Average Cost of Website Design in New Zealand

If you own a small business in New Zealand, you have probably wondered what a proper website might actually cost.

Some people say you can get a good site for a couple of thousand dollars while others mention numbers like fifteen thousand as if it is normal. It is confusing and hard to know what to believe.

So let us break it down clearly. Here is what small businesses in New Zealand typically pay for different types of websites and why the costs vary so much.

Basic brochure style websites

If you are a local tradie, shop owner or professional service provider, you might only need a simple website that shows who you are, what you do and how people can get in touch.

This type of website is usually three to five pages. A typical setup includes a home page, an about section, details of your services, maybe a gallery and a contact page.

Most small business sites like this cost somewhere between $1,000 and $4,000 NZD.

Freelancers might start from as low as $600 to $1,000, often using standard templates with content you provide. If you want something more customised or with more pages, prices climb closer to $5,000.

But there is a big difference between hiring a freelancer and working with an agency. Agencies typically bring a full team of designers, developers and marketing people who make sure your website is not just a pretty page but a proper tool for getting customers. This also means better planning, better support and a site that can grow with your business.

Ecommerce websites

Selling online is more complex.

Even a small online store needs secure payment systems, a shopping cart, tax and shipping rules and inventory tools to keep things running.

Because of these extras, a basic ecommerce site for a small business in New Zealand usually costs between $5,000 and $10,000.

A simple setup might start around $3,000 to $5,000 if you have only a handful of products and standard features. But once you add more products, special shipping needs or multiple payment options, it pushes the price higher.

If you plan a larger catalogue or unique integrations, expect costs to go well beyond $10,000. That is what it takes to build an online shop people trust enough to buy from.

Custom websites with extra features

This is where the budget grows fast.

If you want online booking connected to your calendar, a members only area or a special database for listings, you are building more than just a website. You are creating a system that works like software for your business.

Most custom websites like this in New Zealand start around $10,000, with many landing between $15,000 and $30,000.

This covers the planning, coding and testing needed to make sure everything runs exactly the way you and your customers expect.

Why such a big price range

It all depends on what you really need.

How many pages will the site have
Who writes the content
Is it a template or fully custom design
Does it connect to your CRM or booking tool
Who provides photos, videos and graphics

Every choice either keeps your project simple or adds more work. More work means more hours, which means more cost.

A local view from us

We are based in Manukau Auckland and work with businesses across New Zealand and Australia.

Most of our clients are small to medium sized companies who want to look professional online without wasting money on the wrong build. We have seen businesses pay far too much for fancy features they never use. We have also seen others go too cheap and end up rebuilding a year later because their site could not keep up.

The best website is always the one that fits your goals and budget.

The bottom line

A good website is an investment that should keep paying you back. But spending on a huge system you do not need or cutting corners on something critical often costs more over time.

Here is what most small businesses in New Zealand can expect

Basic sites usually range from $1,000 to $3,000, sometimes up to $5,000 for more pages or tailored work
Ecommerce sites often sit between $5,000 and $10,000, with bigger shops costing more
Custom systems generally start at $10,000 and many end up between $15,000 and $30,000 for a fully tailored solution

Want to find out what your project might actually cost
Get in touch with us. We will give you a clear honest answer, no technical jargon or pushy sales pitch. Just straightforward advice to help you plan the right website for your business.