Layout
Island kitchens
An L or U with a freestanding island as the social centre.
When it works
Open-plan extensions and entertainers — somewhere to perch a glass while someone else stirs the pot.
When it doesn't
Rooms under ~3.5m wide — clearance ends up cramped. And islands triple the cost of plumbing and power runs.
Cost matrix — 2026 NZD
All-in pricing: demolition, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, benchtop, splashback, appliances install, painting. Treat them as bands, not quotes.
Compact
<8m² · apartment / sleep-out
| Tier | Cost band | Weeks on site |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh Doors, bench, splashback | $14k–$24k | 3–5 |
| Mid-tier reno Full new cabinetry | $32k–$55k | 6–9 |
| Premium full Layout changes, top finishes | $60k–$100k | 9–14 |
Medium
8–14m² · most NZ homes
| Tier | Cost band | Weeks on site |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh Doors, bench, splashback | $17k–$30k | 3–5 |
| Mid-tier reno Full new cabinetry | $40k–$68k | 6–9 |
| Premium full Layout changes, top finishes | $75k–$130k | 9–14 |
Large
>14m² · open-plan extensions
| Tier | Cost band | Weeks on site |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh Doors, bench, splashback | $22k–$38k | 3–5 |
| Mid-tier reno Full new cabinetry | $50k–$85k | 6–9 |
| Premium full Layout changes, top finishes | $95k–$180k | 9–14 |
Tier breakdown
Cosmetic refresh
Doors, bench, splashback
Cabinet boxes stay. Doors, drawer fronts, benchtop and splashback get replaced. Often new appliances. No structural work, no services changes.
Full scope detail →Mid-tier reno
Full new cabinetry
Full new cabinetry, benchtop, splashback, appliances. Services upgraded as needed. Layout broadly stays the same; walls don't move.
Full scope detail →Premium full
Layout changes, top finishes
Down to the framing. Walls open, services rerouted, structural where needed, top-tier appliances and finishes (engineered stone or solid surface, integrated everything).
Full scope detail →Renovators who specialise in island kitchens
6 of 12 directory renovators list this as a speciality.
North Shore specialist — bigger footprints, bigger islands, bigger sliders out to the entertaining deck.
Christchurch's volume mid-tier renovator — sharp pricing, predictable lead times, no nonsense.
Selwyn district new-build specialist — handles the full kitchen package from architect's plan to PC sum sign-off.
Hamilton's quiet quality option — small studio, careful work, books out 4 months ahead.
Coastal-spec specialist — humidity-aware finishes, marine-grade hardware, salt-air honest about what'll last.
Premium-tier only — holiday-home and high-end residential kitchens, alpine-spec finishes.