Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Costs in New Zealand (2026)

← All posts

"How much will it cost?" is the first question every homeowner asks. The honest answer is that it depends on your space, your finishes, and what's hiding behind the walls. But we can give you real ranges based on projects we've completed in Whanganui and the wider Manawatū region.

Kitchen renovation costs

Kitchens are the most expensive room to renovate per square metre. They involve plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, benchtops, and appliances — all in a tight space where everything has to work together.

Budget kitchen refresh: $15,000–$25,000

New doors on existing carcasses, replacement benchtop, new splashback, and updated handles. Keeps the existing layout and plumbing. Good option if the layout works but the look is dated.

Mid-range kitchen renovation: $25,000–$45,000

New cabinetry, stone or engineered benchtops, updated appliances, new flooring, and lighting. May include moving a wall or relocating the sink. This is where most of our Whanganui clients land.

High-end kitchen renovation: $45,000–$70,000+

Custom cabinetry, premium stone benchtops, integrated appliances, underfloor heating, and designer lighting. Often part of a larger open-plan renovation.

Bathroom renovation costs

Bathrooms are simpler in scope but waterproofing, drainage, and tiling make them labour-intensive relative to their size.

Budget bathroom: $10,000–$18,000

New vanity, toilet, shower over bath, re-tile wet areas, and fresh paint. Uses the existing plumbing layout.

Mid-range bathroom: $18,000–$30,000

Full strip-out and re-tile, new fixtures, frameless shower, heated towel rail, and new ventilation. May include layout changes.

High-end bathroom: $30,000–$50,000+

Freestanding bath, walk-in shower with feature tile, underfloor heating, custom vanity, and premium tapware. The kind of bathroom that adds real value to a home.

Why costs are lower in Whanganui

Labour rates in the Manawatū-Whanganui region sit about 15–25% below Wellington and Auckland. Material costs are similar nationwide, but freight to Whanganui is reasonable given the central North Island location. The net result: your renovation budget goes further here.

What drives the price up

• Moving plumbing or drainage — Relocating a sink or toilet adds $2,000–$5,000
• Structural changes — Removing a load-bearing wall requires engineering and consent ($3,000–$8,000)
• Old wiring or plumbing — Houses built before 1970 often need full rewiring or re-plumbing once walls are opened
• Consent requirements — Budget $2,000–$5,000 for consent on larger renovations

How to get an accurate quote

Online calculators give you ballpark figures. For a real number, you need someone to look at your specific house. At Renoman, we provide detailed quotes after an on-site visit — no charge, no obligation. We walk through your space, discuss what you want, and come back with a written scope and price.

Call Tawhiri on 021 2424 555 or book a free consult.