Fencing is one of the most common home improvement projects in NZ — and one of the most variable in price. A simple 20-metre boundary fence in timber might cost $3,000; a similar length in frameless glass pool fencing could be $15,000. Material choice, post type, site conditions and gates drive the price. This guide gives you realistic 2026 per-metre prices for every common fencing type in New Zealand.
Fencing Cost per Metre — NZ 2026
All prices below are installed (including posts, concrete, rails and labour) for a standard 1.8m-high residential fence on flat ground. Rocky ground, steep slopes, or removing existing fencing will add to these figures.
| Fence type | Height | Cost per linear metre (installed, NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Timber paling (pine) | 1.8m | $90–$180/m |
| Colorbond / colour steel | 1.8m | $130–$250/m |
| Aluminium slat | 1.8m | $150–$300/m |
| Pool fence — glass panels | 1.2m (minimum) | $300–$600/m |
| Post and wire (farm) | 1.0–1.2m | $15–$35/m |
| Picket fence (timber) | 1.0–1.2m | $100–$200/m |
Add 15–20% for Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch where material transport and demand increase costs.
What Affects Fencing Price
- Ground conditions: Rocky ground requires post-hole drilling rather than hand-digging — adds $200–$500+ for a standard residential job
- Slope: Stepped or raked fencing on sloped ground adds complexity and cost — allow 20–40% extra for sloped sections
- Old fence removal: Most fencers charge $20–$40/linear metre to remove and dispose of the old fence — confirm this is in the quote
- Gates: Single pedestrian gate $500–$1,200; double vehicle gate $1,000–$2,500 (manual); automated sliding gate $3,000–$6,000+
- Post specification: H5-treated pine posts are essential for in-ground posts in NZ — H3 posts will rot faster. Confirm the treatment level in your quote.
- Concrete depth: Posts should be concreted to at least 600mm depth (1/3 of post length) in normal soil; deeper in sandy or coastal soils
Timber vs Colour Steel vs Aluminium
| Material | Upfront cost | Maintenance | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber (pine) | Lowest | Paint/stain every 5–7 years; replace boards as needed | 15–20 years |
| Colour steel (Colorbond) | Mid | Rinse in coastal areas; no painting required | 25–40 years |
| Aluminium | Higher | Virtually none — won't rust or rot | 40+ years |
In coastal or salt-air environments (within 500m of the sea), colour steel and powder-coated aluminium significantly outperform timber. Pine posts and palings deteriorate faster in marine environments even when treated.
Pool Fencing — NZ Compliance Requirements
All new pool fences in NZ must comply with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and NZS 8500:2006. Key requirements:
- Minimum height: 1.2 metres
- Vertical member gap: Maximum 100mm between any vertical members
- Gate: Must be self-closing and self-latching; latch on the pool side at least 1.5m above ground
- No climbable objects: Nothing within 900mm of the pool fence that could be climbed (trees, furniture, BBQs)
- Building consent required: Pool fences always require a council building consent and inspection
Glass pool fencing (frameless or semi-frameless) is popular in NZ and compliant when installed correctly. Frameless glass runs $400–$600/m installed; semi-frameless is $300–$450/m. Always use a licensed fencer for pool fence work — non-compliant pool fences attract council fines and invalidate home insurance.
Do You Need a Building Consent for a Fence?
In most cases, a standard boundary fence under 2 metres high doesn't require a building consent. Exceptions where you may need consent:
- Any pool fence (always requires consent)
- Fences over 2.5 metres high
- Fences combined with retaining walls over 1.5m
- Fences on disputed boundaries (check with your council)
When in doubt, call your local council building team — they can confirm whether consent is needed before you spend money on materials or labour.
Tips for Getting the Best Fencing Quote
- Get at least 3 quotes — fencing prices vary substantially between contractors
- Confirm who removes the old fence — and who pays for disposal
- Check post treatment level — H5 treated for in-ground posts; H3 for above-ground sections
- Ask about wind loading — Wellington and exposed coastal sites may need additional bracing or heavier posts; specify this upfront
- Concrete depth matters — posts set too shallow will lean within a few years; get this in writing
Compare quotes from trusted fencers near you — no obligation, free to use.
Find Local Fencers →Frequently Asked Questions
Installed fencing costs (2026): timber paling $90–$180/m, colour steel $130–$250/m, aluminium slat $150–$300/m, glass pool fence $300–$600/m. Post-and-wire farm fencing is $15–$35/m. Add 15–20% for Auckland and Wellington.
Most residential boundary fences under 2 metres don't require consent. Pool fences always require a consent and council inspection. Fences over 2.5m or combined with retaining walls may also need consent — check with your local council.
Timber paling (treated pine) at $90–$180/linear metre is the cheapest residential option. Post-and-wire is cheaper for rural properties ($15–$35/m). Timber costs more to maintain long-term (painting, board replacement) than steel or aluminium.
H4/H5 treated pine posts in the ground typically last 20–30 years. Pine boards above ground last 15–20 years with regular painting or staining. In coastal environments, colour steel or aluminium significantly outlasts timber.
NZ pool fences must be at least 1.2m high, have gaps of no more than 100mm between vertical members, and have a self-closing, self-latching gate with the latch on the pool side at least 1.5m above ground. A building consent and council inspection are required.