Replacing a bathroom vanity in New Zealand typically costs NZ$500–$2,200 for the unit and NZ$250–$850 for installation, giving a realistic total of NZ$750–$3,000. As in Australia, the difference between the ends of that range is driven by size, material and whether the new cabinet lines up with the existing plumbing.
Unit cost by type
| Vanity type | Unit only (NZD) | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Stock wall-hung, 600–900 mm, ceramic top | $300 – $750 | $600 – $1,200 |
| Stock floor-standing with stone top | $550 – $1,300 | $900 – $1,900 |
| Semi-custom (size or finish options) | $1,100 – $2,200 | $1,600 – $3,000 |
| Custom joinery, made to measure | $1,800 – $4,000+ | $2,400 – $5,000+ |
| Double basin, 1200–1500 mm | $850 – $2,500 | $1,300 – $3,500 |
Installation cost separately
Supplying the vanity yourself and paying for labour typically costs NZ$250–$850: a plumber for NZ$150–$400 to disconnect and reconnect, and a carpenter or handyperson for NZ$120–$350 to secure the cabinet and fit the top. Where the new unit is a different width, add patching: NZ$250–$700 depending on tile and plasterboard matching.
What is usually excluded
- Tapware and wastes (NZ$80–$350)
- Mirror or mirror cabinet (NZ$150–$650)
- Tile and waterproofing repair behind the old unit
- Removal and disposal (NZ$60–$220)
- Electrical work if lighting or a shaver point is added
Replace, reface or repaint?
Full replacement suits a swollen carcass, the wrong size, or a layout change. Refacing with new doors and panels costs roughly NZ$600–$1,600 and is worth considering when the cabinet is structurally sound. Repainting a laminate or timber vanity runs NZ$150–$450 in materials and is the cheapest option, provided the substrate is intact and the room ventilates well.
Material choices in a NZ bathroom
New Zealand’s humidity and temperature swings punish poorly sealed timber. Engineered stone and ceramic tops handle moisture best; timber tops need re-oiling annually and will show water marks if neglected. Melamine carcasses are common and adequate if the edges are sealed and the room has mechanical extraction. Solid timber vanities look warmer but cost 30–50% more and require maintenance.
Sizing and plumbing checks
Standard widths are 600, 750, 900, 1200 and 1500 mm. Before buying, confirm the waste position (centred or offset), the height of the water points for a wall-hung unit, and whether the floor is level. A 50 mm error in width costs more in patching than a correctly sized semi-custom unit costs to buy.
Regional pricing
Supply prices are broadly national, with Auckland and Christchurch showing the widest range because of competition. Installation labour is highest in Auckland and Wellington. In provincial centres, the constraint is often availability: the plumber may need to be booked a week or two ahead.
How to avoid overpaying
Measure three times — top, middle and bottom of the opening. Photograph the plumbing before shopping. Ask whether the top is pre-attached. Confirm the supplier delivers inside the house, not just to the kerb. And check the door swing against the drawer fronts; a vanity that blocks the door is an expensive mistake.
Choosing the right size for the room
A vanity that is too large dominates a small bathroom; one that is too small leaves nowhere to put a toothbrush. As a rule, allow 400–500 mm of clear space beside the unit for drying and towel access, and confirm the door swing before committing. In a 1.6 m wide room, a 900 mm vanity is usually the practical maximum; beyond that the basin ends up under the shower screen.
Storage: what costs extra and what is worth it
Two drawers cost more than one drawer plus a shelf, but they are the difference between a usable vanity and a cupboard you have to kneel to reach into. Soft-close runners add NZ$80–$200 and last longer in a damp room. A concealed internal drawer for small items is a small upgrade that most owners say they would pay for again.
Warranty and realistic lifespan
Expect 10–15 years from a stock vanity with a ceramic or engineered top, and 15–20 years from quality joinery that is properly sealed. Warranties often cover the cabinet structure for five to ten years but exclude water damage from a leaking waste. The waste connection, not the cabinet, is where failures usually start.
Where to buy in New Zealand
Bathroom specialists and plumbing merchants carry the widest range and can usually advise on waste positions. Large hardware chains are cheaper for stock sizes but offer less support on sizing. Online retailers can be significantly cheaper, but check the return policy: a vanity that arrives with a damaged top is expensive to send back.
Maintenance that protects the investment
Re-seal the silicone at the wall and basin annually, wipe standing water off engineered stone rather than letting it dry, and fix a dripping mixer promptly. In a bathroom without mechanical extraction, run the fan or open a window for ten minutes after showering — trapped moisture ages every material in the room faster than daily use does.
Vanity tops compared
Ceramic tops are the cheapest and easiest to clean, but they chip and the moulded basin limits your choice of tapware. Cultured marble sits in the middle: warmer to the touch and resistant to staining, though it can discolour if harsh cleaners are used. Engineered stone costs NZ$350–$1,000 for a typical top, needs a fabricator for the cut-out, and holds up best to daily use. Solid surface materials allow an integrated basin with no joins, which is easier to keep clean but costs more and scratches visibly if abused.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a vanity in New Zealand?
Most homeowners spend NZ$750–$1,900 installed for a stock unit. Custom joinery or an unusual size pushes the total above NZ$2,400.
Can I install the vanity myself?
Fixing the cabinet is achievable for a confident DIYer. Connecting waste and supply lines is plumbing work and must be done by a licensed plumber in New Zealand.
Do I need to retile behind the vanity?
Only if the new unit differs in size or the tiles are damaged. A same-size swap usually leaves the wall finish intact.
How long does it take?
Two to four hours for a like-for-like swap. Add a day if patching or a new top is required.
How these figures were compiled
Ranges are 2026 planning estimates from New Zealand bathroom retailer pricing, published renovation cost guides and typical trade rates. They exclude GST where suppliers quote separately and exclude structural work. They are not quotes.
Last updated: November 2026.