An automatic driveway gate is one of those upgrades that pays you back every day: more security, more privacy, more kerb appeal, and never climbing out of the car in the rain. The first question almost everyone asks is simple: what will it cost?
Every gate is custom, so the price depends on your driveway, your style and your automation. But you do not have to fly blind. Here is a clear, up-to-date 2026 guide to what automatic gates actually cost in New Zealand, what moves the price, and how to budget with confidence. As a Tauranga gate maker and installer since 2005, these are the same numbers we walk our own customers through.
The short answer: automatic gate price ranges in NZ
As a rule of thumb, a fully installed automatic driveway gate in New Zealand runs from around $3,000 at the entry end to $12,000+ for a larger automated setup, with about $7,000 being typical for an installed sliding gate with a motor, keypad and intercom. Complex sites can climb higher again.
| Type of gate | Indicative installed price (NZ, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Manual swing or pedestrian gate | from ~$1,500 to $3,500 |
| Automated pedestrian gate (keypad) | from ~$2,500 |
| Automated single swing driveway gate | ~$4,000 to $8,000 |
| Automated double swing driveway gate | ~$5,000 to $10,000+ |
| Automated sliding driveway gate (motor, keypad, intercom) | ~$5,000 to $12,000+ |
| Large, long-span or complex site | $12,000 to $20,000 |
These are indicative ranges to help you budget. Your real number comes from an on-site measure and a fixed quote.
What you get at each price point
Entry level (~$3,000 to $5,000): a quality NZ-made aluminium gate, a reliable single motor and a basic remote or keypad. Ideal for a standard single driveway on level ground with power nearby.
Mid range (~$5,000 to $9,000): where most Tauranga driveway gates land. A larger or double gate, a stronger motor sized to the span, plus keypad, remotes and often a video intercom so you can see and buzz visitors in from inside.
Premium (~$9,000 to $20,000): long-span sliding gates, bespoke designs, premium automation with smartphone control and safety sensors, and the extra civil or electrical work bigger sites need.
Sliding vs swing: how gate type affects cost
Sliding gates are our most popular automated choice in Tauranga. They suit wider driveways, sloped sites and tight frontages because they do not swing into your drive. The trade-off is groundwork: a sliding gate needs a smooth, level track to run along, so there is usually some concrete and site prep in the quote.
Swing gates give you that classic single or double-leaf look and suit level driveways. The gate can be simpler, but automated swing gates often cost a little more than the sliding equivalent because the motors work harder against the weight and leverage of the swinging leaf.
For a full breakdown of which suits your property, see our gates in Tauranga page.
What actually drives the price
- Size and span – wider and taller gates use more material and need stronger motors.
- Single vs double – two leaves or a longer sliding gate cost more than a small single.
- Style and infill – simple vertical battens are more economical than full privacy infill or decorative designs.
- Material and finish – we build in 100% NZ-sourced aluminium with a 5-year powder-coat guarantee, so it never rusts on the coast.
- Automation and access control – motor, remotes, keypad, intercom, safety sensors and smartphone control all add capability and cost.
- Site and groundwork – distance to power, a concrete track for sliding gates, slope, and any civil work.
Automation and access control: where the value is
The gate is only half the story. The automation is what you use every day, and because gate automation is electrical work, we have it installed by certified electricians. Typical add-ons:
- Remote controls – open from the car, standard on every automated gate.
- Keypad entry – a code for family, trades or guests.
- Video intercom – see and talk to visitors and buzz them in from inside.
- Smartphone control – open the gate and grant access from your phone.
- Safety sensors – stop the gate if something or someone is in the way.
Do not forget the groundwork
The part people forget when comparing quotes is the site work. Running power out to the gate, pouring a concrete track for a sliding gate, and prepping uneven or sloped ground can be a meaningful share of the total. A quote that looks cheap on paper sometimes leaves this out, so always check what is and is not included.
Is automation worth it over a manual gate?
A manual gate is cheaper up front, and for some properties it is the right call. But most people who automate never look back: you control the gate from the car and the couch, your property is more secure, and a well-built automated gate adds genuine value and kerb appeal. If the budget is tight, one good option is to install an automation-ready gate now and add the motor later.
How to get an accurate gate quote
Because every gate is custom, the only way to a real number is a free on-site measure. When you book one with us, we look at your driveway, slope, power and the look you are after, then give you a fixed quote with no surprises. You will know exactly what is included: gate, automation, access control and groundwork.
Ready for a real number? Call (07) 579 5455 or request a free gate quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an automatic driveway gate cost in NZ?
Most installed automatic driveway gates run from around $3,000 to $12,000+, with about $7,000 typical for a sliding gate with a motor, keypad and intercom. Larger or more complex sites can cost more.
Are sliding or swing gates cheaper?
The gates themselves are similar, but sliding gates need a concrete track (adding groundwork) while automated swing gates often need a slightly dearer motor. The best value depends on your driveway, and we will advise on a site visit.
How much does it cost to automate an existing gate?
It varies with the gate and the distance to power, but adding a motor, remotes and a keypad to a suitable existing gate is often a cost-effective upgrade. We will assess it and quote.
Do automatic gates need much maintenance?
Very little. Our NZ-made aluminium gates will not rust, and the automation is built for Bay of Plenty conditions. An occasional clean and a quick check of the motor and sensors is all most gates need.
Why choose TBGF for an automatic gate in Tauranga?
We have designed, made and installed gates across the Bay of Plenty since 2005, build from 100% NZ aluminium with a 5-year powder-coat guarantee, and have automation done by certified electricians. One local team, one fixed quote.
