How Much Does It Cost to Concrete a Driveway in NZ?
A straightforward guide from a Wellington concreter with how many years of experience, Aden? years of experience.
The short answer
Concrete driveways typically run $120–$180/m², with a standard driveway $8k–$15k — Aden, does this match your pricing? Confirm before publish.
Typical install
2–4 days prep to pour
Drive on it
Around 7 days for vehicles
Expected lifespan
30–50+ years
What Affects Concreting Cost?
Per-square-metre figures are useful for budgeting, but every site is different. Here's what actually moves the price on a concrete driveway — straight from the tools, no fluff.
1. Driveway size & shape
Bigger driveways cost more in total, but the per-square-metre rate can come down a touch on larger pours because you're spreading setup time across more area. Odd shapes, curves and tight borders take longer to form and finish, which adds labour. A straightforward rectangular driveway is the most cost-efficient shape going.
2. Site access & prep work
If a concrete truck can back right up to the pour, it's quick. If access is tight — down a long path, over a bank, through a narrow side gate — we're wheelbarrowing, and that adds time and cost. Ground conditions matter too: poor ground or a sloping section means more excavation and a thicker sub-base before we pour.
3. Finish type
Plain trowel or broom finish is the most affordable and perfectly serviceable. Exposed aggregate costs more because of the extra wash-and-expose step, but it's slip-resistant and looks sharp. Coloured and stamped or stencil finishes sit at the top end for a premium decorative look. The finish is the single biggest swing factor on price.
4. Old surface removal
If you've got an existing concrete, asphalt or paving driveway coming out, demolition, removal and tipping fees are part of the job. It's straightforward work but it adds a day and a cost line — we include it in your fixed quote so there are no surprises later.
Repair or Replace?
Not sure whether your existing driveway can be saved or it's time to start fresh? Here's an honest take.
Resurface or patch
If the slab underneath is still solid and the damage is surface-level — minor cracking, staining or a tired finish — resurfacing or patching can buy you years and freshen up the look for less than a full repour. It won't fix structural cracking or a slab that's moving, and the new surface is only as good as what's under it.
Full repour
If the concrete is cracked through, sinking, badly spalled or the sub-base has failed, patching over the top is money down the drain. A full repour — out with the old, proper sub-base, reinforcement and a fresh pour — gives you a driveway that'll last decades. It costs more upfront but it's the right call when the base is gone.
Not sure which applies to your driveway? Learn more about our concreting service and we'll come out and give you an honest answer.
Concreting Projects We've Completed
A look at the kind of finish you can expect from our work.
Get an Exact Price
Every job is different. Send us your details and Aden will give you a free, no-obligation quote.