Geotechnical Engineering Services

Auckland | Hamilton | Nelson | New Plymouth

HD Geo provides geotechnical engineering services for residential, commercial, infrastructure and network projects across New Zealand.

Our team includes Chartered Professional Engineers (CPEng), Engineering Geologists and NZTA-accredited practitioners. We work on projects of all sizes — from small residential sites needing a geotechnical report for building consent, to large infrastructure projects with complex ground conditions and staged construction.

Our Geotechnical Service Includes:

Ground Investigation & Site Assessment: We investigate soil and rock conditions using test pits, Cone Penetrometer Tests (CPTs), borehole drilling and dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) testing. Where relevant, we also undertake geomorphic mapping to understand landform processes, slope behaviour, and the history of natural hazards across a site.

A well‑planned and well‑executed investigation early in a project reduces uncertainty, risk, and cost as the project progresses. 

Retaining Wall Design: We design all types of retaining walls, from small residential walls through to large, complex structures subject to challenging ground conditions, steep slopes, and significant loadings.

Our experience includes gravity walls, cantilevered timber and steel pole walls, reinforced concrete walls, anchored walls, and reinforced soil systems. Designs are tailored to site‑specific ground conditions and consider seismic loading, drainage performance, constructability, and long‑term durability, in accordance with relevant New Zealand standards.

We focus on buildable solutions that manage risk, integrate with adjacent structures and slopes, and perform as intended over the life of the asset.

Slope Stability Analysis: We assess existing and proposed earthworks slopes using industry-standard stability modelling techniques. We also design landslide and rockfall remediation and erosion protection. 

Geohazard Assessments: We map landslide and rockfall hazards, carry out engineering geological assessments, and evaluate the risk to life, property and infrastructure.  

Foundation Design: We provide geotechnical design input and recommendations for shallow and deep foundation systems, tailored to site‑specific ground conditions. This includes NZS 3604 foundations, specific bearing capacity assessments, pile capacity, settlement analysis, raft type, and ground improvement options, to support safe and efficient structural foundation design.

We work closely with structural engineers to ensure foundation solutions are appropriate, buildable, and aligned with ground conditions

Seismic & Liquefaction Assessment: We evaluate seismic hazard and liquefaction risk for buildings and infrastructure in accordance with current NZ standards and guidelines.

Construction Monitoring & PS4 Certification: We observe construction, carry out compaction testing and provide PS4 geotechnical certification for building platforms and earthworks. 

Geotechnical Peer Review (PS2): We provide independent geotechnical peer review of designs and reports for councils, developers and project teams. 

Temporary Works: We design sheet piling, piling platforms and provide geotechnical input for trenchless technologies such as directional drilling. 

We are qualified:

  • Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)

  • Professional Engineering Geologist (PEngGeol)

  • NZTA ARL accreditation

  • NZTA Road Inspectors Certificate.

  • CAA Part 102 certified for Drones

These credentials mean your reports, designs and certifications are accepted by Councils, NZTA, stakeholders and regulatory authorities’.

Need a geotechnical engineer for your project?

Talk to the HD Geo team today to discuss your requirements or request a quote.

Call 0800 080 088 or email queries@hdgeo.co.nz,and one of our geotechnical engineers will be happy to help. With offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Nelson and New Plymouth, we support projects across New Zealand.