Cost guide · Wellington

Kitchen Renovation cost in Wellington (2026)

Typical Wellington range

$16,000 – $95,000

Most Wellington projects land around $26,000 – $47,000. 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

Cabinetry & installation
Benchtop
Standard appliances
Splashback & tiling
Painting

Usually excluded

Structural changes
Re-wiring beyond like-for-like
Premium appliance upgrades
Council consent fees

Sometimes needs a building consent

A like-for-like cosmetic refresh is usually exempt. Moving plumbing or gas, or removing a structural wall, needs a building consent. Read the consent rules →

See 370 Builders on the register in Wellington

Questions to ask before you sign

Are you the contract holder, or subcontracting the trades out?
What's the payment schedule, and is it tied to milestones?
Who handles the consent if one is needed?

Wellington kitchen renovation: common questions

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in NZ in 2026?: A mid-range kitchen renovation typically costs $25,000–$45,000, with budget refreshes from about $15,000 and premium rebuilds reaching $90,000+. Auckland prices sit roughly 10–20% above the national average.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?: Most kitchen renovations take 3–8 weeks on site, longer if you're moving plumbing, removing walls or waiting on custom joinery.
Is it cheaper to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?: Refacing typically costs 40–60% of full replacement, so it can be a good saving if the existing cabinet boxes are sound and the layout works.

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 builder

Actually starting this build? Keep watch on your builder for the whole build →

Figures are 2026 estimates for guidance only, not a quote. Actual cost depends on your site, spec and the company you choose. Always get written quotes and check the company on the public record before you pay a deposit.