Hand auger soil samples from a site investigation
Cost guide

How much does a geotechnical report cost in Auckland?

A residential geotechnical report with a hand auger investigation in Auckland typically costs between $3,500 and $7,500 plus GST. Sloping sites, hazard overlays and deeper investigations cost more.

Fees exclude GST. Last reviewed October 2026.

Typical fees

Typical fee ranges by job

JobWhat it usually includesTypical fee (excl. GST)
Desktop study or geotechnical letterReview of geology, council records and nearby data. No fieldwork.$1,000 to $2,000
House, extension or minor dwellingHand augers with shear vane and Scala tests, plus a consent-ready report.$3,500 to $7,500
Retaining wall designInvestigation along the wall line, design, drawings and consent documents.$4,500 to $9,500
Larger building or deeper investigationMachine boreholes or CPTs by a specialist contractor, for piles, basements, liquefaction or larger buildings.$8,000 to $18,000
Subdivision (2 to 10 lots)Investigation and report scoped to the number of lots, slopes and hazards.$12,000 to $30,000

Ranges cover most jobs of each type. Unusual sites can fall outside them, and we will tell you up front if yours does.

Request a fixed quote for your site

What drives the price

Six things that change the cost

01

What you are building

A single-storey house needs less information than a three-storey building with a basement.

02

Slope and hazards

Sloping sites and council hazard overlays usually need stability analysis, which adds time.

03

Depth of investigation

Hand augers are quick and cheap. Machine boreholes and CPTs need a contractor and cost more.

04

Access

Steep, bush-covered or island sites can need smaller rigs, more time on site or ferry logistics.

05

Laboratory testing

Tests for expansive clays or soil strength add cost, but can save money on foundations.

06

Existing information

Nearby investigations, earlier reports or a completion report for your lot can reduce the testing needed.

How to keep the cost down

  • Send everything you have. Plans, the LIM, previous reports and any earthworks completion report for your lot.
  • Involve us early. A foundation or wall designed around the real ground conditions usually costs less to build.
  • Bundle the work. If you will need retaining and foundations, scope them in one investigation rather than two.
  • Make access easy. Clear paths to the test locations and known service locations save time on site.

Common questions

How much does a geotechnical report cost in Auckland?

A residential geotechnical report with a hand auger investigation in Auckland typically costs between $3,500 and $7,500 plus GST. Sloping sites, hazard overlays and deeper investigations cost more. We give you a clear, fixed scope and fee before any work starts.

Why do quotes from different firms vary so much?

Usually because they are pricing different scopes: how many test locations, how deep, what lab testing and what analysis. Compare what is included, not just the total.

Can I get a cheaper report by doing less testing?

Sometimes, but too little testing often leads to conservative foundations or council RFIs that cost more later. We scope to what your project and council actually need.

Does the fee include drilling and lab testing?

Our proposal sets out every cost, including any specialist drilling or CPT contractors and laboratory testing, so there are no surprises.

Can I use an existing report?

Often, if it is recent and covers your building platform. We can review it and tell you whether it needs updating.

Start a project

Want an exact fee for your site? Send us the address and plans.

You get a clear, fixed scope and fee up front. Prefer to talk? Call 09 218 6915 or email info@gibbritchie.co.nz.