General information only — not legal advice. Prices for wills in New Zealand vary widely between providers, regions and individual circumstances. The figures below are indicative only, so always check current pricing with the provider you choose. A will is only valid if it is signed and witnessed correctly, whatever it cost.
The short answer
A will in New Zealand can cost anywhere from $0 to a few thousand dollars. FreeWills costs $0 — free to create, with no hidden fees. At the other end, a lawyer will usually charge a few hundred dollars for a simple will and more for complex estates, while trustee companies and specialist services charge more again. The right choice depends on your circumstances, not just the price.
FreeWills — $0
FreeWills is 100% free to use. You can create a simple New Zealand will online at no cost:
- $0 to create your will;
- no subscription, membership or platform fee;
- no hidden charges and no payment prompts;
- no cost to review or re-do your draft; and
- free signing instructions — your two witnesses sign at no cost.
The only things you might pay for are ordinary practical items such as printing the document — and, if your circumstances are complex, independent legal advice, which is always worth considering regardless of how you make your will.
Do-it-yourself wills and kits
DIY will templates and kits are available from stationers and online from around $10 to $50. They are cheaper than a lawyer but come with no personal advice, and the most common mistake — signing and witnessing the will incorrectly — can make the whole document invalid. If you choose this route, follow the execution rules carefully.
Wills through a lawyer
A lawyer will typically charge for the time involved, and prices vary by firm and region. As a general indication:
- a simple single will — often a few hundred dollars (roughly $300–$800);
- mirror wills for a couple — usually a discount per person compared with two separate visits;
- wills with a family trust, business or other complexity — commonly $1,000 or more; and
- ongoing storage with a law firm — sometimes included, sometimes a small annual fee.
What you are paying for is professional drafting and advice — which matters most when your circumstances are not straightforward.
Trustee companies and specialist providers
Organisations such as Public Trust and other trustee companies offer wills, often bundled with estate administration and storage. They tend to be more expensive than a lawyer for a simple will — sometimes significantly — because they include a broader ongoing relationship. They can be a good option for people who want professional estate administration or who have complex affairs, but check the fees and what is included.
What affects the cost
The main price drivers are:
- how simple or complex your will is;
- whether you are making one will or mirror wills as a couple;
- whether you need advice about trusts, business, overseas assets or family claims;
- whether storage and ongoing services are included; and
- the provider and region you choose.
Watch for extra and ongoing costs
Beyond the initial price, consider:
- printing costs if you create your will online;
- lawyer or trustee company storage fees;
- the cost of updating your will when your circumstances change; and
- estate administration fees later — some providers charge separately when they act as executor.
The bottom line
You do not need to spend money to have a will: FreeWills lets you create a simple New Zealand will for $0, with no hidden fees. A lawyer’s will costs a few hundred dollars or more but brings professional advice. A trustee company costs more again and offers a broader service. Choose based on your circumstances — and whatever you pay, make sure the will is signed and witnessed correctly, because that is what makes it valid.