How Much Does It Cost to Install a Heat Pump in NZ? (2026)
Typical cost in NZ
$4,000
A install a heat pump in New Zealand typically costs around $4,000, ranging from $2,000 for a budget job to $25,000+ at the premium end. The figures below break down what each level gets you, what drives the price, and how it varies by region.
Install a Heat Pump cost by level
Budget
$2,000 – $4,000
Single-room high-wall split system, 3-5kW, straightforward install, common brand (Mitsubishi, Daikin, Panasonic).
Mid-range
$4,000 – $8,000
Larger split system (5-9kW) for open-plan living, premium brand, professional install with longer pipework or hidden routing.
Premium
$9,000 – $25,000
Multi-room ducted system, whole-house heating and cooling, advanced controls, refrigerant routing through framing.
What changes the price
| Factor | Impact | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (kW) | Linear | Larger heat pumps cost more — both unit and labour. Right-sizing matters. |
| Single split vs ducted | $2k vs $15k+ | Split systems are quick install; ducted requires framing access and longer install. |
| Pipe run length | +$200-1,000 | Longer pipe runs from outdoor unit to indoor add labour and refrigerant. |
| Brand | +10-30% premium tier | Mitsubishi top brand, Fujitsu/Daikin similar, budget brands $500-1,000 less. |
| Existing wiring | +$300-1,500 | Older houses may need new dedicated circuit and switchboard work. |
Install a Heat Pump cost by region
Indicative cost based on the typical figure, adjusted for regional labour and material differences.
Auckland
$5,000
Wellington
$4,000
Christchurch
$4,000
Hamilton
$4,000
Tauranga
$4,000
Regional NZ
$4,000
What's usually included — and what isn't
Usually included
- Heat pump unit (indoor + outdoor)
- Standard pipe run (typically up to 4m)
- Bracketing and basic installation
- Electrical connection to existing circuit
- Refrigerant charge
- Commissioning and customer demo
Usually extra
- New electrical circuit if existing inadequate
- Switchboard upgrade
- Extended pipe run (over 4m)
- Decorative covers or trims
- Removing existing heating systems
- Wifi controls / smart home integration (sometimes)
Typical timeline
1–3 days
Building consent
Not usually required
Heat pump install doesn't need building consent. Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician who'll issue a Certificate of Compliance.
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Getting quotes without getting burned
Red flags in a quote
- Doesn't specify capacity (kW) of the unit
- Brand and model not named
- Doesn't mention CoC from the sparky
- Single price with no warranty terms
Questions to ask
- What capacity (kW) and is it sized for the room area?
- Brand and model — exact one?
- What's the warranty on the unit AND the install?
- Who's the licensed electrician issuing the Certificate of Compliance?
- Has the outdoor unit position been agreed (noise to neighbours)?
Find registered trades near you
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Electricians
Frequently asked questions
- What size heat pump for a NZ living room?
- Rule of thumb: 0.1 kW per m² for well-insulated newer homes, up to 0.15 kW/m² for older homes. A 40 m² open-plan living typically needs 5-6 kW capacity.
- Are heat pumps subsidised in NZ?
- Some EECA programs subsidise insulation and heating for low-income households. For owner-occupiers without that support, no direct subsidy. Healthy Homes rules require landlords to install fixed heating, which drives the market.
- How long does a heat pump last?
- 10-15 years for the outdoor unit (compressor wear), often longer for the indoor unit. Quality install and regular cleaning extends life.
Related cost guides
Sources: Heat pump installer quotes 2025-2026; Smarter Homes — heat pump guidance; EECA energy efficiency programme. Figures are 2026 estimates for guidance only and exclude GST unless stated — always get written quotes for your specific project. Last updated 2026-05.