A concrete driveway in Wellington typically costs between roughly $70 and $170 per square metre installed, depending on the finish, site access, and ground preparation needed. Plain concrete sits at the lower end, exposed aggregate and stamped finishes cost more, and difficult access, demolition, or drainage work can add significantly to the total quote.
Concrete driveway pricing in Wellington varies more than most homeowners expect, since cost is driven as much by site access, ground condition, and drainage needs as by the finish itself. The figures below are general New Zealand market indicators to help you budget, not a fixed price list — every quote from our team is based on an actual look at your property.
How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost Per Square Metre in Wellington?
| Finish | Indicative Cost (NZD/m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain / broom-finish concrete | $70 – $100 | Most affordable, simplest finish |
| Exposed aggregate | $100 – $150 | Textured, non-slip, higher kerb appeal |
| Stamped / coloured concrete | $110 – $170 | Decorative patterned finish, most labour-intensive |
| Old driveway removal | $20 – $40 extra | Where an existing slab needs demolishing first |
These are general New Zealand market ranges intended to help with early budgeting, not a fixed quote from our team — your final price depends on site access, ground preparation, and the finish selected, confirmed after a free, no-obligation on-site assessment.
What Factors Affect Your Concrete Driveway Quote?
- Site access — tight access for trucks and equipment can add to labour time and cost.
- Existing driveway removal — demolishing and disposing of an old slab adds to the total before the new one is poured.
- Base preparation and drainage — sloped or wet sites often need extra excavation, base material, or drainage work.
- Driveway size and shape — larger areas benefit from economies of scale, while unusual shapes and cutouts add complexity.
- Finish chosen — plain, exposed aggregate, and stamped concrete each carry a different labour and material cost.
- Reinforcing and joint design — thicker slabs or added reinforcing for heavier vehicle loads add to material cost.
Is Exposed Aggregate or Stamped Concrete Worth the Extra Cost?
For many Wellington homes, yes — the extra cost of an exposed aggregate or stamped finish buys better slip resistance on sloped sites and noticeably more kerb appeal, often for a smaller premium than upgrading to full pavers. Whether it's worth it for your property depends on your budget and how much of a priority the finish is compared with simply having a durable, functional driveway.
How Much Does It Cost to Add Decorative Borders or Feature Strips?
Adding a decorative border, feature strip, or contrasting apron near the garage or entry typically adds a modest amount to the overall job rather than doubling the cost, since it's usually only a small percentage of the total driveway area. This is a popular way to get some of the visual benefit of an exposed aggregate or stamped finish without paying the higher per-square-metre rate across the whole driveway. We can price this as an option alongside your main quote.
How Do Wellington Concrete Driveway Prices Compare With the Rest of New Zealand?
Wellington pricing tends to sit close to the broader New Zealand average for concrete driveways, though sites with steep access, retaining requirements, or tricky drainage, common across the region's hillier suburbs, can push costs above what a flatter site elsewhere in the country might pay. This is largely a reflection of site conditions rather than the material or labour cost itself, which is why an accurate quote always depends on seeing your specific property rather than a national average figure.
How Does Wellington Concrete Driveway Pricing Compare to Pavers?
Concrete is generally the more affordable option per square metre compared with pavers, largely because pouring a slab involves less manual labour than laying individual units. If you're weighing up the two, our concrete driveway vs pavers comparison breaks down cost, lifespan, and maintenance side by side.
What Payment and Deposit Terms Are Typical for a Concrete Driveway in Wellington?
Most concrete driveway contractors, including our team, work on a deposit followed by a final payment once the job is complete and you're satisfied with the result. Exact terms can vary depending on the size and materials involved in your project, and we'll set these out clearly in your quote before any work begins, so there's no ambiguity about what's due and when.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Concrete Driveway in Wellington?
Demand for concrete work in Wellington tends to pick up over spring and summer when weather is more predictable for pouring and curing, so booking a few weeks ahead during those months is sensible if you have a specific timeframe in mind. Outside of peak season, availability is often more flexible. Either way, getting your site assessed early gives you a firmer idea of both cost and timing well before you need the work done.
Do You Need a Quote Before Committing to a Budget?
Yes — the ranges above are useful for early budgeting, but they're not a substitute for a proper quote. Ground conditions, access, and existing driveway condition vary enough from property to property that two driveways of the same size can end up priced quite differently. We provide free, no-obligation quotes after assessing your site in person, so you get a number you can actually plan around rather than a rough guess over the phone.
How Can You Get an Accurate Concrete Driveway Quote in Wellington?
The most reliable way is to get in touch for a free quote and have our team assess your site directly. We'll look at access, existing surface condition, drainage, and the finish you're after, then provide a clear, itemised price with nothing hidden or added on part way through the job.