TL;DR: NZ Website Costs (2025)
Simple one-page website: $500 – $2,000
Small business website (5-10 pages): $2,000 – $6,000
Professional service website: $3,000 – $10,000
E-commerce store (basic): $3,000 – $8,000
Custom web application: $10,000+
These are realistic 2025 market rates based on our research of NZ web agencies and freelancers. Read on to understand what drives these costs.
Why NZ website costs vary so much
You've probably seen quotes ranging from $500 to $15,000 for what seems like the same thing. Here's why:
1. Technology & platform choice
A WordPress site might cost $3,000-$8,000 due to plugin complexity and maintenance. A modern JAMstack site (like we build) can deliver the same result for $500-$2,000 because it's faster to build and requires less ongoing work.
2. Design complexity
Custom design from scratch: $5,000-$15,000. Customised template or component-based design: $500-$3,000. The latter often looks just as professional for most SMEs.
3. Content & copywriting
If the agency writes all your content, add $1,000-$5,000. If you provide content ready to publish, you'll save significantly.
4. Features & integrations
Basic contact form: included. Booking system: +$300-$1,000. E-commerce: +$1,000-$5,000. Custom integrations (CRM, payment gateway, etc.): +$500-$3,000 each.
5. Agency overhead vs. freelancer
Auckland CBD agencies charge $8,000-$20,000 for the same website a freelancer or regional team charges $2,000-$6,000 for. You're often paying for office rent and brand prestige, not better quality.
Website types & realistic NZ pricing
One-Page Website
$500 – $2,000
Best for: Tradies, cafes, salons, sole traders, consultants
A single-page website with all essential information—services, about, contact. Perfect for businesses that need an online presence without complexity.
What's included: Mobile-responsive design, contact form, Google Maps, basic SEO, hosting setup
Our price: $699 for Fast One-Pager (industry-optimised, analytics included)
Small Business Website (5-10 pages)
$2,000 – $6,000
Best for: Established businesses, professional services, local retailers
Multi-page website with services, about, team, portfolio/gallery, testimonials, and contact pages. Professional presentation with room to showcase expertise.
What's included: Custom design, SEO optimisation, blog setup, contact forms, analytics, mobile-optimised
Our price: $2,499 for Brochure Website (up to 5 pages, JAMstack, SEO-optimised)
E-commerce Store
$3,000 – $10,000+
Best for: Product sellers, retailers, artisans
Online store with product catalogue, shopping cart, checkout, payment processing, and order management. Price varies significantly based on number of products and customisation.
What's included: Shopify/WooCommerce setup, payment gateway, inventory management, shipping configuration, product pages
Our price: $799 for Shopify Light (up to 5 products) or custom quote for larger catalogues
Booking/Appointment System
+$300 – $1,500
Best for: Salons, therapists, consultants, personal trainers
Online booking system integrated with your website. Clients book 24/7, you get automated notifications and calendar syncing.
What's included: Booking calendar, email confirmations, SMS reminders, payment collection (optional)
Our price: $449 for Booking Tool Integration (calendar sync, automated confirmations, reminders)
Hidden costs to watch for
The quoted price isn't always the final price. Here are common extras that catch NZ businesses by surprise:
Ongoing hosting & maintenance fees
Many agencies charge $50-$300/month for hosting and updates. Make sure this is clear upfront. We include free hosting for most micro services.
Domain & email setup
Sometimes charged separately at $100-$500. Should usually be included or very cheap.
SSL certificate
Essential for security (the padlock in browser). Should be free via Let's Encrypt, not a $200/year upsell.
Content entry & setup
Entering your text, images, and products can be charged at $50-$150/hour. Clarify if this is included.
Training & handover
Learning how to update your own website. Should be included but isn't always. Expect 1-2 hours minimum.
How to avoid overpaying
Get 3 quotes and compare what's included
Don't just compare headline prices. Check what's included, ongoing costs, and delivery timeframes.
Question "starting at" pricing
If a quote says "websites from $2,000", ask for a fixed quote for your specific needs. "Starting at" often means the final price is much higher.
Ask about platform fees
Shopify charges $39-$399 USD/month. Wix and Squarespace have similar recurring costs. Factor these into your decision.
Consider build speed
A $5,000 website delivered in 3 months vs. a $2,000 website in 1 week—which is actually better value? Time to market matters.
Prioritise performance
A fast website converts 15-30% better than a slow one. Ask about page speed—if they can't answer, that's a red flag.
Industry-specific pricing guidance
Website costs and requirements vary by industry. Here's guidance for specific NZ business types:
Trades & Builders
Electricians, plumbers, builders typically need $500-$2,000 for a fast, mobile-optimised website with quote forms and service areas.
View tradie solutions →Hospitality & Cafes
Cafes and restaurants need $500-$3,000 for a beautiful site with menus, online ordering, and table booking systems.
View hospitality solutions →Health & Wellness
Therapists, physios, trainers typically invest $500-$2,000 for professional sites with integrated booking systems.
View health solutions →Professional Services
Accountants, lawyers, consultants often need $2,000-$6,000 for authority-building multi-page sites with case studies.
View professional solutions →Tip: Industry-specific solutions often cost less than generic builds because the workflows, features, and design patterns are proven and reusable.
Our transparent pricing (for comparison)
We're Knowd Digital, and we build these guides to help NZ businesses make informed decisions. Here's exactly what we charge (no hidden costs):
Fast One-Pager: $699 + GST
Brochure Website (up to 5 pages): $2,499 + GST
Shopify Light (up to 5 products): $799 + GST
Booking Tool Integration: $449 + GST
SEO Foundation Setup: $899 + GST
All prices include hosting, SSL, analytics setup, and training. No monthly fees unless you opt for ongoing support ($29-$299/month).
Final thoughts
Website costs in NZ vary wildly, but now you know what's realistic. A simple business website shouldn't cost $15,000 unless it has genuinely complex requirements. Most SMEs need something in the $500-$3,000 range.
Focus on these questions when getting quotes:
- What's the total cost including hosting, domain, and setup?
- Are there any ongoing monthly fees?
- How long until the website is live?
- Can I update it myself, or do I need to pay for every change?
- What happens if I want to leave—do I own the website?
If you want a second opinion on a quote you've received, or you'd like honest advice about what you actually need, get in touch. We're happy to help even if you don't end up working with us.