Cost guide · Updated July 2026

Moving house cost in NZ

Local moves are usually charged by the hour for a two-person crew and truck; longer moves are quoted as a job. Published 2026 guides put movers at roughly $120 to $200 per hour, a three-bedroom local move commonly $1,200 to $2,200, and inter-city three-bedroom moves between $1,500 and $4,000 depending on distance.

Written by The Contractor Hub.

Indicative ranges

Movers, per hour (2-person + truck)	$120 to $200 / hr
Local 1-bedroom move	$400 to $800
Local 3-bedroom move	$1,200 to $2,200
Inter-city 3-bedroom move	$1,500 to $4,000

Indicative only, compiled July 2026 from the published New Zealand guides listed below. Treat these as a sanity check, then get written quotes.

What moves the price

Access is the hidden cost: stairs, long carries and tight driveways add hours. Tell the mover about them up front for an accurate quote.
Packing, insurance and specialty items (piano, appliances) usually sit on top of the base rate.
For a long-distance move, distance and whether it's a shared or dedicated truck drive the price.

Common questions

Hourly or fixed quote for a move?

Local moves are often hourly; longer moves are usually a fixed quote. For an accurate figure, describe the access at both ends and the big items.

Is my move insured?

Ask what cover the mover carries and what it excludes. A reputable operator is clear about it. Reviews from past moves sit on their TCH profile.

Sources

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