Rewiring a house is one of the largest electrical jobs you can undertake. Here's what it costs in NZ in 2026 and when you need one.
House Rewire Cost NZ 2026
| Service | Typical NZ cost |
|---|---|
| Full rewire — 2-bedroom home | $8,000–$18,000 |
| Full rewire — 3-bedroom home | $12,000–$25,000 |
| Full rewire — 4-bedroom home | $16,000–$35,000 |
| Partial rewire (specific circuits) | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Switchboard upgrade (often done with rewire) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Additional power point (per point) | $180–$380 |
| New circuit installation | $350–$750 |
All prices GST inclusive. Auckland and Wellington at the higher end. Prices vary significantly based on home layout, wall construction, and accessibility.
Signs You Need a Rewire
Your home may need rewiring if it has: - Wiring over 30–40 years old (especially aluminium wiring from the 1960s–70s) - Ceramic fuse holders instead of circuit breakers - Outlets with only two pins (no earth) - Flickering lights or frequently tripping breakers - Burning smell from switches or outlets - Scorch marks around outlets or switches - Rubber or fabric insulation (original knob-and-tube wiring)
After a major renovation: If walls are opened up, it's often the right time to upgrade wiring in those areas.
Aluminium Wiring — A NZ Issue
Homes built between approximately 1965 and 1975 may have aluminium wiring instead of copper. Aluminium wiring expands and contracts more than copper, causing connections to loosen over time — a fire risk. Signs: warm outlets or switch plates, flickering lights.
If your home has aluminium wiring: Have an electrician assess it. Options include full rewire, fitting aluminium-compatible outlets and switches, or installing pigtail connectors at all connection points.
What's Involved in a Full Rewire
- Assessment: Electrician inspects existing wiring and plans the new layout
- Switchboard upgrade: Old fuse board replaced with modern circuit breakers and RCDs
- Cable installation: New cables run through walls and ceiling — may require opening wall linings in some areas
- New outlets and switches: All points replaced
- Testing: Full testing of all circuits
- Certificate: Electrical Certificate of Compliance (eCoC) issued
Rewiring and decoration: Cable runs through walls may require making good after the electrician finishes. Factor in plastering and painting costs.
Partial Rewire
If only specific circuits are problematic or you're renovating specific rooms, a partial rewire is more cost-effective. Common partial rewires: - Kitchen circuits (new oven, induction cooktop) - Bathroom circuits - Addition of new circuits (EV charger, heat pump) - Garage or workshop circuits
Is a Rewire Restricted Work?
Yes — all electrical wiring is restricted electrical work in NZ. Must be done by a registered electrician who will issue an Electrical Certificate of Compliance. Never attempt DIY electrical wiring.
Find an electrician: Electricians Near You | Post a Job Free
How much does it cost to rewire a house in NZ? 3-bedroom home: $12,000–$25,000 for a full rewire including new switchboard. Partial rewire (single room or circuit): $1,500–$6,000.
How long does a house rewire take? 2-bed home: 3–5 days. 3-bed home: 5–8 days. Larger or complex homes: 1–3 weeks.
Related: Electricians Near You | Switchboard Upgrade Cost NZ