What zone is my property?
How to find out the zone of your property
Introduction
When buying, selling, or developing property in Auckland, one of the most critical factors to understand is your zoning. The Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) governs land use, determining what can be built where. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or developer, knowing your property’s zoning is crucial for making informed decisions.
This guide will walk you through how to find your property’s zoning, what different zones mean, and what you can do with the information.
What Is Property Zoning?
Property zoning is a set of rules that dictate what types of buildings and activities are allowed on a piece of land. The Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) categorizes land into different zones, each with its own regulations. These rules impact:
• The types of buildings that can be constructed
• The height and density of developments
• Land use (residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, etc.)
• Subdivision potential
• Heritage and environmental protections
Understanding zoning helps property owners maximize their land’s potential while staying compliant with Auckland Council regulations.
How to Find Your Property’s Zoning
Finding out what zone your property is in is straightforward, thanks to a growing number of online tools provided by the Auckland Council and other property data companies. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Use the Auckland Council GIS Viewer (the slightly harder way)
The Auckland Council’s main Geomaps system (GIS Viewer) is a reliable way to check zoning. If you google ‘Auckland Council GIS’, the link below is the one you’ll likely be shown. However, a while ago they made it a bit harder to show your zone, and it now requires a few extra clicks. The current steps are:
Go to the Auckland Council Geomaps
Enter your property address in the search bar
On the blue toolbar, click on the second icon from the left (the three boxes) to switch themes, and select the ‘plans and places’ theme.
Over on the left toolbar click the blue box next to ‘Unitary Plan - zones’ to show all the zones on the map
Click the down arrow next to the three dots to reveal a key for each of the zone colours
This will show your zoning classification, such as Residential – Mixed Housing Suburban, Business – Town Centre, or Special Purpose – Māori Land.
2. Check the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) Interactive Map
Another useful tool is the Auckland Unitary Plan Operative in Part (AUP-OIP) Viewer, which provides additional zoning details, including overlays and precincts.
• Visit the Auckland Unitary Plan Viewer
• Enter your address
• Click on the property to see zoning and overlay details
This tool highlights heritage protections, flooding risks, height restrictions, and special precincts that may affect development.
3. Request a Property Report from Auckland Council
If you need an official record, Auckland Council offers detailed property reports. These reports include zoning, overlays, and other regulatory factors.
• Visit the Auckland Council website
• Navigate to “Request a property report”
• Follow the instructions to download a free or paid report
This is useful for buyers, developers, and anyone planning renovations or new builds.
Understanding Zoning Categories in Auckland
Now that you know how to find your zoning, what does it actually mean? Auckland has three main zoning types: Residential, Business, and Special Purpose.
1. Residential Zones
Most homes in Auckland fall under one of the following residential zones:
• Single House Zone – Low-density housing, larger sections, limited subdivision.
• Mixed Housing Suburban Zone – Allows for more intensive development, typically two-story townhouses and small subdivisions.
• Mixed Housing Urban Zone – Allows three-story developments, higher density, and more subdivision options.
• Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings Zone – High-density housing, permitting multi-story apartments.
2. Business and Commercial Zones
If your property is in a business zone, the rules depend on its classification:
• Neighbourhood Centre Zone – Small local shops and businesses.
• Town Centre Zone – Mixed-use buildings, with retail on the ground floor and apartments above.
• Metropolitan Centre Zone – Large commercial and retail developments, e.g., Newmarket, Albany, Manukau.
• Mixed Use Zone – Allows for a combination of residential, retail, and office spaces.
3. Special Purpose and Open Space Zones
These zones include:
• Special Purpose – Māori Land
• Open Space – Conservation Zone
• Rural Production Zone
• Future Urban Zone – Land earmarked for future development but currently limited in what can be built.
4. Overlays, Precincts, and Controls
Apart from zoning, Auckland properties may have overlays and precincts that impose additional restrictions. Examples include:
• Heritage overlays (restrict modifications to historic buildings)
• Flood hazard overlays (limit development in flood-prone areas)
• Viewshafts and height limits (affecting skyline and privacy)
What Can You Do With Your Zoning Information?
1. Buying a Property
Before purchasing, check zoning to understand the development potential and whether your plans (subdividing, extending, or building) are possible.
2. Developing or Renovating
Zoning determines:
• Whether you can subdivide your property
• Maximum building height and density
• Setback rules (distance from boundaries)
If you’re unsure about compliance, consult a planner, architect, or Auckland Council.
3. Checking for Future Growth Areas
The Future Urban Zone signals potential future rezoning. If your property is nearby, it could appreciate in value once rezoning happens.
How Zoning Affects Property Values
Zoning plays a massive role in property prices. For example:
• Mixed Housing Urban and Terrace Housing zones are highly valuable due to development potential.
• Single House Zones are attractive to those seeking privacy and space but may have limited growth potential.
• Future Urban Zones can be speculative investments.
Understanding these factors helps buyers and investors make smart real estate decisions.
Common Zoning Myths & Misconceptions
1. “I Can Do Whatever I Want on My Property”
Even if you own land, building restrictions apply. Always check council regulations before making changes.
2. “If My Neighbor Built It, I Can Too”
Rules change over time. Just because a neighbor developed their land doesn’t mean the same rules apply today.
3. “Zoning Can’t Be Changed”
In some cases, you can apply for a private plan change to rezone land, but this is a complex and costly process requiring council approval.
Conclusion
Understanding your property’s zoning is essential for making informed real estate decisions in Auckland. By using Auckland Council’s online tools, requesting a property report, and learning about zoning categories, you can navigate property ownership and development with confidence.
Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or developer, staying informed about zoning ensures you maximize your property’s potential while complying with local regulations.
Need professional advice? Consult a property planner, architect, or the Auckland Council for guidance on your specific property.
