Container questions, answered straight

From our current price list: used 20ft watertight from $2,500+GST, 10ft used from $3,200+GST, 40ft HC used from $5,500+GST — with B grade, ex-lease and A grade new-build one-trip units stepping up from there (20ft new from $4,850–$5,400+GST, 40ft new $7,800–$9,100+GST). Transport charges are not included; delivery is quoted per address.

Used for pure storage — the dents don't matter and the savings are real (a watertight 20ft from $2,500+GST). New (one-trip or ex-lease) for conversions, offices, and anything you'll look at every day. We stock both and will show you the difference side by side at the yard. Note: used containers don't come with a lockbox, but we can supply and fit one for $195+GST.

Yes, and you should — our yard at 15 Thorn Place, Onekawa, Napier is open Mon–Fri 7:30–5. You buy the specific container you looked inside, not a stock photo.

We arrange Hiab (crane truck) delivery across Hawke's Bay, Gisborne and nationwide. The Hiab lifts the container precisely into position — over fences if needed. You need reasonably level ground and truck access; we confirm both before dispatch.

Yes — we buy used containers and buy back units we've sold when your need ends. See our 'sell your container' page.

Hire rates vary with size, condition and term — short renovation hires price differently to multi-year leases. Call 06 835 3010 for current rates; we're consistently competitive locally because the yard is ours, not a franchise.

We're flexible — talk to us about your actual timeframe. Renovation-length hires (1–3 months) are common, and long-term leases get better rates.

Delivery and pickup are quoted alongside the hire rate so you see the full cost up front. Within Napier and Hastings both legs are short runs.

Rule of thumb: needs under about a year favour hiring; anything longer favours buying (especially since we buy containers back). We'll do this maths with you honestly before you commit either way.

Yes — fitted site offices and insulated units are available to hire, subject to fleet availability. Tell us the job and the term.

By Hiab crane truck — the container is lifted off and placed precisely, over fences and gardens where access allows. You need reasonably level ground and room for the truck; we confirm both from photos before dispatch.

Containers bear weight at their four corners. Level, compacted ground with concrete pads, blocks or railway sleepers under the corners is all most sites need — no slab required.

All of Hawke's Bay weekly — Napier, Hastings, Havelock North, CHB, Wairoa — plus regular Gisborne runs and nationwide freight by arrangement.

For temporary/moveable storage placement, usually not. Sleepouts under 30m² without plumbing can often qualify for Schedule 1 consent exemption. Dwellings (tiny homes lived in full-time) almost always need consent. District rules vary — we'll share local experience; your council has the final say.

Yes — as contents/structures on most rural and house policies, and our certified electrical paperwork is exactly what insurers ask for on powered units. Check with your insurer for specifics.

They're built for 25+ years of ocean freight. On land, kept painted and off wet ground, 40–50 years of useful life is realistic for the shell.

Used 10ft containers start from $3,200+GST, B grade units from $4,100+GST, and new-build 10ft high cubes from $4,850+GST. Transport is quoted separately per address. Modified units (doors, windows, lining, power) are priced per build — use the online configurator or call 06 835 3010.

Usually, yes. A 10ft is about the footprint of a single-car garage cut in half (3m × 2.4m). Our delivery truck needs access for the Hiab to lift it into place — send us a photo of the spot and we'll confirm before you commit.

Average used watertight 20ft units start from $2,500+GST, B grade used from $3,750+GST, ex-lease new builds from $4,850+GST, and A grade new-build one-trip units from $5,400+GST. Transport is not included — delivery is quoted per address.

About 33 cubic metres — roughly the contents of a three-bedroom house. Internal floor space is 5.9m × 2.35m, similar to a single garage.

Used 40ft high cubes start from $5,500+GST, standard-height B grade used units from $6,200+GST, and new builds from $7,800+GST ($9,100+GST for a new high cube). Transport quoted separately — call 06 835 3010 for what's on the ground.

A truck of about 19m overall needs to reach the site, with clear overhead room for the Hiab. Tight rural gates and steep driveways are often still workable — send us photos or a pin and we'll assess it free of charge.

HC stands for High Cube — a shipping container with an extra foot (~30cm) of height: 2.89m external instead of the standard 2.59m. When you see '40ft HC' in container listings, that's what it means. Available in 10ft, 20ft and 40ft; the extra headroom mainly matters for conversions people occupy.

From our current list: 10ft HC new build $4,850+GST, 40ft HC used from $5,500+GST, 40ft HC new build $9,100+GST. 20ft HC availability varies — call for what's landed. Transport quoted separately.

As a guide: a 20ft office fit-out runs from about $8,500 on top of the container (new-build 20ft from $4,850–$5,400+GST), so a complete new 20ft office typically lands around $14,000–$18,000+GST depending on spec. Hire rates for fitted offices are quoted per project — call 06 835 3010.

Our sleepout fit-out starts around $14,500 on top of the container (new-build 20ft from $4,850+GST). A complete 20ft sleepout typically lands around $20,000+GST; 40ft high cube builds with ensuite more. Use the online configurator for a live estimate on your exact spec.

A complete single-container tiny home from us typically starts in the $50,000s ex GST and rises with spec — bathroom fit-out, joinery quality and off-grid extras being the big movers. That's designed, built and certified, not a kitset.

A 20ft garage build (roller door + power) runs from about $6,200 on top of the container — so roughly $11,500–$14,000+GST complete on a new-build base, less on a tidy used unit. Twin-container double garages are priced per build. The configurator gives a live estimate.

Our pool conversion fit-out starts around $18,900 on top of the container, so a complete 20ft plunge pool typically lands in the mid-$20,000s +GST before filtration — well under half the cost of an equivalent in-ground pool.

As a guide, a servery-hatch cafe/bar fit-out with counter, lining and certified power typically starts in the low $20,000s on top of the container — far below a bricks-and-mortar fit-out. Every build is quoted individually; call 06 835 3010 with your concept.