Gardener and lawn mowing costs in New Zealand (2026)
A gardener costs about $40 to $80 per hour in New Zealand. Mowing a typical section costs about $40 to $70 per visit. Below you see what gardeners charge for mowing, hedges, clean-ups and new gardens.
Lawn mowing prices
Mowing is usually a fixed price per visit. The size of the lawn, slopes and how often you book change the price. Regular visits cost less per mow than a one-off cut of long grass.
| Lawn | Guide price per mow |
|---|---|
| Small lawn (under 200 m2) | $25 to $50 |
| Typical section (200 to 500 m2) | $40 to $70 |
| Large section (500 m2+) | $60 to $100+ |
Taking the clippings away can add 10 to 25 percent.
Gardener hourly rates
Weeding, pruning and general garden care are mostly charged per hour, plus green waste. Skilled work, like pruning fruit trees or designing a planting plan, costs more.
| Work | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Gardener, per hour | $40 to $80 |
| Weeding and bed tidy, per visit | $50 to $150 |
| Green waste removal | $20 to $100 per load |
Hedge trimming prices
| Hedge | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Light trim | $80 to $200 |
| Typical suburban hedge | $150 to $350 |
| Large boundary hedge | $300 to $600+ |
| Overgrown hedge, cut back | $400 to $1,000+ |
Height, length, access and green waste removal change the price.
New lawns and landscaping
| Job | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Ready lawn (turf), laid | $25 to $45 per m2 |
| Garden bed prep and planting | $40 to $120 per m2 |
| Small garden makeover | $2,000 to $9,000 |
| Medium landscaping project | $10,000 to $28,000 |
Some landscaping prices exclude GST. Ask for a written quote.
How to save on garden care
- Book regular visits: a tidy garden takes less time than an overgrown one.
- Ask for a fixed price per mow or per visit.
- Use your own green bin for clippings, if the gardener agrees.
- Trim hedges two or three times a year, before they get out of hand.
Questions about gardener costs
How much does a gardener cost per hour in NZ?
Most gardeners charge $40 to $80 per hour. Auckland is often a bit higher. Skilled or certified gardeners can charge more.
How much does lawn mowing cost in NZ?
A typical section costs about $40 to $70 per mow. A small lawn can be $25 to $50. A large section of 500 m2 or more costs $60 to $100 or more.
How much does hedge trimming cost in NZ?
A typical suburban hedge costs about $150 to $350. A small light trim can be under $200. Big or overgrown hedges can cost $400 to $1,000 or more.
How much does landscaping cost in NZ?
A small garden makeover costs about $2,000 to $9,000. A medium project is about $10,000 to $28,000. Prices in one guide exclude GST.
How much does new turf cost in NZ?
Ready lawn costs about $25 to $45 per m2 laid. Sowing seed is much cheaper. Seed takes longer to grow.
Average prices including GST, from several price guides. Checked in October 2026. Always ask for a quote for your own situation.
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