Cost guide · Updated July 2026

Landscaping cost in NZ

Landscaping is priced by the square metre for the built work and by the project for a full makeover. Published 2026 guides put a standard landscaping project at roughly $80 to $115 per square metre, premium finishes around $150, and a whole-garden makeover commonly between $3,000 and $20,000 or well beyond for a full transformation.

Written by The Contractor Hub.

Indicative ranges

Standard landscaping, per m²	$80 to $115 / m²
Premium finishes, per m²	up to $150 / m²
Garden makeover (project)	$3,000 to $20,000+
Timber retaining wall (to 1m)	$250 to $400 / m

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

Ground conditions and access move the earthworks cost more than the plants do. A sloping or hard-to-reach site costs more to prepare.
Hard landscaping (paving, retaining, decking) sits well above planting per square metre. Price the elements, not just the area.
A build usually runs in stages (earthworks, hard landscaping, planting), each a milestone you can approve. On TCH bigger builds run as staged projects.

Common questions

How is landscaping usually quoted?

Built work is often per square metre; a full makeover is quoted as a project. Ask for the elements broken out (paving, retaining, planting) so you can compare quotes fairly.

Do I need consent for landscaping?

Retaining walls above a set height and structures near boundaries or waterways can need consent. A good landscaper flags it before quoting.

Sources

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