Investing in artificial grass transforms your outdoor space into a lush, mud-free, low-maintenance lawn. However, when comparing synthetic turf costs across New Zealand, prices can vary significantly depending on materials, site prep, and installation quality.
In NZ, supply-only artificial grass typically ranges from $40 to $70 + GST per square metre depending on pile height, blade density, and advanced features like Cool Turf 5-in-1 heat reduction. Full professional installation—which includes site excavation, geotextile separation layers, a heavily compacted aggregate drainage base, infill, edging, and turf laying—generally ranges between $80 and $150 + GST per square metre.
Understanding what goes into a long-lasting installation helps you evaluate quotes accurately, avoid shortcut prep work, and choose the right solution for your property and budget.
What Affects Artificial Grass Pricing?
Area Size
The size of your project plays a major role in overall cost. Larger installations often benefit from improved efficiencies, while smaller projects may have a higher cost per square metre due to fixed installation and preparation costs.
Site Preparation
Before artificial grass can be installed, the existing surface must be properly prepared. This may include excavation, disposal of existing materials, base preparation, edging, and levelling. The amount of preparation required can significantly influence the final project cost.
Drainage Requirements
Every successful artificial grass installation starts with proper drainage. Sites with drainage challenges may require additional preparation or specialised drainage solutions to help ensure long-term performance.
Turf Selection
Artificial grass products vary in appearance, pile height, density, durability, and technology. Premium products generally provide a more natural appearance and enhanced performance, which can affect overall pricing.
What Affects Artificial Grass Pricing?
Area Size
The size of your project plays a major role in overall cost. Larger areas can often benefit from installation efficiencies, while smaller projects may have higher costs per square metre due to fixed preparation and setup requirements.
Site Preparation
Every site is different. Excavation, base preparation, edging, and ground levelling all contribute to the overall project cost. Sites requiring additional preparation may involve higher installation costs.
Drainage Requirements
Proper drainage is essential for long-term performance. Sites with drainage challenges may require additional drainage solutions to help manage water effectively and protect your artificial grass investment.
Turf Selection
Artificial grass products vary in pile height, density, appearance, durability, and technology. Premium products often provide a more natural look, improved comfort, and enhanced long-term performance.
Turf Quality & Technology
Not all artificial grass products are created equal.
Higher-quality turf products often include advanced features designed to improve comfort, durability, appearance, and long-term performance.
At Unreal Lawns & Courts, selected products feature Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology which uses specialised heat-reflective yarns designed to help reduce surface temperatures compared with standard artificial grass. This can be particularly beneficial for families, pets, and outdoor areas exposed to direct sunlight.
While premium turf products may involve a higher initial investment, many homeowners choose them for their improved comfort, appearance, and long-term value.
DIY vs Professional Installation
One of the biggest factors affecting project cost is whether you choose professional installation or install the artificial grass yourself.
DIY installation can reduce labour costs and may suit homeowners who are comfortable with excavation, base preparation, drainage work, and turf installation.
Professional installation provides the benefit of expert site preparation, proper drainage design, seamless joins, and long-term performance.
If you’re considering installing artificial grass yourself, visit our DIY Artificial Grass Installation page for expert advice and installation support.
For a complete overview of the installation process, read our Synthetic Grass Installation in NZ: Complete Step-by-Step Guide.
Is Artificial Grass Worth the Cost?
While artificial grass often costs more upfront than natural lawn, many homeowners find it provides significant long-term value.
Potential benefits may include:
✔ Reduced watering costs
✔ No mowing or lawn care equipment
✔ No fertilisers or lawn treatments
✔ Year-round appearance
✔ Less maintenance and ongoing upkeep
✔ Durable performance in high-use areas
For many homeowners, the long-term savings in maintenance, water use, and lawn repairs help offset the initial investment.
About the Author: Paul Gardner
Founder & Global Turf Specialist at Unreal Lawns
Paul Gardner has spent years developing his knowledge of synthetic turf technology, including travelling internationally to study manufacturing, yarn engineering and playground safety systems. His experience helps shape the artificial grass and playground surfacing systems Unreal Lawns provides for New Zealand conditions.
Learn More About Artificial Grass Pricing, Products & Installation
Choosing the right artificial grass involves more than comparing upfront costs per square metre. Explore our related guides, installation solutions and product technologies to make an informed decision for your home, school or commercial project.
Pricing & Installation Guides
. Synthetic Grass Installation in NZ: Complete Guide – Understand how professional excavation, geotextile layers and aggregate drainage prep protect your long-term investment.
. Artificial Grass Maintenance Guide – Discover simple maintenance practices to keep your synthetic lawn clean, green and performing at its best for 15+ years.
Products & Technology
. Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology – Discover how our exclusive artificial grass technology reduces surface heat, enhances durability and improves long-term comfort.
. SafeBase Certified Shockpad System – Learn about our certified impact protection system designed for Critical Fall Height safety beneath synthetic grass.
. Compare Our Turf Products – Explore our complete range of premium artificial grass, including pile heights, blade densities and specialized backings.
Turf Solutions
. Residential Artificial Grass – Explore mud-free, low-maintenance lawn solutions designed for family homes, pool surrounds and backyards.
. Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass– Learn about high-flow drainage backings and odor-neutralizing infills engineered specifically for dogs and pets.
. Commercial Artificial Grass – View high-durability synthetic turf solutions for commercial spaces, council parks and recreational facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Grass Pricing
Why do artificial grass quotes vary so much in NZ?
Artificial grass quotes vary because installers prepare ground bases differently and supply different grades of turf. A low quote often indicates minimal excavation, skipping geotextile weed/clay layers, or using lightweight turf backings that fail prematurely under heavy rain or sunlight
How much does artificial grass cost per square metre in NZ?
Supply-only turf ranges from $40 to $70 + GST per square metre depending on blade height, density, and Cool Turf yarn technology. Full professional installation (including excavation, geotextile fabric, aggregate base course, infill, and labor) generally ranges from $80 to $150 + GST per square metre.
Is premium artificial grass worth the extra cost?
Yes. Premium turf utilizes UV-stabilized yarns designed for intense New Zealand sunlight, stronger primary backings, and advanced features like Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology. Higher quality turf retains its natural upright shape and rich green color for 15 to 20 years.
Does site preparation significantly affect installation costs?
Yes. Subsoil preparation accounts for a large portion of installation labor and material expenses. Properties with heavy clay soils (like Hamilton or Auckland) require deeper excavation (80mm–100mm) and more aggregate base course compared to easy-access, free-draining sandy sites.
Does drainage requirement increase the overall price?
Proper drainage requires excavating organic soil, installing geotextile separation membranes, and compacting crushed rock aggregate base layers. While this adds to the initial groundwork cost, it prevents water pooling, moss growth, and ground movement over time.
Why is professional artificial grass installation important?
Professional installation guarantees that your lawn has a rock-solid, well-drained sub-base, invisible seam joins, secure perimeter edging, and correct infill distribution. Poor DIY installations often suffer from wrinkled turf, poor drainage, weed growth, and loose edges.
Why Homeowners Choose Unreal Lawns
At Unreal Lawns & Courts, we help homeowners choose the right artificial grass solution for their property, lifestyle, and budget.
Whether you’re considering a residential lawn, pet-friendly artificial grass, a backyard putting green, or a commercial installation, our team can provide expert advice and tailored recommendations.
Every project is different, and we’re happy to discuss the options available to help you achieve the best long-term result.
