How much does SEO cost in NZ (2026)?
In 2026, SEO services in New Zealand typically cost between NZD $900 and $5,000+ per month, depending on the size of the business, competition level, and scope of work.
SEO cost New Zealand – 2026 overview
Most New Zealand businesses investing in professional SEO spend NZD $1,000–$3,000 per month.
For highly competitive industries or nationwide SEO campaigns, costs can exceed NZD $10,000 per month.
This pricing guide reflects common SEO costs in New Zealand in 2026, based on market data and MyBrandE’s experience working with NZ businesses.
Short answer (30-second summary)
SEO priced below NZD $900 per month usually offers limited scope and slower results.
SEO monthly retainer rates NZ
SEO pricing in New Zealand is most commonly structured as a monthly retainer, with some businesses choosing hourly or project-based SEO for specific needs. Monthly retainers are the most common SEO pricing model in 2026.
Monthly SEO retainers usually include technical optimisation, content improvements, keyword tracking, reporting, and ongoing performance work.
Local or small business
NZD $900 – $2,000Typical agency services
NZD $1,500 – $5,000Competitive / National
NZD $5,000 – $10,000+Enterprise / High-growth
NZD $10,000 – $15,000+SEO hourly rates New Zealand: agency vs freelancer 2026
Understanding agency vs freelancer hourly rates helps businesses choose the right provider.
SEO agency pricing New Zealand
NZD $150 – $300+ per hour
- — Higher pricing due to team structure, systems, and reporting
- — Best suited for competitive markets, multi-location businesses, and long-term SEO growth
SEO freelancer rates New Zealand
NZD $80 – $150 per hour
- — Lower overhead, limited capacity
- — Suitable for small businesses or clearly defined SEO tasks
SEO hourly rates New Zealand
Hourly SEO pricing is typically used for audits, consulting, or one-off technical work.
Hourly SEO is effective for short-term work but is not ideal for sustained ranking growth.
Cost of SEO packages NZ (small business)
Small business SEO packages in New Zealand in 2026 typically fall into specific ranges. These packages usually focus on service-based keywords, local rankings, and consistent lead generation.
SEO services prices New Zealand – one-off projects
Some SEO services are priced as one-off projects instead of monthly retainers. Many businesses begin with a one-off SEO audit before moving into ongoing SEO services.
Starter SEO packages
NZD $900 – $1,200 per monthGrowth SEO packages
NZD $1,500 – $2,500 per monthAdvanced local & content
NZD $2,500 – $4,000 per monthWhy SEO costs vary in New Zealand
SEO pricing varies based on:
- — Industry competition
- — Number of keywords and locations targeted
- — Local vs national SEO focus
- — Website size and technical condition
- — Provider experience and execution depth
Lower SEO pricing usually reflects reduced scope, not faster results.
Is SEO worth the cost in NZ in 2026?
For most New Zealand businesses, SEO remains one of the highest long-term return digital marketing channels in 2026. Businesses that commit to SEO for 6–12 months typically benefit from compounding traffic growth and a lower cost per lead compared to paid advertising.
SEO pricing NZ – quick summary (2026)
| SEO service type | Typical cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Small business SEO packages | $900 – $2,000 / month |
| Standard SEO agency pricing | $1,500 – $5,000 / month |
| Competitive SEO campaigns | $5,000 – $10,000+ / month |
| SEO hourly rates | $80 – $300+ / hour |
| SEO audit (one-off) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Full SEO setup project | $3,500 – $15,000+ |
Final answer
If you are asking “how much does SEO cost in NZ in 2026?”, most businesses should expect to invest NZD $1,000–$3,000 per month for professional SEO services.
More competitive industries and nationwide strategies require higher budgets to achieve sustainable results.