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Facebook Ads Cost Per Purchase Benchmarks in New Zealand

See how your purchase costs compare. Explore ecommerce conversion cost benchmarks by industry, region, and campaign type

Cost Per Purchase in New Zealand

January 2025 - January 2026

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

Introduction

New Zealand’s cost per purchase (CPP) told a year of two halves: a mid-year surge that briefly sat well above the global benchmark, followed by a sharp Q4 reset that dropped far below market levels. Across all industries, CPP in New Zealand averaged 48.9 for the year, slightly below the 51.4 global average, but with far greater month-to-month turbulence. August was the costliest point at 83.5, while November marked the low at 17.8 — a 79% swing in just three months. This analysis is based on $3B worth of advertising data from our dataset, which provides strong directional benchmarks. This analysis explores ad performance trends for all industries in New Zealand compared to the global benchmark.

The story in the data

The year opened elevated at 74.0 in January, softened through April (29.5), then accelerated into a mid-year peak: June (66.3), July (72.9), and August (83.5). From there, CPP retraced quickly: September fell to 39.9, October to 33.1, and November bottomed at 17.8 before a modest December rebound to 22.7. Overall, New Zealand’s CPP averaged 48.9, with a median of 47.4, ranging from 17.8 to 83.5.

Volatility was the defining characteristic. The average month-to-month absolute change was 16.7 points in New Zealand, versus just 1.8 globally — nearly 9x more turbulent. The largest single move was August to September, a 52% drop (−43.6 points). January to December, CPP declined 69% in New Zealand, compared with a 15% decline globally (53.3 to 45.1).

Seasonal and monthly dynamics

Seasonality appeared inverted relative to typical Q4 inflation often observed in CPC trends and CPM analysis. Q1 in New Zealand averaged 56.7, Q2 dipped to 48.7, Q3 lifted strongly to 65.4, and Q4 reset to 24.6. The Q3 run-up culminated in the August high, then unwound swiftly in September and October. Performance typically softens through Q4 as competition rises, yet New Zealand’s CPP moved from a mid-year premium to a pronounced late-year discount, with the November trough marking the low point for country-specific ad costs.

Country vs. Global

Relative to Facebook Ads benchmarks worldwide, New Zealand oscillated between above-market and deep discounts:

  • Above the global benchmark in January (+39%), June (+30%), July (+48%), and August (+58%).
  • Below market in the remaining eight months, with the narrowest gap in March (−2%) and the widest in November (−62%).
  • By quarter, New Zealand carried a Q3 premium of +26% versus global (65.4 vs. 51.8), then a Q4 discount of −49% (24.6 vs. 48.3).

Globally, CPP was steadier: a tight range from 45.1 to 54.8 and a gentle downtrend across the year. New Zealand’s arc was choppier, with sharper peaks and deeper troughs.

Closing

In sum, Facebook Ads cost-per-purchase benchmarks for all industries in New Zealand show a mid-year spike and a pronounced late-year reset, averaging slightly below global costs but with far higher volatility. Understanding CPP trends for all industries in New Zealand helps marketers gauge country-specific ad performance and compare it to global patterns.

Understanding the Data

Insights & analysis of Facebook advertising costs

Facebook advertising costs vary based on many factors including industry, target audience, ad placement, and campaign objectives. Different industries see varying ad costs due to market competition, user demographics, and conversion value. For campaigns targeting New Zealand, advertisers should consider local market factors and user behavior. Different campaign objectives lead to varying costs based on how Facebook optimizes for your specific goals. The data shown represents median values across multiple campaigns, and individual results may vary based on ad quality, audience targeting, and campaign optimization.

Why we use median instead of average

We use the median CTR because the underlying distribution of click-through rates is highly skewed, with a small share of campaigns achieving extremely high CTRs. These outliers can inflate a simple average, making it less representative of what most advertisers actually experience. By using the median—which sits at the midpoint of all campaigns—we provide a more rigorous and realistic benchmark that reflects the true underlying data model and helps you set attainable performance expectations.

Key Factors Affecting Facebook Ad Costs

  • Competition within your selected industry and audience demographics
  • Ad quality and relevance score – higher quality ads can lower costs
  • Campaign objective and bid strategy
  • Timing and seasonality – costs often increase during holiday periods
  • Ad placement (News Feed, Instagram, Audience Network, etc.)

Note: This data represents industry median values and benchmarks. Your actual costs may vary based on specific targeting, ad creative quality, and campaign optimization.

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The data behind the benchmarks

All data is sourced from over $3B in Facebook ad spend, collected across thousands of ad accounts that use Superads daily to analyze and improve their campaigns. Every data point is fully anonymized and aggregated—no individual advertiser is ever exposed.

This dataset updates frequently as new ad data flows in. It will only get bigger and better.

New Zealand Advertising Landscape

National Holidays

Jan 1New Year's Day
Jan 2Day after New Year's Day
Feb 6Waitangi Day
Apr 18Good Friday
Apr 21Easter Monday
Apr 25ANZAC Day
Jun 2King's Birthday
Jun 20Matariki
Oct 27Labour Day
Dec 25Christmas Day
Dec 26Boxing Day

Key Shopping Season

Late November–early December (Black Friday/Cyber Monday), Christmas season (Boxing Day sales), Mid‑year promotions (Matariki in June), Back-to-school (late January/early February)

Potential Advertising Impact

CPM and CPC might rise around Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day as public events increase media consumption. Matariki is new public holiday with growing awareness—advertising may see elevated competition. Late November–December Black Friday/Cyber Monday could drive ad costs significantly. Regional anniversary holidays may cause local inventory shifts.

What's a healthy cost per purchase for ecommerce brands?

It depends on your product price and margins. Most brands aim for $10 to $50. For higher-ticket products, a higher CPA may be acceptable as long as you're maintaining a strong return on ad spend.

How does product price impact CPA benchmarks?

Higher-priced products typically have a higher CPA because people take longer to convert. That's not necessarily a problem if your margin can support it. You should measure CPA in context with AOV and LTV.

Why are my purchase costs going up despite stable ROAS?

Your AOV may be increasing, which helps maintain ROAS even if CPA rises. You could also be facing higher CPMs, lower conversion rates, or creative fatigue.

Should I use manual bidding to control CPA more effectively?

Manual bidding can help if you're struggling to stay within target CPA. It's best used by experienced advertisers who can monitor performance and adjust regularly. It gives more control, but also requires more effort.

How do I scale spend without letting CPA skyrocket?

Increase budget gradually, rotate creative often, and avoid overlapping audiences. Scaling too quickly can lead to audience saturation and rising CPAs.