All gas work in NZ — from connecting a gas hob to installing a new gas hot water system — must be done by a licensed gasfitter registered with the PGDB. Here's what gasfitters charge in NZ in 2026 and what to expect for common gas jobs.
Gas Fitting Cost NZ 2026
| Service | Typical NZ cost |
|---|---|
| Call-out fee (travel + first 30 min) | $100–$220 |
| Hourly rate (licensed gasfitter) | $95–$160/hr |
| Gas hob installation (existing connection) | $180–$400 |
| Gas hob installation (new connection from meter) | $600–$1,500 |
| Gas oven installation | $250–$600 |
| Gas hot water cylinder installation (continuous flow) | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Gas hot water system (new pipework required) | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Gas log fire / fireplace installation | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Gas BBQ point installation | $400–$900 |
| LPG bottle changeover / regulator replacement | $100–$300 |
| Gas leak investigation (call-out + test) | $200–$500 |
| Gas pipe extension (per lm) | $80–$200/lm |
| Gas certificate of compliance (COC) | Included in job cost |
All prices GST inclusive. Auckland 10–15% above national average. After-hours gas emergencies attract 1.5–2× rates. Natural gas connection availability varies by street and suburb.
Why All Gas Work Must Be Licensed
Under the Gas Act 1992 and Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010, all gasfitting work must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
This includes: - Installing, servicing, or modifying any gas appliance connected to fixed pipework - Running or modifying gas supply pipework - Connecting or disconnecting gas appliances - Commissioning gas systems
Check PGDB registration before hiring: pgdb.co.nz — enter the tradesperson's name. Takes 30 seconds.
Certificate of Compliance (COC): Every piece of gasfitting work must be certified with a COC. Keep all COCs — they prove the work is safe and are required if you sell the property or make an insurance claim involving gas.
Gas leaks are emergencies. If you smell gas: don't operate electrical switches, don't use a phone near the leak, ventilate the space, shut off the gas at the meter or bottle, and call a licensed gasfitter or your gas supplier.
Natural Gas vs LPG in NZ
| Natural gas (reticulated) | LPG (bottled) | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Main centres (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch) — street-by-street | Nationwide, anywhere |
| Supply | Continuous, piped from street | Delivered in 45kg bottles |
| Connection cost | $1,500–$5,000 (new connection from street) | Lower — just a regulator and bottle |
| Running cost | Generally lower per kWh | Higher per kWh than natural gas |
| Best for | Urban properties with street supply | Rural, coastal, areas without natural gas |
Check natural gas availability: Contact Vector (Auckland) or First Gas (other NZ centres) to confirm if natural gas is available at your street address before assuming it is.
Common Gas Jobs Explained
Gas Hob Installation
Installing a gas hob where a gas point already exists (e.g. replacing an old gas hob): relatively simple — the gasfitter connects the appliance, checks for leaks, commissions, and issues a COC. Allow $180–$400.
Installing a new gas hob where no gas connection exists (converting from electric): requires running a new gas line from the meter, which involves more pipework and cost. Allow $600–$1,500+ depending on distance from meter.
Gas Hot Water
Continuous flow (instant) gas hot water heaters are popular in NZ — no storage cylinder, hot water on demand. Leading brands: Rinnai, Rheem, Bosch.
Replacement (existing gas HW system): $1,500–$3,000 — gasfitter disconnects old unit, installs new, connects pipework and flue, commissions and COC.
New installation (converting from electric): $2,500–$6,000 — requires new gas pipework run to HW location, flue penetration through exterior wall, and commissioning.
Gas vs heat pump hot water (2026): Gas instant HW costs roughly 15–25c/kWh equivalent at current gas prices. A heat pump HW system costs 8–12c/kWh equivalent using electricity. For new installs with no existing gas, heat pump HW is now often the better economic choice.
Gas Fireplaces and Log Fires
Gas log fires and fireplaces require: - A gas supply point in the right location - Flue penetration through wall or ceiling (for balanced-flue models) or existing chimney connection - Commissioning and safety test
Balanced-flue gas fires (most common in NZ) don't require an existing chimney — the flue goes directly through an exterior wall. Allow $1,500–$4,000 fully installed.
Gas BBQ Points
An outdoor gas point for a BBQ or outdoor kitchen is a popular addition in NZ. A gasfitter runs a line from the interior gas supply to an outdoor point with a capped bayonet fitting. Allow $400–$900 depending on pipe run length and difficulty.
Finding a Licensed Gasfitter
- Verify PGDB registration at pgdb.co.nz
- Many plumbers also hold gasfitter licences — one trade, both COCs
- For new installations, get 2–3 quotes
- Ask whether they supply the appliance or if you should source separately (usually cheaper to source yourself through a retailer)
Questions to ask: 1. Are you PGDB licensed as a gasfitter? What is your registration number? 2. Will I receive a COC on completion? 3. Is the appliance supply included in your quote or separate? 4. Do I need natural gas availability confirmed before proceeding?
Find gasfitters: Gasfitters NZ | Plumbers NZ | Post Your Job Free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a gasfitter cost in NZ? Hourly rate: $95–$160/hr. Call-out fee: $100–$220. Gas hob installation (existing connection): $180–$400. Gas continuous flow hot water installation: $1,500–$3,500. After-hours callouts are 1.5–2× standard rates.
Can I install a gas appliance myself in NZ? No. All gasfitting work must be done by a PGDB-licensed gasfitter. This includes connecting any gas appliance to fixed pipework. Even plugging in an appliance with a flexible hose to a bayonet fitting is regulated. Unlicensed gas work is illegal and can void your home insurance.
How do I know if natural gas is available at my address? Contact Vector (Auckland) or First Gas (other centres). Natural gas availability is street-by-street — your neighbour may have it but your street may not. Check before committing to gas appliances.
What is a COC for gas work? A Certificate of Compliance (COC) is issued by your licensed gasfitter after completing gasfitting work. It certifies the work is safe and compliant. Keep all COCs — you'll need them when selling your property and they're essential for insurance claims involving gas incidents.
Is gas or electric cheaper in NZ in 2026? For cooking: gas is generally preferred for performance (instant heat control) but electricity (induction) is becoming comparable in cost and significantly surpasses gas in safety and air quality. For hot water: heat pump hot water is now typically cheaper to run than gas instant at 2026 energy prices. For space heating: heat pumps are consistently cheaper per kWh than gas heating.
Related: Plumber Cost NZ | Electrician Cost NZ | Heat Pump Installation Cost NZ