New Zealand
App Developers New Zealand
Orchid is a New Zealand app development agency based in Auckland. We design and build custom mobile and web applications for businesses across the country — from fleet management platforms used on 1,700+ vessels to a mindfulness app in schools nationwide.
We're not a marketplace. We're not freelancers. We're a full-stack design and development team that builds apps you own, from concept through to the App Store.
Apps We've Built
Built in New Zealand, used worldwide
Pause Breathe Smile
Mindfulness training for NZ schools
A mobile app that brings structured mindfulness sessions into classrooms across New Zealand. Grounded in Sir Mason Durie’s hauora model and supported by Southern Cross Health Society.
Platform: iOS and Android
Built with: React Native, Node.js
Overwatch / HamiltonJet
Real-time vessel intelligence
A fleet monitoring platform with companion iOS and Android apps. Vessel operators get real-time visibility into performance, fuel efficiency, maintenance, and environmental data — from anywhere in the world.
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
Built with: React, Flutter, real-time data streaming, REST API
UB Freight
Logistics consignment platform
A cloud consignment system with a web app for office staff and native mobile apps for drivers. Digital pickup, weight verification, electronic delivery confirmations, and Google Maps route visualisation. Replaced an entirely paper-based process.
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
Built with: React, React Native, Node.js, MongoDB, Google Maps API
Sea Flux
Fleet management for 1,700+ vessels
An integrated fleet management platform handling crew details, safety compliance, maintenance tracking, digital logbooks, and certificate archiving. Now serving 1,700+ vessels across NZ, Australia, and internationally.
Platform: Web (mobile-responsive)
Built with: React, Node.js, MongoDB
What Makes Us Different
Not your average app developers
We design before we build
Every app starts with UX research — user interviews, workflow mapping, and interactive prototypes. You test the app with real users before production code is written.
Native mobile, not a wrapper
We build native iOS and Android apps using Flutter — not webviews wrapped in a shell. Faster, smoother, and works properly offline.
Full-stack, one team
Design, front-end, back-end, mobile, API integration, deployment — all from one team. No subcontracting, no handoff gaps.
You own everything
Full IP ownership of all code, designs, and data. No lock-in, no licensing fees. Take the codebase anywhere.
Our Process
From idea to the App Store
Discovery workshop
Half-day session. We understand your users, your problem, and your constraints. You leave with a written scope, timeline, and cost estimate.
UX design
Wireframes and clickable prototypes. We test with real users and iterate before building.
Development
2-week sprints. You see a working build every fortnight and can adjust priorities as you learn.
Launch
App Store submission, deployment, monitoring. We handle the entire release process.
Ongoing support
Bug fixes, feature iterations, OS updates. Apps need maintenance — we stick around.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build an app in New Zealand?
A focused mobile app (single platform, limited features): $20,000–$50,000. A full cross-platform app with web backend (like UB Freight or KarPark): $50,000–$150,000. A complex multi-app platform (like Overwatch or Sea Flux): $100,000–$300,000+. A discovery workshop gives you a reliable estimate before you commit.
How long does app development take?
A simple MVP: 6–10 weeks. A full app with web backend: 3–5 months. A multi-platform system: 5–8 months. We ship in 2-week sprints, so you see progress throughout.
Do you build for both iOS and Android?
Yes. We use Flutter for native cross-platform development — one codebase, native performance on both platforms. More cost-effective than two separate native apps, and avoids the compromises of hybrid webview approaches.
Can you build a web app alongside the mobile app?
Yes — most of our projects include both. The web application and mobile apps share a common backend (Node.js, MongoDB), so data stays in sync and you’re not maintaining two separate systems.
Do you work with startups?
Yes. Several of our projects (KarPark, Precious Lists, Pause Breathe Smile) started as early-stage ideas. We’re experienced at scoping MVPs — building the minimum version that validates your concept, then iterating based on real user feedback.
Can you integrate with existing systems?
Yes. We’ve integrated apps with vessel telemetry, Google Maps, Xero, BIM tools, and various proprietary APIs. If your system has an API or data export, we can connect to it.
Got an app idea?
Tell us about it. We'll respond with an honest assessment of scope, platform recommendations, timeline, and cost.
- 17+ years building apps in NZ
- 250+ projects delivered
- 100% NZ owned and operated
- Full IP ownership on every project
