Finding the right workshop management software in New Zealand can be overwhelming. With several options targeting Kiwi mechanics and automotive businesses, it helps to see them compared side-by-side. We've done the research so you don't have to.
Here's an honest comparison of the three main mechanic software options available in NZ: Hoist, Mechanic Desk, and Workshop Software. We'll cover pricing, features, Xero integration, NZTA vehicle lookups, and where each excels or falls short.
Quick Summary
Three solid options, each with different strengths
Hoist is NZ-built with native vehicle lookups. Mechanic Desk has the best mobile apps and ratings. Workshop Software offers competitive pricing. Your choice depends on what matters most to your workshop.
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📊 Workshop Software NZ: Complete Comparison Table
Here's everything you need to know at a glance. Green highlighting shows the leader in each category.
| Feature |
🇳🇿
Hoist
|
🇦🇺
Mechanic Desk
|
🇦🇺
Workshop Software
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Company HQ | New Zealand 🇳🇿 | Australia 🇦🇺 | Australia 🇦🇺 |
| Base Price (NZD) | $90/month | $70/month | $113.60/month |
| Users Included | 1 user | 1 user | 1 user |
| Additional Users | $10/user/month | Varies by plan | $20/user/month |
| Pricing Model | Single tier (all features) | Multiple tiers | Multiple tiers |
| SMS Cost | 12c per text | 10c per text | 17.25c per text |
| Free Trial | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| User Rating | 4.8/5 ⭐ | 4.4/5 ⭐ | 4.0/5 ⭐ |
| Xero Integration | ✅ Two-way sync | ✅ Two-way sync | ✅ Two-way sync |
| NZ Vehicle Lookups | ✅ Available | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Mobile App | Responsive web | ✅ iOS & Android | Responsive web |
| Support Location | NZ (NZST) | Australia (AEST) | Australia (AEST) |
| Parts Suppliers | Repco, BNT | Bursons, Repco +more | Repco, Burson, Capricorn |
| Dark Mode | ✅ Available | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available |
| Speed | Great | Good | Good |
| Infrastructure | Latest/Best | Good | Good |
| Server Location | New Zealand | Australia | Australia |
🇳🇿 Best for Local Focus
Hoist – Built here, native vehicle lookups, NZ support hours
📱 Best Mobile Experience
Mechanic Desk – Proper native iOS/Android apps
💰 Most Established
Both Mechanic Desk & Workshop Software have years of reviews
🏆 Hoist Workshop Software – Built in New Zealand
Hoist was built from the ground up for the New Zealand market. While competitors adapted overseas software for Kiwi workshops, Hoist was designed with native NZTA integration, local support hours, and NZ-based infrastructure from day one.
Price
$90/mo + GST
14-day free trial
+$10/user
Best for: Small to medium NZ workshops who want feature-packed software that's fast, with native NZTA integration, a friendly local support team, and the most fair pricing in the market.
👍 The good stuff
- ✓ Built for NZ – not an overseas product adapted for our market
- ✓ NZTA lookups – native integration, rego lookups in seconds
- ✓ Xero two-way sync – invoices, payments, customers all flow automatically
- ✓ NZ support hours – talk to actual humans during your workday
- ✓ Best value pricing – $90/mo + $10/user, all features included
👎 The honest downsides
- – No native mobile app – responsive web works, but not the same
- – Smaller user base – fewer community resources and tutorials
💡 Best for workshops that:
- • Use Xero and are sick of manual data entry
- • Want NZTA lookups without paying extra
- • Value being able to call support during work hours
- • Prefer a modern, clean interface over feature overload
🇦🇺 Mechanic Desk – Australian Workshop Software
Mechanic Desk is the most established trans-Tasman option. Built in Australia, they've been around since 2016 and have a decent presence in the NZ market.
Capterra Rating
4.4/5 ⭐
From $70 NZD/mo
14-day free trial
Best for: Workshops who want a proven platform with native mobile apps and don't mind the Australian focus.
👍 What works well
- ✓ Native mobile apps – proper iOS and Android apps for techs
- ✓ Full Xero integration – two-way sync with invoices, bills, payments
- ✓ Great support – users consistently praise their support team
- ✓ Parts integrations – Bursons, Repco direct connections
- ✓ Established – 8+ years in the market, proven platform
👎 The tradeoffs for NZ users
- – Australia-focused – built for AU, NZ is secondary market
- – AU-focused vehicle lookups – has NZ support but built for Australian market
- – Some say pricey – a few reviewers mention cost concerns
🌏 Workshop Software – Global Garage Management Platform
Workshop Software is a global platform available in 12+ countries including New Zealand. They've been around for years and offer competitive pricing with a solid feature set.
Capterra Rating
4.0/5 ⭐
From $113.60 NZD/mo
Free trial, no lock-in
Best for: Workshops wanting a proven global platform with good integrations at a competitive price point.
👍 What works well
- ✓ Good Xero integration – automatic sync, easy setup
- ✓ NZ pricing available – pay in NZD, $113.60/mo starting
- ✓ Lots of integrations – Repco, Burson, Capricorn, PartsTech
- ✓ No lock-in contracts – cancel anytime flexibility
- ✓ Intuitive interface – users praise the clean design
👎 The tradeoffs
- – Global platform – less NZ-specific customisation
- – Occasional lag – some users report slow loading at peak times
- – No native mobile app – responsive web only
🎯 Which Workshop Software is Best for Your NZ Business?
Look, we're obviously biased here. But let's be practical about it:
Pick Hoist if NZ-specific features matter most
You want native NZTA/Carjam lookups, NZ-hours support, and software that was built specifically for Kiwi workshops. We're newer, but we're local and focused.
Start free trial →Pick Mechanic Desk if you want proven + mobile apps
Strong rating (4.4/5), native iOS/Android apps, and great support. Australian-based but supports NZ vehicle lookups.
Visit Mechanic Desk →Pick Workshop Software for established reputation
$113.60/mo NZD pricing, solid Xero integration, lots of parts supplier connections, and no lock-in contracts.
Visit Workshop Software →🔧
Ready to ditch the spreadsheets?
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❓ Workshop Management Software NZ: FAQs
What's the best workshop management software in New Zealand? ▼
For most NZ workshops, Hoist offers the best combination of local features (native NZTA lookups, proper Xero integration, NZ support), transparent pricing ($90/mo), and responsive local support. However, if you need native mobile apps and have a larger operation, Mechanic Desk is worth considering despite being Australian-based.
How much does workshop software cost in New Zealand? ▼
Expect to pay between $70-$115 NZD per month depending on features. Mechanic Desk starts at $70/month NZD, Hoist is $90/month, and Workshop Software is $113.60/month. Additional users range from $10-20/month. All three offer free trials – use them before committing.
Does workshop software integrate with Xero? ▼
All three options integrate with Xero. Hoist and Mechanic Desk both have two-way sync where invoices, payments and customers flow automatically. Workshop Software has automatic sync too. If Xero integration is critical for your workflow, test the depth of integration during your free trial.
Can I look up vehicle details from NZTA? ▼
Yes, all three options support NZ vehicle lookups. Hoist has native NZTA integration built-in – enter a rego and get vehicle details, WoF history, and registration status instantly. Mechanic Desk and Workshop Software also offer NZ vehicle lookup functionality.
Is there free workshop management software? ▼
There are some free tools, but they're usually missing the things that actually save you time – Xero integration, NZTA lookups, proper invoicing. For most workshops, the productivity gains from proper software ($70-$115/month) pay for themselves within the first month. All the options we reviewed offer free trials.
Disclaimer: The information in this comparison is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the publication date. Pricing and features may change. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at accounts@hoist.nz and we'll update it promptly.