The Best Locksmiths in Christchurch for Unlocking, Installing, and more

Our list of trusted Christchurch locksmiths are experienced, skilled, and affordable, providing a wide range of services, including door, gate, safe, and car lock installations and repairs.

Updated 11 June 2025

Summary:

Getting locked out of your home or car becomes a matter of urgency, but how do you know what locksmith to call, and how much is it going to cost?
Our guide walks you through everything you need to know about hiring a locksmith, and we shortlist trusted locksmiths who have received outstanding reviews from customers in and around Christchurch.

Our Christchurch Locksmith services guide covers:

How much do locksmith services cost?

You may have a recommended locksmith‘s contact stuck on your fridge, but that’s no indication of the cost. We have put together a useful guide to help you estimate what typical locksmith services should cost you in and around Christchurch. Please note, the prices are for guidance only and quotes will vary based on the specific situation and individual work performed.

Our list below indicates sample prices that exclude GST.

1. Lockout Services:

Home lockout: Gaining entry to a locked home typically ranges from $95 to $160, depending on the time of day. After-hours services will almost always cost more.
Car lockout: Unlocking a car door generally costs between $95 and $160, with potential additional charges for after-hours assistance.

2. Lock Installation and Repair:

Standard lock installation: Installing a new lock can cost approximately $60+ for the call-out fee, plus $100 per hour for labor. After-hours services may have higher rates.
Lock repair: Repairing existing locks is usually charged at an hourly rate, often around $100 per hour, with a minimum charge for the first hour.

3. Key Cutting and Replacement:

Standard key cutting: Cutting a standard house key typically costs between $10 and $20 per key.
Car key replacement: Replacing a lost car key, especially those with transponders, can range from $150 to $500, depending on the vehicle's make and model.

4. Re-Keying Services:

Residential re-keying: Changing the internal pins of a lock so that it operates with a new key usually costs between $60 and $100 per lock, plus any call-out fees.

5. Emergency Services:

Emergency locksmith services provided outside of regular business hours often come with additional charges, which can range from $50 to $100 on top of standard rates.

How does a locksmith charge me?

A bill from a locksmith is usually made up of a number of factors:

Labour charge - this is a set rate, exclusive of GST, often between $90 and $160 per hour. There will often be a minimum first-hour charge.
Lock parts - if the locksmith changes your lock, you will be charged for what's needed. There may be a markup as well.
Travel cost (this can be factored into the labour charge) - if the locksmith charges travel costs, this is usually charged from the time the locksmith leaves for your home, to when they arrive back at their base after the job.
GST - the total of 1, 2 and 3 above will be added, and GST (15%) added.

If you require a locksmith to visit after hours (i.e. outside of 7am to 5pm), you will most likely pay either a call-out fee, or a higher hourly charge.

How can I get the best price for a locksmith callout?

Shop around - locksmith issues often lead to people panic buying. Instead, while we know a lock issue will be stressful, try to approach the issue like you would when buying a phone or car - be calm. Have a ring around and explain your needs, and ask for an estimate of the job, as well as the hourly cost and travel cost.
Know that prices and quotes will usually exclude GST - be sure to check - our GST calculator shows the total price you'll pay if you're quoted 'GST exclusive'.
Find a local locksmith - locksmiths often charge travel time, so the closer to your home or car is to the locksmith, the cheaper the labour cost. For this reason, you will also pay more if you are in an out-of-town property or location.
Know that an out-of-hours visit (i.e. 6pm to 7am, weekends) will often be more expensive than standard hours - check with the locksmith before. If the job can wait, don't pay a weekend or late-night surcharge if it can be sorted the next day.

Find the keys or get access before the locksmith arrives? You will still need to pay

If you call a locksmith and they accept the job, you have committed to the service. If the lock or access issue resolves itself before the locksmith arrives at your property, you will still need to pay for the first hour, or whatever the minimum time the locksmith charges per their terms of trade.

How do I pay a locksmith?

Most locksmiths accept a range of payment methods, including

Direct Credit (internet banking)
Cash with invoice
Credit Card via the locksmith's website (a surcharge may apply)
On-site Eftpos

Locksmiths usually have strict payment terms, with 7 or 10 days standard.

The Best Christchurch Locksmiths Available Right Now

Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Central, East, West, North and South Christchurch. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Christchurch, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, BuildersCrack, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.

Christchurch Lock & Key

Christchurch Lock & Key, a family-owned business and member of the Master Locksmith Association of Australasia, has been providing top-rated locksmith services in Christchurch for over 65 years with a commitment to reliability, affordability, and comprehensive security solutions.
Google Rating: 4.5 (190+)
Base: Papanui, Christchurch
Website: Christchurch Lock & Key
Facebook page: Christchurch Lock & Key
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 539 539

What customers like:

Provides quick and efficient service, often completing jobs on the same day
Transparent about issues and costs, offering the best options for customers
Highly skilled in programming smart keys and fixing door locks
Reliable and trustworthy service, with honest recommendations