How much does sound, lighting and AV hire cost in NZ?
Speakers, microphones, lighting or screens, delivered and set up. A technician on the day costs more. Here are rough price ranges for events in New Zealand, by guest numbers, kind of event and region.
AI-generated estimates as at October 2026, in NZ dollars including GST. They are not quotes. About these estimates
General party, 51–100 guests
$400 – $1,800
Up to 50 guests: $200 – $1,000
Free, and no obligation to book.
By number of guests and kind of event
National figures. Prices vary by region: see below.
Up to 50 guests
- General party
- $200 – $1,000
- Wedding
- $200 – $1,100
- Work or community event
- $250 – $1,400
51–100 guests
- General party
- $400 – $1,800
- Wedding
- $400 – $2,000
- Work or community event
- $500 – $2,500
101–250 guests
- General party
- $800 – $4,000
- Wedding
- $850 – $4,400
- Work or community event
- $1,000 – $5,400
More than 250 guests
- General party
- $2,000 – $10,000
- Wedding
- $2,200 – $11,000
- Work or community event
- $2,700 – $13,500
By region
A general party. Choose your town in the budget estimator for other kinds of event.
| Region | Up to 50 | 51–100 |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | $150 – $950 | $350 – $1,700 |
| Auckland | $200 – $1,200 | $400 – $2,100 |
| Waikato | $150 – $1,000 | $350 – $1,800 |
| Bay of Plenty | $150 – $1,000 | $350 – $1,800 |
| Gisborne | $150 – $900 | $350 – $1,700 |
| Hawke's Bay | $150 – $950 | $350 – $1,700 |
| Taranaki | $150 – $950 | $350 – $1,700 |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | $150 – $900 | $350 – $1,700 |
| Wellington | $200 – $1,100 | $400 – $1,900 |
| Tasman | $150 – $1,000 | $350 – $1,800 |
| Nelson | $150 – $1,000 | $350 – $1,800 |
| Marlborough | $150 – $1,000 | $350 – $1,800 |
| West Coast | $150 – $950 | $350 – $1,800 |
| Canterbury | $200 – $1,000 | $400 – $1,800 |
| Otago | $200 – $1,100 | $400 – $2,000 |
| Southland | $150 – $900 | $350 – $1,700 |
What affects the price
- The size of the room and audience: more people need more speakers, screens and lights.
- Whether a technician runs it on the day.
- Extras such as microphones, projectors, staging and live streaming.
- Delivery, set-up time, and early or late access to the venue.
Ways to keep costs down
- Check what AV the venue already has before hiring more.
- Give suppliers the room size, guest numbers and running order so their quotes match what you need.
- Get sound and lighting from one supplier where you can.
Common questions
How much does sound, lighting and AV hire cost for a wedding in NZ?
For a wedding of 51–100 guests, our estimate is about $400 – $2,000, or $850 – $4,400 for 101–250 guests. Vendors often charge more for weddings than for other parties.
How much does sound, lighting and AV hire cost for a work or community event?
For a work or community event of 51–100 guests, our estimate is about $500 – $2,500. Business events are often priced a little higher than private parties, and longer hours or a bigger crowd add to it.
Is sound, lighting and AV hire more expensive in Auckland?
Usually, yes. In our estimates Auckland is about 12% above the national figures: about $400 – $2,100 for a party of 51–100 guests. Smaller places can be cheaper, though some vendors charge to travel.
Are these prices quotes?
No. They are AI-generated estimates to help you plan a budget. No vendor has agreed to them, and real prices can be higher or lower. Post your event on Event Nest to get real quotes from local vendors.
Get real prices for your event
Post your event once with the date, place, guest numbers and budget. Local vendors who match send you quotes, and you compare them in one place. Always free for personal events; free for business and community events until 31 December 2026.
Planning guides
Other event costs
These ranges are generated by AI from general information about typical event prices in New Zealand and compared with published NZ price lists and guides. They are not based on prices from Event Nest or its vendors, they are not quotes, and they may not suit your area or event. Travel, after-hours and public holiday charges may be extra. Use them only as a rough starting point, and always get quotes before you book. Nothing here affects your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986.