Looking for the best lawn mower in New Zealand? Fortunately for you, there are many great models available in the country — but which one is best for you depends on your needs.

We’ve done the research and with so many makes and models out in the market, we had to narrow it down considerably. We based our criteria on the product’s price, features, ease of use, durability and the manufacturer’s reputation as well. 

Before you go picking out a lawnmower though, let’s talk cost first.

How much do lawnmowers cost in New Zealand?

The price range of lawnmowers depends on the type of lawnmower you get. There are three main types of lawnmowers namely petrol, electric and hand mowers.

Petrol mowers run on fuel, are the sturdiest and most common of the lot, despite having a pull-cord to start it. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $900 for a decent model. 

Electric mowers, on the other hand, come in two variants: there are cordless and corded models. Cordless electric mowers run on batteries while corded variations need to be plugged in directly to an electrical outlet. 

Electric cordless mowers are more expensive than petrol models because you don’t have to spend on fuel or oil to make them run. You can expect to spend around $800 for a starter model while premium models can run around $3000.

Corded mowers are around $300, but the cheapest mower by far is the hand mower which costs around $50 only.

We’ve summarized the average estimated prices of lawnmowers in the table below based on type. 

TYPE OF MOWER	AVERAGE ESTIMATED PRICE
Petrol Mower	$500 - $900
Electric Mower (Corded)	$300 - $500
Electric Mower (Cordless)	$800 - $1500
Hand Mower	$40 - $60

The Best Lawnmowers in New Zealand

Since we now have a general idea of how much a lawnmower costs, we can take a look at our top picks for the best lawnmowers in New Zealand.

1. Hyundai HYM400P

Best for Small-to-Medium Lawns

BUY IT ON THE MARKET

The Hyundai HYM400P is the perfect choice if you don’t want to shell out money for an oversized machine. This mower has a quick-start 79cc overhead valve (OHV) 4-stroke engine that provides a fair amount of power in its lightweight chassis.

Tipping the scales at only 19kg, users will appreciate that this mower is lightweight, especially since it isn’t self-propelled. You shouldn’t have a problem pushing it around, since it’s also quite ergonomic to use.

The Hyundai HYM400P is ultra light thanks to its durable polypropylene chassis and deck. It is also rust-free with easy-folding grip handles that can be stored away with ease.

However, one of our gripes with the Hyundai HYM400P is starting the engine – it requires that you press the primer bulb at least five times to prepare the carburetor. So don’t be surprised if you end up calling customer service for help when starting it for the first time.

Nevertheless, after your first initial use, starting it up will be much smoother. You’ll only need to press the primer bulb around two to four times to get it up and running and you can easily adjust the choke if needed.

We also like that the pull starter is conveniently within arm’s length so you won’t have to strain your back from pulling on the cord. It’s also equipped with OPC (Operator Presence Control) which will keep you safe by preventing the engine from starting if the handle isn’t pressed.

Now, we’re not big fans that the wheels on the Hyundai HYM400P are placed outside of the cutting width. This means that it won’t trim up your garden right up to the edge, so be prepared to clean this up with a trimmer or shears. 

Nevertheless,  it comes with a 40-liter grass collection bag made of tough polyester that should provide enough storage for your cuttings. It doesn’t have a “full” indicator” though, but it’s quite easy to attach and release.

It has a 40cm cut width that uses a durable steel blade with a 2-in-1 cutting option that’s ideal for small to medium-sized lawns. With 7 cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm, be ready to start at a higher setting first before gradually lowering it down on longer grass.

The Hyundai HYM400P may seem like a basic model but it’s constructed well and will get the job done. While it may not be self-propelled, it is ultra light, easy to move, and will help cut your grass with ease. 

Customer Reviews

“I got one of these a few months ago and wanted to use if a few times before leaving a review…This mower is also great for picking up leaves. I put it on the highest height setting and do quick run over the garden and all the leaves are gone. All in all a great mower.”  – Stuart R. Smith

2. Masport Black Viper S18 500 ST 2’n1

Best Overall Lawn Mower

BUY IT ON MITRE10

Masport Limited is a family-owned company founded in 1910 in Auckland.  Since then, this homegrown New Zealand manufacturer has built a solid reputation for producing quality outdoor equipment.

Although their first products were focused on engines and agricultural equipment, they began manufacturing in-house mowers in 1930. 

Masport was responsible for introducing the first petrol-powered lawnmower in 1938 to New Zealanders.

Today Masport offers a diversified range of products that include lawnmowers, shredders, and patio heaters, to name a few. One of their flagship product lines is the Masport Black Viper series, offering powerful lawn mowers to consumers.

The Masport Black Viper S18 500 ST 2’n1 uses a 4-stroke Briggs and Stratton engine. It has enough power beneath the hood to capture, collect and mulch all those stary leaves lying around your garden.

With an ergonomic but reinforced handle, you’ll find that this Black Viper is a breeze to use and won’t be fatiguing. It’s relatively lightweight as well, coming in at only 26.4kg, despite having a heavy-duty steel chassis.

Its 140cc ReadyStart engine needs no priming either, so you can be up and running right away. Moreover, its Zone Start feature removes the need to bend down to pull-start, thereby minimizing strain to your lower back.

With its 4-Blade Disc System, it’s easy to “cut, catch & mulch”, sending all those trimmings straight in the HDPE plastic catcher. Offering 46.5 liters of storage space, it should be more than enough for a single mowing session without having to empty the bag. 

If you find this particular model isn’t for you, Masport offers a wide range of mowers for you to choose from. With competitive prices that can hold up against more well-known brands,  a Masport mower is an option worth considering and one of our top picks in New Zealand.

3. Makita DLM462 18Vx2 (36V) LXT Brushless 460mm 18″ Metal Deck Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Best Cordless Lawn Mower

BUY IT ON WEST AUCKLAND MOWER & CHAINSAW

Makita Corporation was established in 1915, mainly focusing on selling and repairing electric motors. Since then, this Japanese company has established itself as an international brand, manufacturing high-quality professional machines and tools. 

The Makita DLM462PT2 is a well-constructed mower that has several features worth considering. Its best feature, in our opinion, is that it runs on batteries, making it completely cordless. 

While you may have some struggles with assembling the DLM462PT2, the instructions in the manual are quite clear and easy to follow. However, we were expecting to have an easier assembly experience considering its price. 

Nevertheless, the DLM462PT2 is powered by two 18V batteries that can take on a 1900sqm lawn on a single charge. You can carry an extra pair of batteries as well just in case you run out of juice, but its twin charger can power up the battery to full in just 45 minutes. 

The DLM460PT2 has a sturdy steel deck with a battery power indicator displayed on the handle. Although it’s quite heavy, storing it is easy since the handle neatly folds in half, which you can then fold over the mower’s body conveniently. 

Its rubber tires have a solid grip so you shouldn’t have a problem pushing it around despite clocking in at a hefty 35.3kg. However, with a self-propelled 140cc engine that can go to speeds of 2.5 to 5.0km an hour, it has enough torque to handle sloped areas with ease.

Despite being robust and having four blades spinning around and cutting, this battery-powered unit operates quietly. We like that this Makita mower has a quiet mode option for even more noise reduction. 

We also like this mower’s large 60-Liter fabric grass collector, which has more than enough capacity to mow a lawn two times over. Alternatively, you can also put in the mulching plug to re-distribute the clippings back onto your newly cut grass. 

With 10 different cutting heights ranging from 20 to 75mm, it has a good enough range to handle both long and short grass. The height can be adjusted easily as well with a handle located near the rear wheel. 

However, do take note that the DLM462PT2 only comes with a two-year warranty which can only be claimed if you register your purchase online within a month. The deck, on the other hand, only gets a one-year warranty, which isn’t surprising since it’s made of steel. 

If you’re looking for a cordless mower that can power through a small to medium-sized lawn, the Makita DLM462PT2 is an option worth considering. It’s battery-powered, economic, and can help you keep your lawn in shape, making it one of our top lawnmowers in New Zealand.

4. Ozito ELM-1230 Electric Mower

Best Affordable Electric Mower

BUY IT ON BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE

Ozito is an Australian brand that first launched in 1993, offering a diverse array of power tools and garden tools for the do-it-yourself individual. They also offer several mowers, focusing mostly on electric-powered variants.

The Ozito ELM1230 Ecomow Electric Mower is one of the most affordable options out in the market. It’s lightweight yet features a robust 1200W motor that can help you landscape your lawn with ease while remaining quiet at the same time.

However, when a product is made to be affordable, you can expect some sacrifices to be made in its design. With the Ozito ELM1230, this is its small 25-liter grass catcher that is quite difficult to attach and release.

More importantly, though, this particular mower is a corded version, which means you’ll need to have it plugged into an outlet to work. The user manual provides a guide on how to mow your lawn though so that the cord doesn’t get in the way. 

Nevertheless, this single-blade mower features built-in thermal overload protection which protects the engine and its parts from overheating. There’s also a safety start switch emphasized with a red plastic guard to prevent accidental start-ups.

The Ozito ELM1230 has a 305mm cutting width and a 3 position height adjustment that provides ample flexibility considering its price. It’s compact, lightweight, and portable as well, so it’s easy to push around and stow away.

In short, this relatively unknown brand offers users an affordable high-powered mower that can get the job done. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but for its price point and features, it earns a spot on our list of the best lawn mowers in New Zealand.

Customer Reviews

Great little mower

“Have only used it once but my grass was no less than 2 ft high and obviously not completed on first mow, but this Mower is very honest for its price. Light, blade sharp as all get out n two of the unlikeliest chicks you’ve ever met were able to put it together in prob, 25 mins with surprisingly minimal expletives. Although the catcher had one of us rethinking their lease, it was a relatively smooth operation 5/5!” – Claire

Excellent value for money product

“Quite easy to put together when you get it from the shop (We brought ours from Bunnings) My lawn which is around 100 sqm back and 30 upfront was a mess with crazy buffalo grass. Once you get the hang of juggling the electric cable after you, this mower makes the task of cutting the grass quite simple and quick, . Being electric – its just plug and go. No noxious fumes, very easy to maintain – just give it a clean up once you are through. Have had it for over two years and its still as good as new. In short worth every cent.” – Vin

5. Honda HRX217VKA 21-inch

Best Catcher Capacity Lawn Mower

BUY IT ON OMC POWER EQUIPMENT

The Honda HRX217VKA 21-inch is a self-propelled mower that has a powerful motor, thanks to its GCV200 engine. It also has several features that make it one of our top picks for the best lawn mowers you can get in New Zealand.

We like the Honda 200cc motor not just for its power, but because it has a  ‘Select Drive’ feature that lets you change its speed. This means that you’re not tied down to a fixed speed unlike other lawnmowers, so you can work at your own pace.

Moreover, we particularly like that there is no need for a choke switch on this mower – you simply pull on the cord and the engine will rev up right away. 

This mower’s deck is also made with Honda’s specially developed material, NeXite, which can resist dents, rust, and corrosion. It’s made of material similar to the polymer materials commonly found in car bumpers, offering a hardy yet lightweight material. 

If you’re unsure if the material is as good as they say it is, Honda is willing to gamble a lifetime warranty on it. With that kind of confidence in their product, they’ve got us convinced to give it a try.

The Honda HRX217VKA has 7 adjustable cutting height positions that range from 19mm to 102 mm. This is by far one of the greatest ranges we’ve seen, which should provide almost everyone the flexibility they need. 

Honda’s MicroCut Twin Blades are installed here as well, which can cut up your grass into fine shreds that allow you to store even more clippings in the large spacious 88-Liter catcher bag. 

We are big fans of the collector’s large capacity because it helps you take advantage of the HRX217VKA’s unique Versamow System. This lets you change up from mulching, bagging, discharging, and leaf shredding with ease without having to empty the bag.

Moreover,  we like the ‘Flywheel’ brake system that stops the engine when you let go of the safety lever. This is crucial in self-propelled systems, to ensure that you remain safe while pushing this powerful machine.

Customer Reviews

“I find the Honda HRX217VKA far superior to any mower I have ever owned. Mulching capability is paramount for me, and this mower with its dual blades provides clump-free performance. The 200cc engine powers through reasonably high grass growth without a problem. The Clip Director is ingenious, allowing clippings or leaves to be fully mulched or partially diverted into the bag. The ergonomics attest to Honda’s attention to detail. And the five year mower warranty (lifetime on the deck) gives me confident expectation of a satisfying experience going forward. Overall, I couldn’t be more pleased with this purchase!” – Ron Canton

Types of Lawnmowers

There are three main types of lawnmowers, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at the differences between them.

1. Petrol

Petrol mowers use fuel and generally have the most torque and power. They can handle lawns or gardens with thick, dense grass and perform better during damp conditions.

The engines of these mowers are more difficult to start though, especially those that use a pull-cord. They are also noisier and generate fumes, which may not be ideal for some people.

However, petrol mowers are generally more reliable, can run at higher temperatures, and will keep running as long as there’s fuel in the tank. They need to be serviced just like a car engine – keeping it well-maintained extends its shelf life and can help it last quite a long time.

2. Electric

There are two types of electric lawnmowers, namely corded and cordless variants. Those with cords need to be plugged directly into an outlet to operate while cordless models run on rechargeable batteries. 

Electric mowers are usually lighter than petrol mowers, which makes them easier to push and stow away. They are turned on with a push starter, don’t have any fumes, and are quieter as well.

3. Hand Mowers

Also known as push or manual mowers, hand mowers are the classic tool for cutting grass. They don’t need fuel to run and only depend on how much energy you have (of which you’ll need a lot of).

Although considered a “greener” alternative, hand mowers need their blades maintained regularly. So if you’re not knowledgeable on how to do that, you’ll need to find a technician in your lawn mower store that can do it for you.

Features to Consider

If you aren’t familiar with lawnmowers, it can be difficult deciding which one to buy if you don’t know what to look for. Fret not, for we’ve rounded up some features you should watch out for.

The Body

It’s no surprise that the lawnmower’s body is an important feature. After all, you’ll most likely be pushing it around, so you want it to be as lightweight as possible. 

Secondly, you’ll also want to consider a corrosion-resistant body because it will inevitably last longer in damp or moist conditions. 

Alloy is the most expensive but it can easily withstand rust. Steel costs less and is more durable, but it’s more prone to corrosion if it isn’t completely cleaned and dried. 

Some form or derivative of plastic is also a good bet because it can resist corrosion. While it may not be as durable, it should serve well in most homes that don’t have a lot of obstacles or rocks in the garden.

Catcher

The catcher or collector bag is an important component of a lawnmower as this is where all the clippings go. It can be made of a variety of materials, so make sure that it’s made of sturdy material such as plastic. 

The capacity of a catcher is important as well – smaller capacities may be lighter but could mean that you might have to empty the bag more than once while mowing, which can be inconvenient. Nevertheless, you should try out the catcher as it should be easy to remove and attach. 

Handle

An ergonomic handle is crucial to any lawnmower so that you won’t get fatigued or cramped using it. Generally, an upturned handle is best and you’ll want a lawnmower with an adjustable height as well. 

We suggest trying out different handles in person to see which works best for you. You’ll want to check the height and if it can fold in half for easy storage.

Cutting Height

When it comes to cutting height, you’ll want a good range to work with so that it can be used for several situations. However, if you generally cut your grass short and don’t allow it to grow too much, most lawnmowers offer a comfortable range for you to work with.

FAQs about Lawnmowers

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We’ve come to the end of our list of the best lawnmowers in New Zealand! We hope you found a mower from our list to suit your needs. 

Do you agree or disagree with the lawnmowers that we picked? If you think we missed a great mower that deserves to be in this list, feel free to tell us about it!

Now that you’ve started maintaining your lawn, you may be considering doing some other landscaping work as well. If so, then check out our list of the best hedge trimmers in New Zealand to help you get started.