Guide5 min readUpdated 8 September 2026

What readings and healing sessions cost in New Zealand

Typical prices for tarot and psychic readings, Reiki, healing sessions and naturopathy in New Zealand, what drives the price, and the questions to ask first.

The first question most people ask is “how much will it cost?” The honest answer is that it varies a lot. This guide gives you typical ranges, explains what drives the price, and lists the questions that stop surprises.

A note on the numbers. Practitioners set their own fees, and fees change. The ranges below are indicative ranges for New Zealand in 2026, drawn from practitioner price lists and common practice. They are not verified quotes. Prices vary by practitioner, region and format. Always confirm the price before you book.

Typical ranges

Tarot, psychic and oracle readings

• Short readings of 15 to 20 minutes at markets, fairs and psychic evenings: often $30 to $60.
• Standard readings of 30 minutes: often $60 to $120.
• Full readings of 45 to 60 minutes: often $100 to $200.
• Email readings: often $40 to $120, depending on how many questions and how detailed the reply.

Well-known readers with long waiting lists charge more, sometimes $250 or above for an hour. Phone and video readings are usually priced the same as in-person readings of the same length.

Medium readings

Medium readings tend to sit at the upper end of the reading range. Expect $100 to $250 for a private sitting of 45 to 60 minutes. Group demonstrations, where a medium works with a room of people, are cheaper per person, often $20 to $50, but you may not receive a message.

Reiki and energy healing

• A single session of 45 to 60 minutes: often $70 to $130.
• Shorter sessions of 30 minutes: often $50 to $80.
• Packages of three to six sessions usually bring the per-session price down.

Reiki NZ Inc. says a professional practitioner should have completed at least Reiki level two before charging for treatments. Level one practitioners may offer free or koha sessions to family and friends while they gain experience.

Spiritual healing and crystal healing

Similar to Reiki: often $60 to $150 for a session of 45 to 90 minutes. Some spiritual healers, particularly those connected to a church or community, work on koha or donation.

Rongoā Māori

Private sessions vary widely. Some kairongoā charge a set fee, often $60 to $150. Many work on koha. If you have an approved ACC claim for an injury, ACC can fund rongoā Māori through its registered practitioners, so the session costs you nothing. See our guide to rongoā Māori.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is priced more like an allied health consultation.

• Initial consultation of 60 to 90 minutes: often $120 to $220.
• Follow-up of 30 to 45 minutes: often $70 to $130.
• Supplements, herbal medicines and tests are extra and can add up. Ask for an estimate before you agree to them.

Some health insurance policies contribute towards naturopathy if the practitioner belongs to a recognised professional body. Check your policy.

What drives the price

Time. The single biggest factor. Most practitioners price by the half hour or hour.

Experience and profile. A practitioner with twenty years of practice, a book or a media following charges more than someone who started last year. More expensive does not always mean better for you.

Location. Central Auckland and Wellington studio rents push prices up. Regional and home-based practitioners are often cheaper.

Format. Email readings are usually cheaper than live ones. Group events are cheaper than private sessions.

Extras. Recordings, written summaries, follow-up messages, remedies, crystals or supplements all add cost. Some are included, some are not. Ask.

Travel. If a practitioner comes to your home, expect a travel fee.

Your rights when you pay

Readings and healing sessions are services, and New Zealand consumer law applies. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, and if no price was agreed in advance you only need to pay a reasonable price. The simplest protection is to agree the price before the session starts.

Cancellations are the most common source of disputes. Consumer Protection notes that a provider may charge a cancellation fee, especially for short notice, but the fee should reflect a genuine loss. Read the practitioner’s cancellation terms before you book, and keep a copy.

Questions to ask before you pay

1. What is the total price, including GST and any booking fee?
2. How long is the session?
3. Is a deposit required, and is it refundable?
4. What is the cancellation policy, and how much notice do you need?
5. Are any extras included, such as a recording or notes?
6. Do you offer a shorter or cheaper option if I want to try first?
7. What happens if the session is not a good fit?

Ways to keep costs down

• Start short. A 30-minute reading tells you whether you like the reader.
• Try a group event. Psychic evenings and healing circles are a low-cost way to meet practitioners.
• Ask about koha or sliding scales. Many practitioners quietly offer these to people on low incomes.
• Use ACC where it applies. Rongoā Māori, acupuncture, chiropractic and osteopathy can be ACC-funded for injuries.
• Avoid packages until you are sure. Buy one session first.

When the price is a warning sign

Very low prices are not the problem. Very high prices tied to fear are. A reader who says you need to pay hundreds of dollars to lift a curse, or a healer who says you need weekly sessions for a year to prevent illness, is selling you something you do not need. Walk away, and see our guide on questions to ask before booking for more warning signs.

Health and money

None of the services in this guide replace care from a registered health professional. If money is tight and you have a health concern, your GP or a free helpline is the first call, not a paid session.

This guide describes what a practice involves and what people seek from it. It is general information, not medical advice. These services do not replace care from a registered health professional. If you have a health concern, talk with your doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

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