcel is.

For international shipments, their customs expertise and GoGreen Plus carbon offsetting are big bonuses for business senders or anyone conscious about sustainability.

However, I did notice that while DHL is quick to get parcels into New Zealand, there can sometimes be delays once items reach Auckland. Some customers reported longer-than-expected delivery times to Christchurch and beyond.

Regular updates via email and texts

“Had the best experience with DHL from the moment my package left Los Angeles en route to New Zealand. Regular updates via email and texts. So surprised at how quickly it arrived especially as it was Christmas and New Year holidays! Great communication. Happily use DHL again :)”

• Debra Lambert, Google Reviews

My favourite delivery company as they are so fast

“DHL is my favourite delivery company as they are so fast, even delivering overseas. The best thing about this branch though are the people who work there. As soon as I walked in the lady behind the desk gave me a big smile even though she was dealing with another customer. She was so helpful and just so lovely and cheerful 😃”

• Zoe and Adam McWilliam, Google Reviews

3. Azap Couriers Canterbury Ltd

Azap Couriers Canterbury Ltd has quickly become a favourite among Christchurch businesses and locals who need reliable, flexible delivery. 

What I like most is their ability to handle everything—from a single carton to full pallets. This makes them perfect for both small businesses and larger freight jobs. 

Their same-day and overnight services are fantastic, especially when you’re working to tight deadlines or need something delivered urgently. 

Customers frequently mention how Azap picks up and delivers on time. The team is also often praised for being friendly, which matches my own experience of prompt, courteous service.

Another big plus is their food safety registration and refrigerated delivery options, which are invaluable for those moving perishable goods. One local food business praised the Azap crew for ensuring their products arrived fresh and on schedule.

On the downside, Azap doesn’t deliver money or animals. Hazardous items are also excluded, so you’ll need to look elsewhere for those needs.

My fragile item was delivered without complication

“I needed a courier service from chch to dunedin, Mel’s communication was great and my fragile item was delivered without complication. Cheers”

• Alex Smith, Google Reviews

Very friendly, helpful and very reasonably priced

“Very friendly, helpful and very reasonably priced. Will definitely use again and highly recommend to anyone wanting  something couriered.”

• April Buckingham, Google Reviews

4. Pack & Send Riccarton

Pack & Send Riccarton is fantastic if you like a friendly touch and flexible delivery options.

What I really liked was how dedicated the team is to helping customers. They guided me through the packing and shipping process, so I knew exactly what was going on. This is super helpful if you’re sending something valuable or fragile.

I also found their range of services great. Whether you’re sending a quick package around town or need to ship artwork or electronics across the country, they’ve got options like same-day delivery, express, and standard services. 

They even know how to handle oversized or delicate items. A lot of customers have said their packages arrived in perfect shape, even if it took a bit to unwrap—not a big deal for the peace of mind.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that Pack & Send Riccarton can be a bit pricey.

Very professional to deal with

“Pack & Send Riccarton are awesome to deal with. I sent a package to the Netherlands and it was there within 7 days. Absolutely would highly recommend the team to send any packages around the world, can’t fault the service. Very professional to deal with and I will be using Pack & Send again. AAA+++”

• Donna Bouma, Google Reviews

Successfully delivered internationally without any damage

“Exceptional service from everybody in the team at Riccarton, even after multiple changes and delays by myself. The item, which was very fragile, was successfully delivered internationally without any damage for a very 

good price.”

• Mac, Google Reviews

5. Post Haste Couriers Christchurch

Post Haste Couriers’ local service works well for business deliveries. I’ve counted on their overnight options to get urgent packages delivered by midday the next day. 

Many people appreciate how quickly their parcels arrive, and the drivers are usually described as friendly and professional.

One thing they do well is offer flexibility, like Saturday deliveries for busy people. They also reach out to non-urban and rural areas in New Zealand.

It’s also impressive that they’re equipped to handle things like reverse logistics and dangerous goods, which is great for businesses with specific needs. These are services you don’t easily find in other couriers.

However, some customers have faced delays or misdirected packages and struggled to get answers from support staff.  Many have gotten frustrated because a clearly labeled address on their packages was missed and handling the redelivery was a hassle. 

No fuss or stress

“It was very easy to pick up my package after I missed it at my house. I gave them a ring and got a call as soon as it was available for pick-up. No fuss or stress.”

• Hope Thomas, Google Reviews

Their service is incredible and the staff are super helpful

“Been using poste haste now as a preferred courier for the business, their service is incredible and the staff are super helpful. I would recommend them and their services anyway.”

• Phillip East, Google Reviews

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