Surveying services for every stage of your project
Site plans and site levels
Our property may look flat but is probably not. Site levels check the elevations of your section against the height of the proposed building. Getting this done at the start saves significant time and cost later.
Building setouts and location certificates
Before construction begins, your building needs to be set out accurately on the ground. We peg out the exact footprint and height datum, and can issue a location and siting certificate once the build is complete.
Legal surveys
Any change to property ownership or land boundaries needs to be formally recorded. We handle all legal and cadastral survey work, determine your obligations, and make sure your plans meet them from the start.
Topographical surveying
Architects and engineers cannot design effectively without knowing the precise features and contours of your site. We produce detailed topographical maps covering everything above and below ground, with no surprises later.
Boundary adjustments
Moving a boundary line between properties requires the same process as a subdivision. Whether you are selling off a portion of land, resolving a dispute, or straightening a fence line, we can advise on the fastest and most cost-effective route to consent.
Unit titles and cross leases
Unit titles and cross leases each carry specific legal obligations. Whether you are creating a new unit title development, updating an existing cross lease, or converting one to fee simple, we will advise on the right approach and manage the process.
When do you need a surveyor?
You are legally required to engage a licensed cadastral surveyor for any work that affects New Zealand's land title records. That covers subdivisions, boundary adjustments, unit title developments, and legal surveys. It is not optional and cannot be done by anyone without a licence.
Beyond legal requirements, the more important question is: when does hiring a surveyor early save you money? Almost always at the very start of a project. Identifying boundary issues, easements, or site constraints early is far more cost-effective than discovering them after committing to a design or purchase. We will tell you exactly what is and is not required for your situation before you spend anything.
What is bringing you here?
Buying land to develop
Before you commit to a purchase, a surveyor can review your development plans, identify any constraints on the land, and give you a realistic cost estimate. We help you understand exactly what you are buying before you sign anything.
Get pre-purchase advice →
Boundary dispute or question
If you are selling, building an extension, disputing a fence line, or simply unsure where your boundary actually sits, a survey is the only way to get an accurate answer. We provide fully defensible boundary information that holds up legally.
Talk to us about your boundary →
Building or construction project
Construction surveying keeps your project on track. We set out the building accurately against the consented plans, check levels, and issue any required certificates. Getting this right prevents costly errors during the build.
Find out what you need →
Subdivision or title work
If you are splitting a section, adjusting a boundary, or creating new titles, a licensed surveyor is part of the legal process. We work alongside your planner and engineer to make sure the survey work is completed accurately and on time.
Learn about subdividing →
One team. Every stage.
Surveying sits at the centre of most land development projects, but it rarely works in isolation. The survey informs the planning application, the engineering design, the consent conditions, and the title work.
When your surveyor works in the same firm as your planner and engineer, nothing falls through the gaps. We offer planning, surveying, civil engineering, and landscape architecture under one roof, across New Zealand. Your land. Our craft.
Questions we get asked before people enquire.
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Do I need a surveyor to build a fence?
Not always, but if your fence sits on or near the boundary, you should know exactly where that boundary is. A licensed surveyor can peg your boundaries accurately. If the fence placement affects neighbouring land, a formal survey is the only defensible record.
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How much does a survey cost in New Zealand?
Survey costs vary depending on the type of survey, site complexity, and location. A simple site level is at the lower end of the scale. A full legal survey for a subdivision is more involved. We provide a clear fee estimate after a brief conversation about your project.
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What is the difference between a topographical survey and a legal survey?
A topographical survey maps the physical features and contours of a site. A legal survey establishes and records land boundaries in relation to the official title system. Most development projects require both at different stages.
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How long does a survey take?
Simple surveys like site levels or building setouts can be completed within a few days. Legal surveys for subdivisions take longer because they involve council processing and LINZ lodgement. We will give you a realistic timeframe for your specific project from the start.
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Can you survey anywhere in New Zealand?
Yes. Our South Island team operates from Christchurch and covers the wider South Island. Our North Island team operates through Horizon. Wherever your property is, we can help.
Contact us
Not sure what you need? We will point you in the right direction.
Tell us a bit about your project and we will come back to you within one business day with a clear view of what is required.
View our work
Holly Fields Development, Leeston
Strategic Solutions for Complex Challenges
Our client envisioned a new subdivision for Leeston, Holly Fields, comprising over 220 allotments designed to enhance the local community with carefully planned growth. To help bring this vision to life, Baseline Group was engaged to manage the complexities of planning and consenting for the development.
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Walter Place, Kirwee
In a place that is encouraging affordable housing, read how we worked alongside Selwyn District Council to increase the potential in this Kirwee subdivision.
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Abros Place, Burnside
With extensive knowledge of the rules around hydraulic neutrality, we provided a strong stormwater solution for our client saving them valuable money in the long run.
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Juno Apartments, Cranmer Square
Thorough surveying groundwork on this section was required before titles to ensure all information was up to date for a smooth and successful consent process.
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Spotlight Christchurch
With several buildings in the Harvey Norman Centre demolished after the 2011 earthquakes, Spotlight decided to build a new flagship store. Baseline Group worked alongside the client's architects from Gravitas Consulting to bring the project to life.
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Seaview Residential Development
A unique, multi-stage development just 450m from the beach in New Brighton, Seaview has been designed by two different architects and is being built in stages for a diverse range of designs.
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