How to Track Your Parcel: A Simple Guide from Order to Delivery

One of the most common questions we receive is: “How do I track my order and see when it will arrive?”
The good news is that tracking your parcel is straightforward, transparent, and fully automated once your order leaves our warehouse.

At Something From Home, we ship thousands of parcels across New Zealand every month using trusted courier partners. This guide explains exactly how parcel tracking works, what to expect at each stage, and how to follow your delivery from pickup through to arrival at your door.

Step 1: Your Order Is Packed and Collected

Once you place an order on our website, our warehouse team picks, packs, and prepares it for dispatch. When your order is ready, it is handed over to one of our courier partners for collection.

We currently ship using the following courier services, depending on parcel size, destination, and delivery requirements:

NZ Post
Post Haste
Courier IT
Kiwi Oversize

Once the courier collects your parcel, tracking becomes active.

Step 2: You Receive a Tracking Email

As soon as your parcel is collected, an automatic email is sent to you. This email contains:

Your tracking number
The courier company handling your delivery
A direct tracking link to the courier’s tracking page

This email is the most important reference point for tracking your order. If you cannot find it, please check your spam or promotions folder first.

Step 3: Using the Tracking Link

When you click the tracking link in your email, you will be taken directly to the courier’s Track & Trace page. Here you will see:

Confirmation that the parcel has been picked up
The date and time of collection
The current delivery status (e.g. In Transit)
Updates as the parcel moves through the courier network

At first, the tracking page may only show a pickup scan. This is completely normal. Parcels often move overnight between depots, and tracking updates are applied as scans occur.

Understanding Common Tracking Statuses

Tracking updates can sometimes look confusing, so here is what the most common statuses mean:

“Picked Up”

This means the courier has physically collected your parcel from our warehouse. At this point, the parcel has officially entered the courier network.

“In Transit”

Your parcel is moving between courier depots. This may include overnight line-haul transport or sorting at a regional hub.

“Out for Delivery”

The parcel is with a driver and is expected to be delivered that day.

“Delivered”

The courier has completed delivery. If you are not home, the parcel may be left in a safe place or taken to a nearby collection point, depending on the courier.

Delivery Timeframes: What to Expect

While exact delivery times cannot be guaranteed, general guidelines are as follows:

Auckland Metro: 1–2 business days
North Island (outside Auckland): 2–4 business days
South Island: 3–5 business days
Rural addresses: Allow an extra 1–2 business days
Oversized or heavy items: May take longer, particularly when shipped via Kiwi Oversize

Please note that couriers do not scan parcels at every stop. A lack of updates for a day or two does not mean your parcel is stuck — it usually means it is in transit between depots.

Oversized and Heavy Parcels

Some orders — such as bulk groceries, large boxes, or heavy items — require specialised freight services. These are typically handled by Kiwi Oversize or similar carriers.

For these parcels:

Tracking updates may be less frequent
Delivery may involve scheduling or driver contact
Transit times are typically longer than standard courier parcels

All relevant tracking details are still provided via email.

What If Tracking Hasn’t Updated?

If your tracking shows “Picked Up” and does not update for a day or two, this is normal — especially for overnight or inter-island deliveries.

You should contact us only if:

There have been no updates for more than 5 business days, or
The tracking status shows an exception or delivery issue

In most cases, the parcel is still moving through the courier network.

Tips for a Smooth Delivery

To avoid delays, please ensure:

Your delivery address is complete and accurate
Rural delivery is selected where applicable
Someone is available to receive the parcel, or a safe place is available

Couriers may attempt redelivery or leave a card if delivery is unsuccessful.

Where to Get Help

If you need assistance:

Check your tracking email first
Click the tracking link for real-time updates
Contact us only if the parcel appears delayed beyond normal timeframes

Our team is always happy to help, but using the tracking link is the fastest way to get accurate, up-to-date information.

In Summary

You will always receive a tracking email
Tracking becomes active once the courier collects your parcel
Updates may not appear immediately — this is normal
Different couriers and parcel sizes have different transit times
Tracking links are the most reliable source of delivery information

We work closely with trusted courier partners to ensure your order reaches you safely and efficiently. Thank you for your patience and for shopping with Something From Home.