To manage the seasonal spike, DHL Express has increased staffing across its courier network and processing facilities, extended operating hours, and added additional aircraft capacity on key routes.
DHL Express, the world's leading international express service provider, is preparing for a 25% increase in parcel volumes across New Zealand this festive season, with Black Friday (28 November) and Cyber Monday (1 December) expected to mark the busiest days for international pickups and deliveries.
To manage the seasonal spike, DHL Express has increased staffing across its courier network and processing facilities, extended operating hours, and added additional aircraft capacity on key routes. The company's Auckland Gateway - a critical hub for international shipments - will operate at full capacity throughout the holiday period.
"Over the past few years, we've seen a steady rise in cross-border e-commerce, and this year is no exception," says Dinesh Dasanayake, Vice President of Operations at DHL Express New Zealand. "We're seeing strong demand from both consumers and businesses, and we're scaling up our operations to meet that demand. To give a picture of what this looks like, this year alone, if all DHL parcels were stacked on top of one another, it would be taller than three times the Auckland sky tower."
Driven by strong e-commerce activity and early gift purchasing, DHL Express anticipates processing and delivering up to 25% more shipments than its usual volume. The top five most shipped items include clothing, fabrics, supplements, personal care products and electronics.
This surge reflects a continued shift in consumer behavior with 9 in 10 shoppers now using their smartphones to shop[1] from local and international retailers. Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are expected to be the top trade lanes for Kiwi consumers, with fashion and lifestyle products dominating inbound shipments.
According to the latest DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, Asia Pacific economies are leading global trade growth, reinforcing the importance of strong international connections for New Zealand business. [2]
"Unlike traditional postal services, we don't have a fixed Christmas cut-off date. We continue processing and delivering shipments right through the holidays to ensure customers receive their parcels as quickly as possible," Dasanayake adds. "Peak season is always a high-pressure time for the logistics industry, but it's also one of the most rewarding. We're proud to play a role in connecting people and delivering a little bit of joy to homes across New Zealand."
While DHL Express is well-positioned to handle the increased volume, the company is encouraging customers to plan ahead and ship early to avoid potential delays caused by global congestion or weather-related disruptions.
For more information and expert tips on navigating the holiday shipping season, visit dhl.com/discover/en-nz for expert advice and tips on handling the upcoming rush.
Notes:
[1] https://www.dhl.com/global-en/microsites/ec/ecommerce-insights/insights/reports/2025-ecommerce-trends-report.html