Food delivery is available in most NZ cities via Uber Eats (nationwide) and Delivereasy (primarily in smaller NZ centres). The economics are similar to ridesharing but the vehicle costs can be lower — particularly if you deliver by bicycle or e-bike in dense urban areas.
Food delivery in NZ pays $12–$20/hour net for drivers after vehicle costs and platform fees. Bicycle and e-bike delivery in urban areas is often more profitable per hour than car delivery, due to lower running costs. Peak hours (Friday/Saturday evenings, weekday lunch) significantly lift earnings. All income is taxable.
Platforms Available in NZ (2026)
| Platform | Coverage | Vehicle Types |
|---|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, and more | Car, bike, scooter |
| Delivereasy | Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin, other centres | Car, bike, scooter |
| Menulog | Selected NZ cities | Car, bike |
DoorDash entered and exited the NZ market — it is not currently operating in NZ as at 2026.
How Food Delivery Pay Works
Platforms typically pay per delivery — a base fee plus a distance component, with surge pricing during peak demand. You don’t receive an hourly rate; your effective hourly rate depends on:
- Order frequency in your zone
- Distance efficiency
- Peak vs off-peak timing
- Your vehicle type
Typical Earnings by Delivery Type
| Driver Type | Gross Per Hour (active) | Net After Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car (urban) | $20–$30 | $12–$18 | Fuel, depreciation, insurance |
| Bicycle | $15–$22 | $13–$20 | Much lower costs |
| E-bike | $18–$25 | $15–$22 | Slightly higher costs than pedal bike |
| Scooter | $18–$27 | $13–$19 | Moderate costs |
Bicycles and e-bikes often outperform cars in densely populated urban zones (Auckland CBD, Wellington CBD, inner suburbs) because:
- No fuel cost
- Minimal maintenance cost
- Faster navigation in traffic
- Smaller geographic zone still produces high order density
Peak Hours and Zones
Earnings vary significantly by time and location:
| Time | Demand Level |
|---|---|
| Weekday lunch (11:30am–1:30pm) | High |
| Weekend afternoons | Moderate |
| Friday/Saturday evening (5pm–10pm) | Very high (best earning window) |
| Late night (10pm–midnight) | Moderate, fewer orders but surge pricing |
| Weekday evenings | Moderate |
Concentrating hours in peak windows — especially Friday and Saturday evenings — maximises your effective hourly rate.
Tax and Compliance for Delivery Workers
Self-Employed Status
All food delivery workers on Uber Eats and Delivereasy are self-employed contractors in NZ, not employees. This means:
- You declare income in your IR3 annual tax return
- No PAYE is withheld — you are responsible for tax payments
- Set aside 25–28% of net earnings for income tax from day one
GST
Registration is compulsory if total annual income from all sources exceeds $60,000. Most part-time delivery workers don’t reach this threshold.
ACC for Delivery Workers
The ACC status of food delivery workers has been contested in NZ:
- Uber Eats has in recent years moved toward providing some ACC cover for delivery workers on their platform — check current terms
- Delivereasy’s ACC arrangements vary — confirm directly with the platform
- If not covered by the platform, you are responsible for self-employed ACC levies
This is a fast-moving area of NZ employment and ACC law. Check current ACC guidance at acc.co.nz.
E-Bike Delivery: The Business Case
An e-bike setup for delivery in NZ:
- Quality e-bike cost: $1,500–$3,500 (once-off)
- Maintenance: $200–$400/year
- Charging cost: minimal
Compared to a car:
- Car depreciation: $2,000–$6,000/year
- Fuel: $3,000–$6,000/year (for 15,000–25,000km delivery kms)
- Extra insurance: $500–$1,500/year
For an urban delivery worker doing 15–20 hours/week, an e-bike pays for itself in 3–6 months and significantly improves the net hourly rate compared to car delivery.
Is Food Delivery Worth It in NZ?
| Use Case | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Supplement income (10–15 hrs/week) | Viable — $150–$300/week net before tax |
| Full-time (40+ hrs/week) | Poor — below living wage net; physically demanding |
| Student or casual work | Suitable — flexible hours, no interview required |
| Peak weekend shifts only | Best ratio — high demand, lower time investment |