Live NZ price guide
Pet Bird Prices NZ
What pet birds cost in New Zealand, pulled live from our 33 species profiles. Prices reflect NZ breeders and pet stores; hand-raised and DNA-sexed birds sit at the upper end of each range. Larger parrots also carry much higher lifetime costs than their purchase price suggests — click any species for its full care, lifespan and housing needs.
See also which pet birds are legal in NZ, best beginner birds and dog breed prices.
Under $150
Budgies, finches and canaries — the usual first birds in NZ, widely available from pet stores and local breeders.
| Species | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| King Quail (Button Quail) | NZD $20–$60 per bird; often sold in pairs |
| Zebra Finch | NZD $20 - $50 per bird |
| Budgerigar (Budgie) | NZD $30 - $100+ |
| Canary | NZD $30–$150 depending on breed (Yorkshire, Gloster, Red Factor, etc.) |
| Society Finch (Bengalese Finch) | NZD $30 - $80 per bird (as they need to be kept in groups, budget for at least two) |
| Diamond Dove | NZD $40 - $100 per bird |
| Java Sparrow (Java Finch) | NZD $40–$100 per bird; often sold in pairs |
| Bourke's Parakeet | NZD $80 - $200 (for a single bird from a reputable breeder or pet store) |
| Cockatiel | NZD $80 - $250 |
| Gouldian Finch | NZD $80–$250 per bird depending on head colour mutation |
| Lovebird | NZD $80 - $250 |
| Peach-faced Lovebird | NZD $80 - $250 (for a single bird, depending on breeder, age, and colour mutation) |
| Red-rumped Parakeet | NZD $80 - $200 |
| Turquoisine Parakeet | NZD $80 - $200 |
$150 – $500
Cockatiels, lovebirds and smaller parakeets. Hand-raised birds cost more than aviary-bred, and are usually far easier to tame.
| Species | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| Crimson Rosella | NZD $150–$450 from licensed NZ breeders |
| Eastern Rosella | NZD $150–$400 from licensed NZ breeders |
| Pacific Parrotlet | NZD $150 - $400 |
| Kakariki (Red-crowned Parakeet) | NZD $200 - $500 |
| Plum-headed Parakeet | NZD $250 - $600 per bird |
| Indian Ringneck Parakeet | NZD $300 - $800 (for a hand-reared, healthy bird from a reputable breeder or rescue) |
| Green-cheeked Conure | NZD $350 - $800 |
| Alexandrine Parakeet | NZD $400–$1,200 from licensed breeders |
$500 – $1,500
Conures, quakers and mid-size parrots. NZ supply is limited enough that waitlists are normal.
| Species | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| Jenday Conure | NZD $800 - $1,500 |
| Pionus Parrot | NZD $800 - $1,500 (for a hand-reared, healthy juvenile from a reputable NZ breeder) |
| Sun Conure | NZD $800–$2,000 from licensed breeders |
| Caique | NZD $1,000 - $2,500 (for a hand-reared, weaned Caique from a reputable NZ breeder) |
| Eclectus Parrot | NZD $1,000 - $3,000 (for a hand-reared, healthy bird from a reputable NZ breeder) |
| Galah Cockatoo | NZD $1,000 - $3,500+ |
| Little Corella | NZD $1,000 - $3,000 (for a legally sourced, permit-approved bird from a reputable NZ breeder) |
$1,500 and up
Large parrots — macaws, cockatoos and African greys. These are 40–70 year commitments with vet, housing and enrichment costs to match.
| Species | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| Blue-fronted Amazon Parrot | NZD $1,500 - $4,000 (from legal, licensed NZ breeders) |
| Cockatoo (Sulphur-crested) | NZD $2,000 - $5,000+ |
| Blue and Gold Macaw | NZD $2,500–$5,000 for NZ-bred hand-raised birds |
| African Grey Parrot | NZD $3,000–$8,000+ (NZ supply very limited; expect waitlist) |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pet bird cost in NZ?
It depends enormously on size. Budgies, finches and canaries are typically well under $150, cockatiels and lovebirds sit in the low hundreds, and large parrots such as macaws, cockatoos and African greys run into the thousands. Hand-raised and DNA-sexed birds cost more than aviary-bred birds of the same species.
Why are large parrots so expensive in New Zealand?
New Zealand's import rules mean the breeding population for large parrots is small and closed, so supply is limited to local breeders. Combined with slow reproduction and the labour of hand-raising, that keeps prices high and waitlists long.
What does the purchase price not include?
The cage is often the single biggest surprise — a properly sized parrot cage can cost more than the bird. Budget also for perches and enrichment, ongoing fresh food, and an avian vet, who is a specialist and not available in every NZ town.
Is it cheaper to adopt a bird?
Usually, yes, and rehomed adult birds are common because owners underestimate the lifespan and noise. An adult bird's temperament is already known, which is an advantage for a first-time owner — though a bird with a history of feather-plucking or biting needs an experienced home.
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Shop at PetMall
The products below are practical support items for your pet. PetMall ships across New Zealand.
- Bird Food & TreatsA quality seed or pellet base plus fresh veg keeps cage birds healthier than seed alone.
- Bird ToysForaging and chew toys prevent boredom — rotate a few rather than crowding the cage all at once.
- Bird SuppliesA well-sized cage with the right perch variety helps long-term comfort — aim for space to fully stretch wings.