Replacing a shower in New Zealand costs NZ$800–$3,200 for a like-for-like swap and NZ$3,500–$10,000 when the job includes new waterproofing, tiling and a change of shower type. The dividing line is whether the wet area is being rebuilt or just re-fitted.
Cost by scope
| Scope | Typical cost (NZD) | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Shower head and mixer only | $250 – $750 | Parts and plumber attendance |
| Shower screen replacement | $550 – $1,800 | Semi-frameless or frameless, installed |
| Shower tray / base replacement | $800 – $2,200 | Tray, waste, sealing, minor tiling |
| Full shower rebuild, same footprint | $3,500 – $7,000 | Demolition, waterproofing, tiling, fixtures |
| Walk-in conversion | $5,500 – $10,000 | Layout change, linear drain, tiling, screen |
What moves the price
Waterproofing. Any rebuild that disturbs the tile bed needs a new membrane and certification. This is the item that separates a refresh from a compliant rebuild.
Drain type. A centre waste is inexpensive; a linear drain requires single-plane screeding and costs NZ$500–$1,300 more including the channel.
Glass specification. Frameless 10 mm glass costs roughly double a semi-frameless 6 mm screen for the same opening.
Substrate condition. If the lining behind the tiles is compromised, replacement adds NZ$400–$1,200.
Shower types compared
| Type | Installed cost (NZD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Alcove shower with base | $800 – $2,200 | Fast replacement, compact rooms |
| Tiled shower, centre waste | $3,500 – $6,500 | Standard renovation |
| Walk-in with linear drain | $5,500 – $10,000 | Accessibility, modern layouts |
| Shower over bath | $1,400 – $3,500 | Space-constrained rooms |
Signs you need a rebuild
- Staining on the ceiling below the bathroom
- Drummy or loose tiles around the waste
- Mould returning within weeks of cleaning
- Water pooling rather than draining
- Silicone that fails repeatedly
Each points to failed waterproofing. Replacing the screen or tray over a failed membrane hides the problem for a season and then costs more.
Timeline
A screen or head replacement is a single visit. A tray replacement takes one to two days including sealing and curing. A full rebuild takes seven to twelve working days across demolition, waterproofing and curing, screeding, tiling, grouting and screen installation.
Compliance notes
Wet-area waterproofing must meet the relevant New Zealand standard and be signed off. Shower glass in new work must be safety glass. Where the bathroom is being made accessible, additional requirements apply to clearances, falls and support fixing.
Getting a fair quote
Ask for demolition, waterproofing, tiling, plumbing and screen installation as separate lines. Confirm whether the quote includes disposal and whether the waterproofer issues certification. A single lump sum with no line items is difficult to compare and easy to inflate.
Maintenance that extends life
Re-silicone annually, keep the extract fan running after showers, and fix a dripping mixer before it stains the tray. Most failures are caused by water sitting where it should not for longer than the seal tolerates.
Screens, mixers and the small decisions that add up
A frameless 10 mm screen costs NZ$1,000–$1,800 installed; a semi-frameless 6 mm screen for the same opening is NZ$550–$1,000. Mixers range from NZ$150 for a basic chrome model to NZ$650+ for thermostatic control. A rain head adds NZ$180–$550 once the arm and plumbing are counted. Each choice is reasonable on its own; together they can add NZ$1,500 to a shower that looked affordable on paper.
Drainage, falls and why they cost money
Water must fall to the waste at a consistent gradient, which means the screed is shaped, not flat. A centre waste needs falls in four directions; a linear drain needs a single plane. Both take time, and the waterproofing must follow the same profile. When a tiled shower quote looks unusually cheap, the saving is often in the screed and fall — the part you cannot see until water pools at the edge of the room.
Shower over bath versus separate shower
A shower over bath is the cheapest way to have both in a small room, at NZ$1,400–$3,500 installed. It is also the least accessible, and stepping over a bath edge is a common cause of falls. If the household includes anyone with mobility limitations, the extra cost of a walk-in shower pays back in safety rather than resale value.
What to keep after the job
Keep the waterproofing sign-off, the plumber’s certification, spare tiles and the screen care instructions. Photograph the open wall before tiling to record where studs and pipes run. These documents cost nothing to keep and are difficult to reconstruct later.
Maintenance that protects the investment
Re-seal silicone lines annually, run the extract fan for ten minutes after every shower, and fix a dripping mixer before it stains the tray. Clean glass with a squeegee rather than harsh chemicals, which degrade the coating on frameless panels. Most shower failures are not product faults — they are water left sitting where it should not be for longer than the seal can tolerate.
Choosing a shower for resale
For a renovation intended to support a sale within five years, neutral large-format tiles, frameless or semi-frameless glass and a quality mixer return more than a statement design. Buyers notice water damage and poor drainage far more than they notice premium fittings.
What to expect on the day
For a screen or head replacement, the plumber attends with parts in hand and the job is done in two to three hours. For a tray replacement, expect demolition of the old base, inspection of the membrane, fitting and sealing, then a curing period before use. Ask the installer to photograph the membrane and the waste connection before the new tray goes down — it takes a minute and documents the part of the job you will never see again.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a shower in NZ?
A product replacement runs NZ$800–$2,200. A rebuild with waterproofing and tiling costs NZ$3,500–$7,000, and a walk-in conversion NZ$5,500–$10,000.
Can I replace just the shower base?
Yes, if the membrane beneath is intact and the waste aligns. If the base has leaked, the membrane is already compromised.
How long before the shower can be used?
Screen and head replacements are immediate. After tiling and silicone, allow 24–48 hours; after waterproofing, 24 hours before screeding.
Is a walk-in shower worth it?
It is worth it for accessibility and for rooms where the open floor improves the layout. Otherwise a tiled centre-waste shower delivers most of the look for less.
How these figures were compiled
Ranges are 2026 planning estimates from published New Zealand renovation guides, supplier pricing and typical trade rates. They exclude GST where quoted separately and exclude structural work. They are not quotes.
Last updated: November 2026.