Let's cut to the chase: wallpapering in Queenstown and Wanaka costs more than the rest of New Zealand. Our labour rates are higher, good tradespeople are booked out weeks in advance, and the premium housing market means clients expect (and pay for) quality work.

But "more expensive" doesn't tell you much when you're trying to budget for that feature wall in your Arrowtown villa or the full bedroom makeover in your Jacks Point new build.

So here's everything I know about wallpapering costs in our region, based on 14 years in the trade and hundreds of jobs across Central Otago. I've also built a calculator below so you can get an instant estimate for your specific project.

Quick Cost Calculator

Skip the reading and get straight to your estimate. Enter your wall measurements, select your wallpaper type, and see the full cost breakdown instantly.

Wallpapering Costs at a Glance (Queenstown/Wanaka 2025)

Here's what you're looking at for a typical wallpaper installation in our area:

Feature Wall (6-8 m²)

Full Room (25-35 m²)

Price Per Square Metre (Installed)

For quick mental maths, here's what wallpapering typically costs per square metre in Queenstown and Wanaka, fully installed:

• Standard non-woven papers: $85 – $130 per m²
• Premium vinyl/textured: $130 – $210 per m²
• Designer/imported: $200 – $380 per m²
• Specialty (grasscloth, silk, murals): $300 – $550+ per m²

These include wallpaper, adhesive, basic wall prep, and professional installation. Complex prep work or difficult access adds more.

Why Queenstown & Wanaka Costs More

Before you compare these prices to what your mate in Hamilton paid, here's why our region commands premium rates:

1. Labour Rates Are Simply Higher

A qualified wallpaper installer in Queenstown charges $65-$110 per hour depending on the complexity. In most of New Zealand, that's $45-$70. The cost of living here drives wages, and good tradespeople can be selective about the work they take on.

2. Travel and Access

Your beautiful lake-view property in Closeburn or Kelvin Heights? That's 30-40 minutes from where most tradespeople are based. Travel time gets factored in. Steep driveways, limited parking, and houses spread across multiple levels all add time.

3. The Premium Market Expects Premium Work

Let's be honest – Queenstown and Wanaka homes aren't cheap, and owners expect work that matches their investment. That means more time on preparation, better materials, and attention to detail that you might not get (or need) in a rental in Christchurch.

4. Availability Is Tight

Good wallpaper installers in our area are booked 3-6 weeks out during peak season. When demand outstrips supply, prices reflect that. If you need something done quickly, expect to pay a premium.

What Actually Affects Your Final Price

The calculator above gives you a solid estimate, but here's what moves the needle in real projects:

Wallpaper Type and Quality

This is your biggest variable. The difference between a $80 roll and a $600 roll is enormous, and you'll need 2-7 rolls for most feature walls.

Standard non-woven (paste-the-wall): $80-$160 per roll. Easy to hang, good durability, huge range of patterns. This is what most people choose for feature walls.

Premium vinyl and textured: $160-$320 per roll. Better moisture resistance, subtle textures that add depth. Good for high-traffic areas or rooms with humidity.

Designer and imported: $280-$600 per roll. European brands, complex patterns, statement pieces. The kind of wallpaper that makes people stop and comment.

Specialty materials: $400-$900+ per roll. Grasscloth, silk, hand-painted, custom murals. These require specialist installation techniques and often can't be corrected if something goes wrong.

Wall Condition

A perfectly smooth, freshly painted wall? That's the dream. More often, I'm dealing with:

• Minor imperfections: Small holes, light scuffs. Add $8-$12 per m² for prep.
• Moderate prep needed: Old wallpaper residue, uneven surfaces, multiple repairs. Add $15-$25 per m².
• Significant work: Damaged walls, extensive repairs, lining paper needed. Add $30-$50 per m².

The worst case? Walls that have been painted over old wallpaper. That can easily add $50-$80 per m² if we need to strip, repair, and prep properly. I've written about how to deal with painted-over wallpaper if you're in this situation.

Pattern Complexity

A simple texture or random pattern? Straightforward. A large-scale geometric or floral that needs precise matching at every seam? That takes twice as long and wastes more paper.

Pattern repeat matters too. A wallpaper with a 64cm repeat will waste significantly more material than one with a 10cm repeat, especially on short walls.

Room Complexity

The more cuts, corners, and obstacles, the longer the job takes:

• Simple feature wall: One flat wall, no windows or doors. Fastest option.
• Standard room: Four walls, one door, one or two windows. Typical job.
• Complex room: Multiple windows, sloped ceilings, alcoves, built-in furniture. Adds 30-50% to labour time.

Access and Location

Ground floor with good parking? Standard rates. But if your wallpaper installer needs to:

• Travel to Glenorchy, Hawea, or Luggate (add 15-25% for travel)
• Work around occupied furniture you can't move (add time)
• Navigate tight staircases with long wallpaper rolls (add frustration and time)
• Work at height in stairwells (may need scaffolding)

...all of that affects the final bill.

DIY vs Professional Installation: The Real Comparison

I know some of you are looking at these prices and thinking "I could do that myself." You might be right. Here's an honest breakdown:

DIY Costs (Materials Only)

For a typical 7m² feature wall:

You'll save $300-$600 on labour compared to hiring a pro.

What DIY Really Costs

But here's what the materials-only calculation misses:

Your time: A professional hangs a feature wall in 3-4 hours. Your first attempt? Budget a full day, minimum. Maybe two if things go sideways.

Mistakes: Wallpaper isn't forgiving. One misaligned strip, one tear, one bubble you can't smooth out – and you're buying another roll ($80-$300) and starting again.

The learning curve: Cutting around power points, getting corners right, matching patterns at seams, dealing with paste that's drying too fast – these all take practice. Your first wall is your learning wall.

Tools you'll use once: That paste table, wallpaper smoother, and seam roller will sit in your garage forever after.

When DIY Makes Sense

• Simple paste-the-wall papers with minimal pattern matching
• You genuinely enjoy this kind of project
• It's a low-stakes room (spare bedroom, rental property)
• You have a patient helper and a full weekend

When to Hire a Professional

• Designer or expensive wallpaper (one mistake costs hundreds)
• Complex patterns requiring precise matching
• Rooms with lots of cuts (windows, doors, obstacles)
• Specialty materials (grasscloth, silk, murals)
• Feature walls in high-visibility areas
• You value your weekends

A professional wallpaper installer does this every day. We know how different papers behave, how to handle Central Otago's dry climate, and how to get perfect seams every time. The peace of mind is worth the cost for most people.

Getting Accurate Quotes

If you're getting quotes from wallpaper installers in Queenstown or Wanaka, here's how to make sure you're comparing apples with apples:

What a Quote Should Include

• Wallpaper supply (or confirmation you're supplying it)
• Adhesive and materials
• Wall preparation (and what level is assumed)
• Installation labour
• Removal of old wallpaper (if applicable)
• Furniture moving (or confirmation you'll clear the room)
• Cleanup and waste removal
• Any exclusions (complex prep, repairs, etc.)

Questions to Ask

1. What's included in wall prep? Some quotes assume perfect walls. Others include light prep. Make sure you know.

2. How do you handle pattern matching? Ask about waste allowance. A 15% allowance is standard; complex patterns might need 20-25%.

3. What if there are issues with the walls? Get clarity on how hidden problems (old wallpaper, damage) will be priced if discovered.

4. Do you guarantee your work? Any reputable installer should offer at least 2 years on workmanship.

5. What's your timeline? Availability matters in our market. Book early if you have a deadline.

Red Flags

• Quotes without seeing the walls (accurate pricing requires inspection)
• No breakdown of materials vs labour
• Significantly cheaper than others (corners being cut somewhere)
• No mention of prep work
• Cash only, no written quote

How to Reduce Costs (Without Cutting Corners)

If the numbers above are stretching your budget, here are legitimate ways to bring costs down:

1. Choose Standard Over Designer

The difference between a $100 roll and a $400 roll isn't always visible from across the room. Standard non-woven papers have come a long way – you can get beautiful patterns without the designer price tag.

2. Feature Wall Instead of Full Room

One statement wall at $600-$1,200 creates more impact than wallpapering an entire room in a budget paper. Put your money where it matters most.

3. Prep the Walls Yourself

If your walls need work, do the prep yourself:

• Fill holes and sand smooth
• Clean thoroughly with sugar soap
• Apply primer/sealer

This can save $200-$500 on a typical room. Just make sure the walls are genuinely ready – a professional shouldn't have to redo your prep work.

4. Supply the Wallpaper Yourself

Some installers will hang customer-supplied wallpaper at a reduced rate. You lose their trade discount on materials, but you might find a better deal online or at a sale.

5. Book in the Off-Season

Winter (May-August) is quieter for decorating in Queenstown and Wanaka. You might find better availability and occasionally better rates when demand drops.

6. Bundle Multiple Rooms

If you're doing several rooms, negotiate a package rate. The installer saves on travel and setup time; some of that saving can come back to you.

Timeline: How Long Does Wallpapering Take?

For planning purposes, here's what to expect:

Add time for:

• Wallpaper removal (if applicable): 0.5-1 day per room
• Significant wall repairs: 1-2 days (including drying time)
• Complex patterns or specialty materials: +50%

The Scheduling Reality

In Queenstown and Wanaka, booking lead times are typically:

• Quiet season (winter): 1-2 weeks
• Shoulder season: 2-4 weeks
• Peak season (Oct-Mar): 4-6 weeks

If you have a specific deadline (selling, guests arriving, event), book early. Rush jobs are possible but cost more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wallpaper cheaper than painting?

Usually no. A professional paint job on a feature wall might cost $300-$500. Wallpaper on the same wall costs $600-$1,500 installed. But wallpaper creates an impact that paint simply can't match.

How long does wallpaper last?

Quality wallpaper properly installed lasts 10-15 years. In high-traffic areas or with direct sunlight, budget for 7-10 years. Cheap paper or poor installation? Maybe 3-5 years.

Can you wallpaper over existing wallpaper?

Technically possible but I don't recommend it. The adhesive can reactivate the old glue, causing bubbles and failure. Strip it properly or pay for it later.

What about bathrooms and kitchens?

Absolutely – with the right paper. Vinyl-coated or solid vinyl wallpapers handle humidity well. Just avoid the direct splash zone behind sinks.

Do I need to prime walls before wallpaper?

Yes. Always. Primer ensures even adhesion, prevents the wall from absorbing too much paste, and makes future removal easier. This is non-negotiable. I've written a full guide on wall preparation for wallpaper if you want the details.

The Bottom Line

Wallpapering in Queenstown and Wanaka isn't cheap, but it's an investment that transforms spaces in ways paint simply can't. A well-chosen wallpaper on a feature wall creates the kind of impact that makes people stop and notice.

Budget $500-$1,500 for a feature wall, $1,500-$4,000 for a full room, and add more for designer papers or complex prep work. Use the calculator at the top of this page to get a more specific estimate for your project.

And if those numbers work for you, get in touch. I'd love to help transform your space.

Ready to get started? Lakeside Wallpapering offers free consultations and quotes throughout Queenstown, Wanaka, and Central Otago. We'll assess your walls, discuss your options, and give you an accurate price – no surprises.