Renovating your kitchen is one of the most rewarding upgrades for any Kiwi home—but it’s also one of the priciest. Whether you’re dreaming of a stylish chef’s kitchen or just want to freshen things up, understanding the kitchen renovation cost is key to staying within budget.
In this guide, we break down typical costs in New Zealand, show what affects pricing, and offer tips to save money. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation Auckland project or a smaller refresh anywhere else, this guide will help you plan wisely.
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in NZ?
Kitchen renovation costs vary a lot depending on the size of your space, materials, and the changes you make. According to local industry data and project modeling studies (Yazicioglu, 2012), here are the typical cost ranges:
Basic Kitchen Renovation – $16,000–$25,000
- Good for rentals or light updates
- Includes pre-made cabinets, laminate benchtops, basic appliances
- No layout changes; limited plumbing or electrical work
Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation – $25,000–$45,000
- Great for most family homes
- Custom cabinetry, better appliances, tiling, modern lighting
- May include small layout changes (e.g., adding an island)
High-End Kitchen Renovation – $45,000–$90,000+
- Ideal for luxury homes or full redesigns
- Stone benchtops, top-brand appliances, structural changes
- Often includes professional design and project management
What Affects Kitchen Renovation Costs?
Renovation costs depend on many factors. Research in renovation project planning shows that clear timelines and budget tracking can reduce overspending by over 15% (Lim et al., 2024).
Key cost factors include:
- Layout changes – Moving plumbing or adding new electrical points can add $5,000–$10,000.
- Cabinet type – Pre-made cabinets cost $3,000–$7,000, while custom ones range from $10,000–$20,000+.
- Benchtop material – Laminate costs about $300/m²; engineered stone can cost over $1,000/m².
- Appliances – Basic packages start at $3,000; smart or designer models can exceed $15,000.
- Labour rates – Higher in Auckland ($120–$150/hr); lower in regional areas ($80–$100/hr).
- Project scale – Bigger kitchens or complex finishes push the cost higher.
How Much per Square Metre?
In 2025, the average kitchen renovation cost per square metre in NZ is about $2,300/m². This can vary:
- Basic: $1,500–$2,000/m²
- Mid-range: $2,000–$3,000/m²
- Luxury: $3,000–$4,500/m²
For a 10m² kitchen:
- Basic update = around $18,000
- Mid-range = $25,000–$30,000
- High-end = $40,000–$50,000+
Tips to Reduce Kitchen Renovation Costs
Even with a tight budget, a smart plan can stretch your money. Here are cost-saving ideas backed by both industry tips and academic insights:
- Keep the layout: Avoid moving plumbing or electrical if possible.
- Use flat-pack cabinetry: Saves on custom joinery costs.
- Mix high and low-end materials: Splurge on benchtops, save on splashbacks.
- Refinish, don’t replace: Painting cabinets or resurfacing counters costs less than full replacement.
- Plan early: Poor planning causes delays and cost blowouts. Early preparation saves time and money (Parrott et al., 2008).
Is a Kitchen Renovation Worth the Investment?
Yes—when done well. A stylish, functional kitchen improves your everyday life and can add real value to your property. Research on design upgrades shows that appearance often matters more to buyers than cost, making kitchens a high-impact area for home resale [(Parrott et al., 2008)].
Long-term savings also come from choosing energy-efficient appliances, durable materials, and proper ventilation, which can improve both health and energy performance (Men et al., 2024).
Final Thoughts
Understanding your kitchen renovation cost helps you set a clear budget and avoid surprises. Whether you’re after a basic refresh or a luxury build, knowing what affects pricing and where to save makes all the difference.
For expert guidance, QK Renovation offers professional kitchen renovation services in Auckland, delivering quality craftsmanship that fits your budget. Ready to get started? Visit QK Renovation for a free consultation today.
References
- Lim, R. Y., Razali, S. N., Shafi, M. A., & Arbin, N. (2024). Optimizing House Renovation Projects Using Industrial Engineering-Based Approaches.
- Yazicioglu, D. (2012). Regression Model for Interior Design Cost Estimate in Preliminary Stage.
- Parrott, K. R., Beamish, J., Emmel, J., & Lee, S.-J. (2008). Kitchen Remodeling: Exploring the Dream Kitchen Projects.
- Men, Y., Jiang, K., Li, Y., et al. (2024). Mitigating Household Air Pollution Exposure Through Kitchen Renovation.