What's Included in a Typical Retaining Walls Quote?
Usually included: Labour, materials (timber/block/stone), drainage behind wall, and concrete footings.
Usually extra: Building consent for walls over 1.5m high, earthworks and soil disposal.
NZ Price Ranges (Baseline β Christchurch)
| Scope | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Short timber wall (β€6m, up to 1m high) | $3,000 β $7,500 |
| Medium block wall (6β20m, 1β1.5m high) | $10,000 β $25,000 |
| Large engineered wall (20m+, 1.5m+ high) | $28,000 β $70,000 |
Christchurch baseline β apply city multiplier for your region. Auckland is ~15% higher; Queenstown ~20% higher; Invercargill/Whanganui ~10% lower.
Tips for Getting the Best Quote
- Walls over 1.5m require building consent in most NZ councils
- Always include drainage behind the wall to prevent failure
- Concrete block outlasts timber but costs more upfront
- Always get at least 3 written quotes before committing.
- Check licence on the relevant NZ register.