7 Best Smart Home Control Systems in NZ (2025 Buying Guide)

Comparing smart home control systems can be frustrating: one brand speaks Zigbee, another prefers Thread, your older gear needs Z‑Wave, and not everything sold overseas is supported in NZ. Add choices around voice assistants, cloud versus local control, and whether you want DIY or a pro fit-out, and it’s easy to second‑guess every decision—especially if you want reliable control of essentials like lighting, security, and the garage door.

This 2025 buying guide cuts through the noise for New Zealand households and small businesses. We’ve shortlisted seven standout systems available here—ranging from simple DIY hubs to fully installed platforms—and explain, in plain terms, what each is, how it integrates (Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Z‑Wave), who it suits, where to buy or book installation in NZ, and typical costs. We’ll also show an easy way to add smart control to almost any garage door, so your access, lighting, and alarms can work together. Let’s compare the best options for Kiwi homes and projects—so you can pick a system that fits your budget, your tech, and the way you live.

1. DoorsNZ smart garage control (add to any hub)

If you want your garage to play nicely with your smart home control systems, DoorsNZ gives you the hardware foundation: NZ‑made roller doors, quality automatic openers, remotes, and safety beams. Add a hub‑compatible dry‑contact smart relay and a door position sensor (sold separately), and you can trigger, monitor, and automate your garage from the ecosystem you already use.

What it is

A practical path to “make the garage smart” without locking into a single platform. DoorsNZ supplies the door and automation accessories; you layer on a small relay module and sensor to bridge the opener’s wall‑button input with your preferred hub or voice assistant.

Key features and integrations

This approach keeps your garage control simple, reliable, and flexible while remaining hub‑agnostic.

• Works with your hub: Use a dry‑contact smart relay to integrate with SmartThings, Apple Home, Google Home, or Home Assistant.
• Scene and routine friendly: Include garage open/close in arrivals, lock‑up, or bedtime automations.
• Safety first: Pair with safety beams from DoorsNZ to protect people and vehicles during operation.
• Status feedback: Add a tilt/reed sensor for accurate open/closed reporting in your app.

Who it’s best for

DIY‑capable homeowners, renovators, and small businesses who want dependable NZ‑made doors and openers now, with the freedom to plug into any modern smart platform—without paying for a proprietary “smart” opener.

NZ availability and installation options

DoorsNZ supplies custom‑made doors nationwide, manufactured in NZ from Coloursteel or Zincalume. Enjoy free North Island shipping, subsidised delivery to the Christchurch warehouse for pick‑up, and door‑to‑door options to Dunedin, Southland, and Nelson at additional cost. Install yourself or book optional professional installation.

Pricing and ongoing costs

Door and accessory pricing depends on size and specification; smart relays and sensors are purchased separately. There are no ongoing fees from DoorsNZ; most hubs run subscription‑free for basic control, with any optional cloud services billed by your chosen platform.

2. Samsung SmartThings (Aeotec hub/Station)

SmartThings remains one of the most approachable smart home control systems, with two clear hardware paths: the Samsung SmartThings Station (modern, Matter‑first) and the Aeotec Smart Home Hub (the SmartThings hub with Z‑Wave on board). Both use the same SmartThings app and automation engine, so you can build routines once and grow over time.

What it is

A DIY hub platform that unifies lights, sensors, locks, switches and more under the SmartThings app. The Station focuses on Wi‑Fi/Zigbee/Thread and Matter devices; the Aeotec hub adds legacy Z‑Wave support for established installs.

Key features and integrations

SmartThings is strong on everyday reliability and easy automations, with broad device choice and quick pairing.

• Matter support (Station): Controls a wide range of Matter‑certified products.
• Multi‑radio (Station): Wi‑Fi, Zigbee and Thread radios onboard.
• Z‑Wave path (Aeotec hub): Keep or add Z‑Wave gear alongside Zigbee/Wi‑Fi.
• Scenes and routines: Build arrival, bedtime and lock‑up automations.
• Nice extras (Station): Integrated wireless phone charger.
• Know the limits: Station has no Z‑Wave, battery, or cellular backup and needs broadband.

Who it’s best for

Homeowners who want a friendly, capable hub without going full pro—especially if you’re leaning into Matter, Zigbee and Thread. If you already own Z‑Wave devices (older sensors, switches, or garage relays), choose the Aeotec hub.

NZ availability and installation options

This is a self‑install platform: plug in the hub, use the SmartThings app, and pair devices. It suits retrofit projects and new builds; no specialist installer is required unless you’re adding hard‑wired switches (use a licensed electrician).

Pricing and ongoing costs

SmartThings Station typically starts around US$59.99 (local pricing varies). Aeotec Smart Home Hub pricing varies by retailer. There’s no required subscription for core app control and automations, though specific third‑party services may have their own fees.

3. Apple Home (HomeKit with HomePod mini/Apple TV 4K)

Apple Home is the simplest route if your household already runs on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Using the Apple Home app as your dashboard, you pair certified accessories (HomeKit and Matter) and, with a compatible home hub such as a HomePod mini or Apple TV 4K, unlock remote control and automations that run reliably in the background.

What it is

A polished, privacy‑minded smart home ecosystem built around the Apple Home app. Add a compatible home hub and you can automate lights, sensors, locks and more, and control them away from home. Matter support means you’re not limited to one brand and can bring a wide mix of devices into a single app.

Key features and integrations

Apple Home prioritises ease and stability, with quick pairing and clear controls that non‑techy family members can use.

• Matter compatibility: Brings many cross‑brand devices into Apple Home in a unified way.
• Automations and scenes: Create “Goodnight”, “Arriving Home”, or lock‑up routines triggered by time, sensors, or presence.
• Bridge‑friendly: Works with third‑party bridges that expose devices to Apple Home via Matter.
• Garage ready: Pair DoorsNZ doors/openers with a dry‑contact smart relay and a door sensor to add open/close control and status in the Home app.

Who it’s best for

Apple‑centric households that want a clean, reliable experience and broad device choice through Matter—without tinkering. Ideal for families who value straightforward controls and clear status at a glance.

NZ availability and installation options

Apple Home is DIY‑friendly: set up the home hub, open the Home app, scan accessory codes, and you’re away. Wireless devices are plug‑and‑play; engage a licensed electrician for any in‑wall switches or hard‑wired gear.

Pricing and ongoing costs

Pricing for home hubs and accessories varies by NZ retailer and brand. Core Apple Home control and automations do not require a subscription. Any optional cloud features or third‑party services are billed by those providers separately.

4. Google Home (Nest Hub/Nest Wifi Pro)

Google Home is a familiar, voice‑first option that keeps control simple through the Google Home app. Most Kiwi homes will anchor Google Home with a Nest Hub smart display for at‑a‑glance control, and many pair it with Nest Wifi Pro for strong whole‑home Wi‑Fi; device pairing and automations are then managed in the app. With Matter bringing major ecosystems together—including Google Home—you can mix brands without juggling multiple apps.

What it is

A DIY smart platform centred on the Google Home app and Google Assistant. Add a Nest Hub for a touchscreen dashboard you can wall‑mount or place on a bench, then build out lighting, sensors, switches and access control that you manage by voice, tap, or automations that run in the background.

Key features and integrations

Google Home aims to make day‑to‑day control effortless, while Matter support opens the door to a wider range of devices.

• Unified app + voice: Control devices, rooms and routines in the Google Home app or with Google Assistant.
• Matter‑friendly: Works with many cross‑brand, Matter‑certified products for simpler setup and control.
• Smart displays: Nest Hub gives you a visual dashboard for lights, locks, sensors and scenes.
• Garage compatibility: Add a hub‑compatible dry‑contact relay and a door sensor to bring DoorsNZ open/close and status into your Google Home automations.

Who it’s best for

Households that want straightforward, voice‑led control and broad device choice without tinkering. Ideal if you prefer a central touchscreen for family‑friendly access and routines like “Goodnight” or “Leaving Home.”

NZ availability and installation options

Self‑install via the Google Home app. Most accessories are plug‑and‑play; engage a licensed electrician for any in‑wall switches or hard‑wired gear. This suits both retrofits and new builds.

Pricing and ongoing costs

Hardware pricing varies by NZ retailer and brand. Core Google Home control and routines don’t require a subscription; optional third‑party cloud services may carry their own fees.

5. Home Assistant (Yellow/Green)

Home Assistant is the enthusiast’s choice for building powerful, unified smart home control systems that can grow with you. You can run it on dedicated Home Assistant hardware (such as Yellow or Green) or on your own device, then pull together lights, sensors, locks, cameras, and access control into one automation engine. It’s more hands‑on than mainstream hubs, but it rewards you with deep flexibility and broad device support.

What it is

A DIY smart home platform that centralises control and automation across mixed brands and protocols. Crucially, it supports both Matter and Z‑Wave (via compatible hardware), letting you keep older gear while adding new Matter devices—so upgrades don’t mean starting over.

Key features and integrations

With careful setup, Home Assistant becomes a single pane of glass for daily control and robust automations.

• Matter + Z‑Wave: Supports both standards, so you can mix modern Matter devices with existing Z‑Wave kit.
• Add radios/bridges as needed: Bring in Zigbee and Thread via compatible radios or bridges to round out coverage.
• Advanced automations: Create presence, time, and sensor‑driven routines that tie rooms and devices together.
• Garage integration ready: Use a hub‑compatible dry‑contact relay and a door sensor to add DoorsNZ open/close and status to your scenes.
• Power user friendly: Extensive integrations and custom options for complex homes.

Who it’s best for

Tinkerers, renovators, and small businesses who want maximum control and the freedom to combine Matter, Zigbee, Thread, and Z‑Wave devices in one place. Ideal if you already own mixed‑protocol hardware and want to avoid rip‑and‑replace.

NZ availability and installation options

It’s a self‑install platform: set up the Home Assistant hardware/software, then add devices through the interface. Wireless accessories are DIY‑friendly; engage a licensed electrician for any in‑wall switches or hard‑wired equipment. Suits both retrofits and new builds.

Pricing and ongoing costs

Hardware and accessory pricing varies by retailer and brand. Core control and automations can run without a subscription; any optional cloud features or third‑party services are billed separately by those providers.

6. PDL Wiser by Schneider Electric (NZ)

If you prefer a brand‑backed, electrician‑grade system that feels native in a Kiwi home, PDL Wiser by Schneider Electric is a strong local option. Positioned for comfort, security and energy efficiency, it brings everyday control into a single app while keeping your switches and wiring compliant and tidy.

What it is

A Schneider Electric smart home platform offered in New Zealand under the PDL brand. It’s designed to make homes more comfortable and efficient, with app control, scenes and scheduling that scale from a few rooms to a whole‑home fit‑out.

Key features and integrations

Built for “comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind,” PDL Wiser focuses on reliable day‑to‑day control rather than gadget collecting.

• Scenes and schedules: Set “goodnight”, “away”, or weekday routines to simplify daily life.
• Energy‑minded control: Timers and dimming help reduce wasted power.
• Status at a glance: Check and change key circuits from the app, at home or away.
• Expandable: Start small and add rooms and circuits over time as your needs grow.

Who it’s best for

Homeowners, renovators and small developers who want a cohesive, wall‑switch‑first solution with a well‑known electrical brand behind it—ideal if you value a clean look, predictable operation and minimal tinkering.

NZ availability and installation options

Offered in New Zealand through Schneider Electric’s PDL range. Wireless add‑ons are homeowner‑friendly, but any in‑wall or mains‑voltage work must be carried out by a licensed electrician under NZ regulations. Suitable for new builds and staged renovations.

Pricing and ongoing costs

Hardware costs vary by the number of circuits, rooms and accessories you include; whole‑home installs scale with scope. There’s typically no mandatory subscription for basic app control; confirm any optional cloud features with your electrician or supplier before you buy.

7. Control4 (professionally installed)

When you want a seamless, whole‑home experience with one interface for lights, entertainment, security and access, Control4 is the benchmark for professionally installed smart home control systems. It focuses on a polished, intuitive experience—touchscreens on the wall, a reliable app, and dedicated remotes—so the tech fades into the background and the system just works.

What it is

A custom‑designed, dealer‑installed platform that unifies lighting, audio/video, security, climate, shades and access into one coherent system. The result is consistent controls in every room, household‑friendly scenes, and robust scheduling that’s maintained by your installer.

Key features and integrations

Control4 leans into reliability, easy daily use, and deep integration across core home functions—ideal for busy households and showcase homes alike.

• Unified control: One app and interface for lighting, AV, security, climate and more.
• Touchscreens and remotes: Wall panels and handheld remotes deliver quick, familiar control.
• Scenes and automation: “Goodnight”, “Away”, and lock‑up routines coordinate lights, music, security and gates.
• Access and garage readiness: Integrates with compatible door stations, gates and garage interfaces for open/close and status within the same system.
• Professionally maintained: Design, programming and updates handled by your installer.

Who it’s best for

New builds, substantial renovations, luxury homes and small commercial spaces where you want a polished, single‑vendor experience, minimal tinkering, and strong AV distribution—plus one point of accountability for design through to ongoing support.

NZ availability and installation options

Delivered via professional installers/integrators who handle design, supply, wiring, commissioning and support. They can coordinate with your builder and electrician, and interface with garage doors (e.g., via a relay/door sensor) so your access and security flow together.

Pricing and ongoing costs

Project‑based and quote‑only, scaling with rooms, circuits, AV zones and interfaces. Upfront costs are higher than DIY, reflecting design, hardware and programming. Ongoing costs depend on any optional services and future changes—confirm inclusions, warranties and support arrangements with your installer before you commit.

Final thoughts

Choose the control system that matches your priorities: everyday convenience (SmartThings, Apple Home, Google Home), power and longevity across mixed gear (Home Assistant or Aeotec’s Z‑Wave‑capable SmartThings path), electrician‑grade switches with a tidy finish (PDL Wiser), or a fully curated, professionally maintained experience (Control4). Matter and Thread reduce brand lock‑in; if you already own legacy sensors and switches, check for Z‑Wave support before you commit. Plan your lighting, access, and security scenes early and you’ll save rework later.

Whichever hub you pick, make the garage part of the plan. Pair a dependable opener, safety beams, and a simple dry‑contact relay plus door sensor and you’ll fold open/close and status neatly into your routines. For pricing on NZ‑made roller doors, nationwide supply, and optional installation that plays nicely with any hub, start with DoorsNZ—then connect it to the ecosystem that fits your home and budget.