Irrigation in New Zealand
A well-designed irrigation system saves water, time, and keeps your garden thriving through NZ's dry summers — especially in the East Coast, Canterbury, and Central Otago regions.
Water Use Considerations
- NZ average summer lawn water need: 25–30mm/week
- At 25mm/week, a 200m² lawn needs 5,000 litres per week
- Smart controllers with soil moisture sensors can cut water use by 30–50%
Typical Irrigation System Costs
| System type | Cost per m² | Typical 200m² job |
|---|---|---|
| Basic pop-up lawn | $12–$18 | $2,400–$3,600 |
| Rotor system (large areas) | $10–$15 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Drip irrigation (garden beds) | $8–$14 | per m² |
| Full smart system (wifi controller) | $18–$28 | $3,600–$5,600+ |
Council Water Restrictions
Most NZ councils have seasonal water restriction bylaws — check before designing an irrigation system that relies on town supply. Water meters are now mandatory on all new NZ connections.
Find irrigation specialists for your project.