How much does a painter cost in Auckland? (2026 prices)
One Auckland renovation firm estimates painter labour at $40–$60 an hour, a 150 m² single-storey home's exterior repaint at $7,000–$15,500, and a three-bedroom interior repaint at $5,000–$12,000. Its guide does not clearly state GST for these ranges; confirm paint, preparation and access inclusions.
These prices are one Auckland renovation firm's estimates, not a New Zealand-wide survey.
Painter prices at a glance
| Job or rate | Typical price (NZD) | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painter hourly rate | $40–$60 | per hour | [1] |
| Interior walls, including ceilings and trims | $50–$80 | per m² of wall | [1] |
| Exterior, weatherboard | $50–$70 | per m² | [1] |
| Exterior, plaster or stucco | $70–$100 | per m² | [1] |
| Whole-house exterior, 150 m² single storey | $7,000–$15,500 | per job | [1] |
| Whole-house interior, three bedrooms | $5,000–$12,000 | per job | [1] |
| Single bedroom (about 12 m²) | $800–$2,000 | per room | [1] |
| Roof repaint, standard 150 m² home | $2,000–$7,000 | per job | [1] |
GST: where a source says a price excludes GST we show "+ GST". Add 15% to compare it with a GST-inclusive quote. Prices marked without a GST note were not labelled by the source.
What changes the price
- Preparation is most of the labour. Badly weathered or flaking surfaces cost more to prepare.
- Lead paint on pre-1980s homes needs testing, containment and careful clean-up, which adds cost.
- Two-storey exteriors usually need scaffolding.
- Premium paint ranges cost more per litre but often last longer. Ask for the product name on the quote.
Getting a fair quote
- Ask exactly what preparation is included: washing, sanding, filling, priming, and how many top coats.
- Ask which paint brand and product range they will use, and get it written on the quote.
- For pre-1980s homes, ask how they test for lead paint and what containment and clean-up they use.
- Check whether scaffolding, plant protection and clean-up are included in the price.
Where these prices come from
We do not invent price ranges. Every figure in the table comes from a price guide published by a New Zealand business, directory or government agency, linked below, and is shown as that source published it. These are typical ranges, not quotes. Your price will depend on your job, your location and the business, so get at least two written quotes.
- Superior Renovations, 'House Painting Cost NZ 2026', updated 24 October 2026