With nearly 40 years of industry experience, Caldow Builders delivers safe, efficient, and non-destructive Hydrovac services across Wellington. Whether you’re working in tight-access urban sites or sensitive underground utility zones, our skilled team and modern fleet are equipped for the task.
At Caldow Builders, we provide professional Hydrovac services across Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city with a population of around 215,000 (2018 census). Located at 41.2865° S, 174.7762° E, Wellington is known for its steep terrain, dense urban layout, and heritage suburbs like Mt Victoria, Thorndon, and Te Aro.s
With tightly packed buildings, ageing underground networks, and narrow streets, traditional excavation in Wellington often poses safety and access challenges. Striking a gas line, fibre cable, or stormwater system can quickly bring a project to a halt.
Whether you’re exposing services near Parliament in Thorndon, trenching along Ghuznee Street in Te Aro, or supporting drainage works in Mount Cook, our Hydrovac team is ready to help. We use high-pressure water and vacuum suction to uncover underground assets safely — ideal for council works, commercial upgrades, or tight-access jobs in residential zones.
Trust Caldow Builders to deliver safe, efficient, and non-destructive excavation tailored to Wellington’s complex terrain and infrastructure.
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With nearly 40 years in the industry, our team brings a depth of knowledge few can match. We understand Wellington’s varied soil conditions, challenging topography, and the delicate underground systems that run through its suburbs. From early planning to final clean-up, we know how to work smartly, safely, and efficiently.
Our 20+ vehicles and fully trained operators mean we’re equipped to handle projects of any scale. Whether you’re coordinating with a council, engineering firm, or general contractor, we respond fast, operate professionally, and bring top-of-the-line gear for every job.
Hydrovac is the safest way to excavate in areas where underground cables, pipes, or services are present. Our crews are trained to handle sensitive digs with zero damage, protecting infrastructure and reducing downtime for our clients.
We’re not a franchise or a faceless corporation — Caldow Builders is a family-run business that has grown through hard work, referrals, and long-term client relationships. Our commitment to doing the job right the first time is why clients across Wellington keep choosing us for their vacuum excavation needs.
Older suburbs like Thorndon, Newtown, and Kelburn have underground utilities that are crowded, shallow, and often poorly mapped. Traditional excavation here risks striking water mains, gas lines, or fibre cables — especially when working on narrow streets or near heritage buildings. Hydrovac protects these services by using pressurised water and vacuum suction to gently expose them without physical contact. It’s ideal for utility trenching in high-risk, high-density zones.
Wellington sites — particularly in areas like Te Aro or around the waterfront — are often bordered by footpaths, public roads, or tight laneways. Over-digging with machines can create a mess that clogs foot traffic and requires major clean-up. Hydrovac keeps things tidy by removing only what’s needed, helping projects stay on schedule and reducing reinstatement costs. It’s perfect for small-scale jobs near kerbs, paths, or paved courtyards.
From the hillside homes of Brooklyn to the narrow driveways of Mt Victoria, Wellington presents real access challenges for traditional excavation gear. Heavy machinery can’t always reach safely, especially on sloped or built-up lots. Hydrovac solves this with flexible hose systems that dig from a distance — even when the truck can’t get on-site. It’s the ideal choice for hillside trenching, tight urban properties, or backyard upgrades.
Working in Wellington means adhering to strict environmental and council regulations — particularly near stormwater systems, heritage areas, or coastal roads like Oriental Parade. Traditional digging methods often fail to control runoff and spoil, leading to compliance issues. Hydrovac limits ground disturbance, contains debris, and aligns with Wellington City Council standards for low-impact excavation. It’s the clean, approved way to dig across the region.
If your project calls for safe, precise, and council-compliant excavation, contact Caldow Builders today for expert Hydrovac services across Wellington.
Hydrovac pricing in Wellington typically starts from $250 to $300 per hour, depending on the scope, location, and type of project. Costs can vary based on factors like site access, spoil removal requirements, and whether specialised equipment is needed. For smaller jobs, we may offer fixed pricing, while larger commercial or civil works are quoted per cubic metre or by the day. We’re happy to provide a clear, itemised quote before starting. Our team ensures you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.
Most standard Hydrovac jobs in Wellington can be completed within a few hours to a single day. However, larger or more complex sites — such as multi-utility exposure, trenching over long distances, or confined access — may take multiple days. We’ll assess your project during the quote phase and provide a clear timeline based on what’s required. Efficiency is one of the key advantages of Hydrovac. Our team is trained to work quickly without cutting corners, keeping your project on track.
Hydrovac is commonly used in Wellington for exposing underground cables, locating services before drilling, trenching, potholing, and working near stormwater or gas lines. It’s ideal for jobs in sensitive or crowded areas like the CBD, coastal zones, or older residential streets. Engineers, councils, and contractors often rely on it for asset protection, infrastructure upgrades, and safe utility work. If your project involves underground services or tight conditions, Hydrovac is usually the best option. It’s safe, accurate, and non-destructive.
We have a large fleet of Hydrovac units and can often respond within 24–48 hours, depending on availability and the job’s location. For urgent or high-risk projects, we may be able to mobilise the same day. Our team works across Wellington daily and is well-prepared to handle both short-notice and scheduled works. With over 20 vehicles and a trained local crew, we’re always ready to help. Fast response is part of what makes Caldow Builders a trusted excavation partner in the region.
Permit requirements depend on where the work is being carried out. If your project is on public land, near road reserves, or involves council-owned infrastructure, you’ll likely need consent from Wellington City Council or the relevant authority. Our team is familiar with the local permit process and can advise you on what’s needed. We can also assist in coordinating approvals if required. For private property or isolated sites, permits are often not needed — but we always check before starting.
Need help with a safe and precise excavation job? Contact our friendly Wellington team today. Call, email, or submit the quick form — we’ll get back to you fast with a quote or expert advice tailored to your site and project needs.
Caldow Builders is a family-owned construction and contracting company based in Foxton. We’ve been working across the North Island for over 40 years, handling everything from commercial construction and civil projects to rural builds, hydrovac work, and heavy transport.
