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If you are considering a gas hot water system, cooktop, or fireplace, you will need to decide between natural gas and LPG. The right choice depends on your location, usage, and priorities. Here is a clear breakdown.
What Is the Difference?
Natural Gas
Natural gas is delivered through underground pipes directly to your property. In Auckland, the network covers most of the urban area — particularly central Auckland, North Shore, parts of East Auckland, and some South Auckland suburbs. If your street has natural gas, you can connect.
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
LPG is stored in bottles or tanks on your property and delivered by truck. It is available anywhere in New Zealand regardless of whether you are on a gas network. It is the only gas option for many West Auckland and rural properties not connected to the network.
Availability in Auckland
The first question to answer is whether natural gas is available at your address. Check with Vector Gas (vectorgas.co.nz) or ask us — we can tell you quickly.
- Natural gas available: Most of central, north, and parts of east Auckland
- LPG only: Many West Auckland suburbs, rural fringe areas, and any property outside the network
Cost Comparison
Connection Costs
- Natural gas connection: If your street has gas, connecting to an existing meter is typically $500 to $1,500. If there is no gas main nearby, it can cost significantly more or may not be feasible.
- LPG setup: Bottle installation or bulk tank installation. Bottles are low cost to set up; a bulk underground tank is $2,000 to $5,000 installed but delivers better value for heavy users.
Running Costs
This changes regularly with energy prices, but as a general guide:
- Natural gas is typically cheaper per unit of energy than LPG when used in volume (hot water, heating)
- LPG is competitive for lower-usage applications (cooktop only) but can be more expensive for whole-house heating
- Both are generally cheaper to run than electric resistance heating for hot water
Practical Differences
Natural Gas
- Continuous supply — never runs out as long as you pay the bill
- No bottles to manage or deliveries to organise
- Monthly billing through your energy retailer
- Lower running costs for high-volume use
- Appliances must be configured for natural gas
LPG
- Available everywhere — no network dependency
- Bottles can run out — need to monitor levels
- Bulk tanks eliminate the running-out problem
- Higher energy content per unit than natural gas (appliances are different)
- Good option for cooktops and BBQs in areas without natural gas
Important: Appliances Are Not Interchangeable
This is critical. A gas appliance configured for natural gas will NOT work correctly on LPG, and vice versa. The burner jets, regulator, and pressure settings are different. Using the wrong gas type can be dangerous and will void your warranty. WorkSafe NZ regulates gas safety standards across New Zealand.
If you switch from one gas type to another, your appliances must be converted or replaced by a licensed gasfitter. Never attempt this yourself.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose natural gas if:
- It is available at your address
- You have high gas usage (hot water, heating, cooking) — a continuous flow system on natural gas is hard to beat for efficiency
- You want the convenience of no deliveries or bottle management
- You want the lowest long-term running costs
Choose LPG if:
- Natural gas is not available at your address
- You only want gas for cooking or a specific appliance
- You are renting and cannot connect to the gas network
- You are in a rural or fringe area
Not Sure What Is Available at Your Property?
Water and Gas Worx can advise on gas availability and help you choose the right system. We install and service both natural gas and LPG systems across Auckland. A gas compliance certificate is issued with all gas work. See our pricing or check which areas we service.
Call 0800 322 322 or email service@wgw.co.nz
Frequently Asked Questions
Is natural gas or LPG cheaper to run in Auckland?
Natural gas is generally cheaper per unit of energy when used in volume — for hot water, heating, and cooking. LPG is competitive for lighter use like a cooktop only, but for whole-house gas use, natural gas has lower running costs. Both are typically cheaper than electric resistance heating for hot water.
Can I switch from LPG to natural gas?
Yes, if natural gas is available at your address. All gas appliances need to be converted or replaced by a licensed gasfitter — the burner jets, regulator, and pressure settings are different between the two. You will also need the gas main connected to your meter. We handle the full conversion.
How do I know if natural gas is available at my Auckland address?
Check with Vector Gas (vectorgas.co.nz) or call us — we can tell you quickly whether natural gas is available at your property. Most of central, north, and parts of east Auckland have natural gas. Many West Auckland and rural properties are LPG only.