Fence Cost Per Metre NZ: 2026 Pricing Guide

Planning a new fence in Franklin, Auckland, or anywhere in NZ? Here's what you can expect to pay per metre in 2026, broken down by material and fence type.

Fence Costs Per Metre (2026)

Waiuku: old line cleared out and a new paling fence run up — per-metre pricing below is what this job worked to.

Papakura: long straight boundary run tied neatly into the existing fence at the drive.

Material	Cost per Linear Metre	Lifespan	Best For
Treated Pine (1.8m high)	$180 - $280	15-25 years	Budget, privacy
Macrocarpa (1.8m high)	$220 - $350	25-35 years	Natural look, durability
Aluminium (1.8m high)	$250 - $400	30+ years	Low maintenance
Colorsteel (1.8m high)	$200 - $320	25-35 years	Rural, lifestyle blocks
Timber + Aluminium Gate	$800 - $1,500 each	20+ years	Driveways, access

Example: 30m Boundary Fence (1.8m High)

Treated Pine

• Materials: $3,600 - $5,400
• Labor: $1,800 - $3,000
• Total: $5,400 - $8,400

Macrocarpa

• Materials: $4,800 - $7,200
• Labor: $1,800 - $3,300
• Total: $6,600 - $10,500

Aluminium

• Materials: $5,400 - $8,400
• Labor: $2,100 - $3,600
• Total: $7,500 - $12,000

What Affects Fence Costs?

1. Fence Height

• 1.2m: -15% (less materials, shorter posts)
• 1.8m: Standard (most common)
• 2.1m: +20% (taller posts, more materials)
• 2.4m: +35% (heavy-duty posts, engineering)

2. Site Conditions

• Flat ground: Standard pricing
• Sloped ground: +10-20% (stepped or raked panels)
• Rocky soil: +15-30% (harder to dig post holes)
• Poor access: +10-25% (manual labor, no machinery)

3. Gates

• Pedestrian gate (1m): $600 - $1,200
• Driveway gate (3m single): $1,200 - $2,500
• Driveway gate (5m double): $2,000 - $4,000
• Automated gate: +$1,500 - $3,000 (motor, remote)

4. Fence Style

• Paling fence (privacy): Standard pricing
• Picket fence (decorative): +10-15%
• Horizontal slat: +15-25%
• Lapped cap (premium finish): +20-30%

Timber Fence Types

1. Paling Fence (Privacy)

• Cost: $180 - $280/m
• Description: Vertical palings, no gaps
• Best for: Privacy, boundary, noise reduction

2. Picket Fence (Decorative)

• Cost: $200 - $320/m
• Description: Spaced pickets, decorative
• Best for: Front yards, cottage style

3. Post and Rail (Rural)

• Cost: $120 - $200/m
• Description: 2-3 rails between posts
• Best for: Lifestyle blocks, stock fencing

4. Horizontal Slat (Modern)

• Cost: $220 - $350/m
• Description: Horizontal boards, modern look
• Best for: Contemporary homes, feature fences

Aluminium Fence Types

1. Standard Aluminium

• Cost: $250 - $350/m
• Description: Powder-coated, various styles
• Best for: Low maintenance, pool fences

2. Premium Aluminium

• Cost: $350 - $500/m
• Description: Decorative, custom designs
• Best for: High-end homes, security

Colorsteel Fencing

• Cost: $200 - $320/m
• Description: Steel panels, various colors
• Best for: Rural, lifestyle blocks, wind protection
• Pros: Durable, low maintenance, fast installation
• Cons: Industrial look, can dent, limited styles

Fence Installation Process

Step 1: Planning

• Measure boundary line
• Check council requirements
• Discuss with neighbour (Fencing Act 1978)

Step 2: Materials

• Choose timber type and height
• Order posts (H4 treated for ground contact)
• Order palings, rails, fixings

Step 3: Post Holes

• Dig holes (600mm deep, 300mm diameter)
• Space posts (2.4m apart for 1.8m fence)
• Set posts in concrete

Step 4: Rails and Palings

• Attach rails (2 for 1.2m, 3 for 1.8m)
• Fix palings (150mm wide, 25mm gap)
• Add capping (optional)

Step 5: Gates

• Install gate posts (heavier duty)
• Hang gate with hinges
• Add latch and handle

Do You Need Consent for a Fence?

Most fences don't need building consent unless:

• Height exceeds 2.5m
• You're in a heritage zone or coastal area
• Fence is part of a pool enclosure (needs compliance)
• You're building a retaining wall over 1.5m

Fencing Act 1978: Neighbour Obligations

Under NZ law, if you want your neighbour to share fence costs:

1. Give written notice (describe fence, cost, their share)
2. Wait 21 days for response
3. If no response: You can proceed, they're liable for half
4. If they object: Mediation or Disputes Tribunal

Tip: Talk to your neighbour first. Most disputes are resolved with good communication.

Related Articles

• Retaining Wall Guide NZ: Cost, Design & Building Consent
• Pergola Cost Guide NZ: Timber vs Aluminium

Get a Free Quote for Your Fence

Solid Foundations Building installs fences in Franklin, Pukekohe, Papakura, and Waiuku. We build:

• Timber fences (pine, macrocarpa, hardwood)
• Aluminium fences and gates
• Colorsteel fencing (rural, lifestyle blocks)
• Boundary fences with neighbour coordination

WhatsApp me at +64 27 951 5272 with your fence length and photos, or request a free on-site quote.

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Prices are estimates for 2026 and include GST. Final cost depends on site conditions and material choices.