How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Wellington? (2026 Guide)
If you're planning a new bathroom in Wellington, the first question is almost always the same: what's this going to cost? The honest answer is "it depends" — but that's not much help when you're trying to set a budget. So here are realistic 2026 price ranges for New Zealand, what drives them, and where the money actually goes.
Typical bathroom renovation costs in NZ (2026)
Budget refresh (new fixtures, paint, minimal tiling): $6,000 – $12,000
Small bathroom (5–7m²), full renovation: $15,000 – $25,000
Mid-range full renovation: $18,000 – $26,000
High-end / custom renovation: $30,000 – $50,000+
Wellington pricing tends to sit close to Auckland's, especially for character homes where older framing, uneven floors and hidden water damage add time. Treat these as starting points — a site visit is the only way to get a firm number.
Where the money goes
On a typical full renovation, roughly:
Labour (all trades): 40–50% — tiler, plumber, builder, electrician, plasterer
Materials (tiles, linings, adhesive): 20–25%
Fixtures (shower, vanity, toilet, tapware): 15–20%
Plumbing: 8–12%
Electrical, painting and plastering: 10–15% combined
Waterproofing: 3–5% — small on paper, but the most important line on the quote
Tiling and waterproofing costs
Tiling is usually priced per square metre, and tile size makes a big difference:
Small or mosaic tiles: more cuts and grout lines, so more labour per m²
Standard 300×300 to 600×600 tiles: the most cost-efficient to lay
Large-format porcelain (1200mm+) and natural stone: need flatter floors, specialist cutting and handling, and more preparation — expect a higher rate per m²
Waterproofing is typically $400–$600 for a shower area and $800–$1,500 for a full bathroom. Don't let anyone cut corners here: a failed membrane can mean ripping out the whole bathroom. A certified applicator will provide a PS3 producer statement for your council records (see our guide to PS3 waterproofing).
What pushes the price up
Moving plumbing — shifting a toilet or shower drain is one of the biggest cost jumps
Walk-in or level-entry showers — need floor recessing or screeding to falls
Floor-to-ceiling tiling — more m², more labour
Hidden damage — rot or failed waterproofing in older Wellington homes is common once the old linings come off
Underfloor heating — adds cost, but is hard to beat in a Wellington winter
How to keep your project on budget
Keep the layout if you can — it's the single biggest saving.
Choose your tiles early and include 10–15% extra for cuts and breakages.
Get an itemised quote so you can compare like with like.
Ask about waterproofing — who applies it, what membrane, and whether you'll get a PS3.
Allow a 10–15% contingency for surprises behind the walls.
Get a quote for your Wellington bathroom
All About Tiles has been tiling and waterproofing bathrooms across Wellington, the Hutt Valley, Kapiti and Wairarapa for over 20 years. We coordinate with your plumber and builder and provide PS3 documentation for council. Request a free on-site quote or see our bathroom tiling service.
Prices are indicative NZ ranges for 2026 and will vary with your home, materials and scope.
