Concrete cost calculator NZ
Concrete in New Zealand costs $120 to $230 per square metre supplied and laid in 2026, depending on finish: plain broom finish sits at $120 to $160 per m², coloured $120 to $180, stamped $130 to $200, and exposed aggregate $150 to $230. A typical 60m² plain driveway lands around $7,200 to $9,600 before extras. Use the calculator below for your numbers.
Concrete cost by finish
| Finish | Per m² supplied and laid | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Plain broom finish | $120 to $160 | Driveways, paths, sheds on a budget |
| Coloured concrete | $120 to $180 | A lift in look without exposed stone |
| Stamped concrete | $130 to $200 | Patterned patios and entertaining areas |
| Exposed aggregate | $150 to $230 | Hard-wearing, mark-hiding driveways |
All figures are indicative 2026 ranges for professionally supplied and laid concrete on reasonable ground. Auckland and Queenstown labour typically prices at the top of these ranges; provincial centres often come in under them.
The extras that move the price
| Extra | Indicative cost | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete pump | $750 to $900 per pour | Truck cannot reach the pour, rear or tight sites |
| Soft or sloping ground | Add 15 to 30% | Deeper excavation, more hardfill, engineered reinforcing |
| Sealing the surface | $300 to $600 | Exposed aggregate and coloured finishes |
| New or widened vehicle crossing | Priced per site | Council-approved crossing over footpath and berm |
| Cut and cart of old concrete | By volume | Replacing an existing slab or driveway |
| Thickened edges and heavier mesh | By design | Truck, boat or heavy vehicle loading |
Why the ground matters more than the finish
Most people compare concrete quotes on the finish and the price per metre. The bigger variable is usually underneath. A pad on firm, level ground needs a straightforward dig, a compacted metal base and standard mesh. The same pad on soft, filled or sloping ground needs deeper excavation, more hardfill and sometimes an engineer's reinforcing detail, which is where honest quotes separate from the cheap ones. A price well under the bracket often means a thinner pad or less base prep, and that is exactly where driveways crack.
Consent and crossings, in one minute
- The slab itself is usually permitted, but a new or widened vehicle crossing over the footpath and berm needs council approval before work starts.
- Many councils cap how much of a site can be sealed before stormwater rules apply. Check your council's impervious surface and stormwater requirements early.
- For structural work near buildings or retaining, the Building.govt.nz consent guidance is the primary source to check.
How to use your number
- Run the calculator with your area and finish. That range is your sanity bracket.
- Get at least two itemised quotes specifying slab thickness, mesh grade, base depth and joints.
- A quote far below the bracket is missing something: ask what. Far above it, ask why.
- Confirm who does the work, the payment schedule, and any workmanship guarantee in writing.
Then pick your concreter from a researched shortlist: browse BuildHub's concrete guides by city.
Frequently asked questions
How much does concrete cost per m2 in NZ?
As of 2026, concrete supplied and laid in New Zealand runs roughly $120 to $160 per square metre for a plain broom finish, $120 to $180 for coloured, $130 to $200 for stamped, and $150 to $230 for exposed aggregate. Soft ground, deep excavation, extra reinforcing and pumping push totals higher. These are indicative ranges: always rely on itemised written quotes.
How much does a concrete driveway cost in New Zealand?
A typical 60 square metre single driveway in plain broom-finish concrete lands around $7,200 to $9,600 supplied and laid in 2026, before extras. Coloured or exposed aggregate on the same driveway pushes it toward $9,000 to $13,800. Rear or tight sites that need a concrete pump add roughly $750 to $900 per pour.
Why is exposed aggregate more expensive than plain concrete?
Exposed aggregate costs more because it uses a decorative stone mix, needs the surface washed back and finished by hand at the right moment, and is usually sealed afterward. Expect $150 to $230 per square metre laid, plus $300 to $600 to seal a driveway-sized area. The trade-off is a harder-wearing, better-looking surface that hides marks.
Do I need council consent to lay a concrete driveway?
The concrete pad itself is usually permitted work, but two things often trigger council involvement: a new or widened vehicle crossing over the footpath and berm needs council approval, and many councils cap how much of your site can be sealed (impervious) before stormwater rules apply. Check your council's vehicle crossing and stormwater requirements before you pour.
What adds the most cost to a concrete job?
Ground and access, not the concrete itself. Soft, sloping or filled ground needs deeper excavation, more hardfill and sometimes engineered reinforcing, which can add 15 to 30 percent. A site the truck cannot reach needs a concrete pump at $750 to $900 per pour. Thickened edges for vehicle loading, extra mesh and saw-cut control joints all add up.
How thick should a concrete driveway be in NZ?
A residential car driveway is typically laid at 100mm with reinforcing mesh on a compacted metal base. Where heavier vehicles, boats or trucks use the area, 125mm to 150mm with heavier reinforcing is common. Thickness, mesh grade and base depth should be specified in your quote: a suspiciously cheap price often means a thinner pad or less base prep.
How accurate is this calculator?
It uses the same researched 2026 ranges we publish across BuildHub's concrete guides, checked against real quotes and supplier pricing. It outputs a range rather than a fake-precise number, because excavation, ground conditions, reinforcing and access genuinely move prices. Use it to sanity-check quotes, not replace them.