Real builds
Case studies
Finished NZ tiny-home builds. Each one names the builder, the council, the consent path, the total cost (NZD inc. GST), and how long it took on site.
Auckland · Hana, Kumeū
A consented one-bed cabin on a Kumeū lifestyle block
A 26 m² one-bed cabin built as a minor dwelling on a 1.2 ha block. Full council consent, pole foundations, Code of Compliance issued. Plumbing and power tied into the existing house services.
- Total
- $168.4k
- Weeks
- 16
- Model
- One-bed cabin
Built by Kauri Tiny Co
Bay of Plenty · Jamie, currently parked in Te Puke
A Te Puke towable RV-cert, lived in for two seasons
A 7.2m towable on a tandem-axle trailer. NZS5465 self-contained certified. Lived in on a friend's lifestyle block for the orchard season, then towed south for winter.
- Total
- $128.5k
- Weeks
- 14
- Model
- Towable RV-cert
Built by Cambridge Cabin Co
Canterbury · Caro & Liam, Wainui
An off-grid one-bed on Banks Peninsula
30 m² off-grid build on a 4 ha block above Wainui. 6 kW solar, 14 kWh battery, 3,000L rainwater, full Environment Canterbury dispersal-field design. Lived in year-round, no grid connection.
- Total
- $198.4k
- Weeks
- 19
- Model
- Off-grid self-contained
Built by Akaroa Cabins
Waikato · The Mātene whānau, Te Awamutu
A two-bed family build on a Te Awamutu lifestyle block
55 m² two-bed family unit, lodged as a minor dwelling on a rural-zoned 5 ha block. Built for a couple with a young child; second bedroom doubles as a long-stay grandparents' room.
- Total
- $268.7k
- Weeks
- 24
- Model
- Two-bed family
Built by Te Awamutu Tiny Builders
Wellington · Ngaire, near Martinborough
A wind-rated one-bed in the Wairarapa hills
26 m² one-bed cabin on a hilltop above Martinborough. NZS3604 Extra High wind zone. Continuous tie-down from rafter to slab; aluminium battens chosen over timber for the southerly.
- Total
- $152.8k
- Weeks
- 18
- Model
- One-bed cabin
Built by Wairarapa Tiny Builders
Northland · Mike, Kaiwaka
A budget sleeper cabin in a Kaiwaka backyard
A 9.6 m² sleeper cabin behind the main house, used as a teenager's bedroom and an occasional guest space. Schedule 1 exempt — no consent. Five weeks from order to delivery.
- Total
- $38.9k
- Weeks
- 5
- Model
- Sleeper cabin
Built by Kaiwaka Tiny