Fencing contractors in New Zealand: prices per metre and how to choose
Fencing contractors build boundary, privacy, pool and rural fences in timber, steel, aluminium, glass and masonry, and install gates. Most price by the lineal metre, with the material, height, slope and ground conditions setting the rate.
Best fencing contractors by city
- Best fencing contractors in Auckland Ranking in progress
We publish city by city, and only once every business on a list is verified. More cities follow Auckland.
Browse fencing contractors by city
- Fencing contractors in Auckland 57 listed
- Fencing contractors in Wellington 11 listed
What fencing contractors do
- Timber fences
- Paling, capped paling, batten and horizontal slat fences.
- Steel and aluminium fences
- Colorsteel-style panels, aluminium slats and privacy screens.
- Pool fencing
- Glass and aluminium pool barriers built to the Building Code.
- Gates
- Pedestrian and driveway gates, manual or automated.
- Rural fencing
- Post-and-wire, post-and-rail and stock fencing.
How much does a fence cost?
Two cited fencing guides give different bases: one Auckland installer lists timber paling from $130–$230 per metre excluding GST, while a NZ budgeting guide estimates standard timber at $180–$350 including GST. The latter estimates steel panels at $220–$450 and standard aluminium at $300–$650 including GST; glass pool-fence estimates vary by specification.
| Job or rate | Typical price (NZD) | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber paling or capped paling | $130–$230 + GST | per metre | [1] |
| Premium timber: batten, shiplap or horizontal | $185–$360 + GST | per metre | [1] |
| Standard timber paling | $180–$350 incl. GST | per metre | [2] |
| Colorsteel-style steel panel | $220–$450 incl. GST | per metre | [2] |
| Standard aluminium | $300–$650 incl. GST | per metre | [2] |
How to choose a fencing contractor
- Get written quotes priced per metre, with the height, materials, post spacing and gates listed.
- Ask whether removing and disposing of the old fence is included.
- Talk to your neighbour before building a boundary fence. Under the Fencing Act, neighbours usually share the cost of an adequate fence.
- For a pool fence, ask how the contractor makes sure it meets the Building Code and passes council inspection.
- Ask what treatment grade the posts and timber are, and what warranty you get.
Red flags
- Quotes without a per-metre rate or material details.
- Posts that are not set in concrete, or are too far apart.
- Pool fences built without mentioning the Building Code or council inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fence cost per metre in NZ?
A standard timber paling fence costs about $130 to $350 a metre installed. Steel panel fences cost about $220 to $450 a metre, aluminium $300 to $650, and glass pool fencing $350 to $1,200 or more.
How much does a gate cost?
A basic timber pedestrian gate costs about $800 to $1,800 installed, a manual driveway gate $3,000 to $8,000 or more, and an automated driveway gate $7,000 to $20,000 or more.
Do I have to share the cost of a boundary fence?
Usually. The Fencing Act 1978 says neighbours generally share the cost of an adequate boundary fence, and sets out a fencing notice process if you cannot agree.
Does a fence need a building consent?
Most fences up to 2.5 metres high do not, but check your district plan for height rules. Pool fences must meet the Building Code, and councils inspect pool barriers every 3 years.