Lay a Concrete Driveway cost in Wellington (2026)
Typical Wellington range
$130/m² – $420/m²
Most Wellington projects land around $170/m² – $250/m². Prices run around the national average, with site costs the swing factor.
Why Wellington differs
Wellington's Very High and Extra High wind zones and seismic foundations add bracing and engineering most flat sites elsewhere don't need.
Usually included
- Subgrade preparation
- Steel mesh reinforcement (standard)
- Concrete pour and finish
- Edge detail
- Curing
Usually excluded
- Demolition of existing driveway
- Crossover modification (council fees)
- Stormwater connections
- Retaining walls
- Resource consent if heritage zone
- Border features (stones, planting)
Usually no building consent needed
Most driveway replacements don't need a building consent. New driveway crossovers to a council road do require council approval (separate from building consent) — there's an application form and a fee.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What concrete strength (MPa)? 20 MPa minimum, 25-30 MPa standard for residential.
- What reinforcement — steel mesh, rebar?
- How thick — 100mm minimum, 125-150mm if vehicle bigger than a car?
- Sealing included? Coloured and exposed aggregate need sealing.
Wellington lay a concrete driveway: common questions
- How long should a concrete driveway last in NZ?
- Properly installed concrete driveway lasts 30-50 years with light maintenance. Major repairs needed only if subgrade fails or reinforcement corrodes (rare with steel mesh).
- Concrete vs asphalt driveway in NZ?
- Concrete: longer lifespan (30-50 years vs asphalt's 15-25), better appearance, higher upfront. Asphalt: faster install, easier repair, lower upfront. Concrete is more common on residential driveways.
Before you pay anyone, check who they are.
Check the company that quoted you: company status, registration and what's on the public record, from the official NZ sources.
Check a builderActually starting this build? Keep watch on your builder for the whole build →