connectCost guide

What does retaining walls cost?

NZ, incl. GST · updated 2 November 2026

Typical wall 10–25 m

$14,000

Most jobs land between $4,000 and $45,000.

BallparkNZ 2026 ballpark. Real Connect quotes take over once there are enough.

An estimate for planning, not a quote.

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Retaining Walls

Retaining wall

Estimated installed price

$8,400

Most jobs like this land between $6,000 and $11,000, incl. GST, supply and labour.

$500–$900 per lineal metre

Timber pole and rail (H5 posts), 12 m$500–$900 per lineal metre$6,000–$10,800
NZ 2026 ballparkAn estimate for planning, not a quote.

Includes: Excavation, posts concreted in or a footing, the wall, drainage coil and metal behind it, and backfill.

Not included: Carting spoil away unless ticked, rock excavation, fences or balustrades on top, and landscaping in front.

People use Connect for retaining walls jobs big and small.

What drives the price

Length and height, timber pole versus block versus gabion, drainage behind the wall, site access for a digger, carting spoil away, and whether an engineer and consent are needed — usually over 1.5 m or with a driveway or building above.

Example jobs

10 m timber pole wall, 1 m high$5,000–$9,000
Low sleeper wall around a garden, 12 m$3,500–$6,500
20 m block wall, 1.5 m, engineered$25,000–$45,000

Example totals are typical NZ ranges incl. GST.

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Questions

How much does retaining walls cost in NZ?

A typical wall 10–25 m is around $14,000 incl. GST, with most jobs between $4,000 and $45,000. Length and height, timber pole versus block versus gabion, drainage behind the wall, site access for a digger, carting spoil away, and whether an engineer and consent are needed — usually over 1.5 m or with a driveway or building above.

Is this a quote?

No. It is an estimate based on NZ ballparks to help you plan. Post the job on Connect and vetted local tradies will quote your actual job, free.

Why do quotes for the same job vary so much?

Because tradies often quote slightly different jobs. Connect writes one scope with you first so every quote is for the same work and you can compare them properly.

Prices on this page are estimates incl. GST for a typical residential job in NZ and will vary by site, access, materials and season. They are not a quote.

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