Musculoskeletal Care in New Zealand
Compare chiropractors, physiotherapists and podiatrists — costs, regulators, ACC funding
Last updated: February 2026
Which Practitioner Do You Need?
All three professions are statutorily registered in New Zealand under the HPCA Act 2003. The right one for you depends on what's wrong, where it is, and whether you want hands-on therapy or graded exercise rehabilitation. Use this hub to compare scope of practice, costs and clinics across NZ.
Compare Sub-Specialties
Chiropractic
Cost: $60 – $120 per follow-up session
Best for: Spinal joint mechanics, back pain, neck pain, headaches from postural strain.
Regulator: NZ Chiropractic Board
Compare chiropractic clinics →Physiotherapy
Cost: $60 – $120 per follow-up session
Best for: Movement rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, graded exercise programs, sports injuries.
Regulator: Physiotherapy Board of NZ
Compare physiotherapy clinics →Podiatry
Cost: $60 – $100 per follow-up session
Best for: Foot, ankle and lower-limb conditions including plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, gait analysis.
Regulator: Podiatrists Board of NZ
Compare podiatry clinics →Sources for these ranges (last verified June 2026)
Chiropractic
- NZ Chiropractors' Association fee guidance 2025
- ACC chiropractic provider rates 2026
Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy NZ published guidance 2025
- ACC physiotherapy provider rates 2026
Podiatry
- Podiatry NZ published guidance 2025
- ACC podiatry provider rates
These are national ranges from published sources, not quotes. Initial consultations usually cost more than follow-ups.
By City
| City | Chiropractor | Physiotherapist | Podiatrist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Compare → | Compare → | Compare → |
| Wellington | Compare → | Compare → | Compare → |
| Christchurch | Compare → | Compare → | Compare → |
ACC Funding
Many musculoskeletal consultations are partially or fully ACC-funded when the condition relates to an accident. Bring your ACC45 number or claim ID. Self-referred (non-accident) visits are charged at the clinic's private rate. Ask the clinic what you will pay before your first visit.
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