Driveways & Siteworks
Expert Driveway Contractors in Christchurch
MCL has built driveways across Canterbury since 1989. We handle the whole job, from excavation and base preparation to the finished surface, on residential and commercial sites. We build concrete, asphalt, chip seal and shingle driveways, and we take care of the stormwater, earthworks and kerbing that go with them.
If you need a driveway contractor in Canterbury, talk to Patrick Holland and the team at mcl.
Our Driveway Services
- Concrete driveways: plain, exposed aggregate, coloured, brushed and stamped finishes
- Asphalt driveways: quick to install and cost-effective, which works well for larger driveways and commercial sites
- Chip seal driveways: a natural look with good drainage, popular on rural and lifestyle properties
- Shingle driveways: affordable and practical for large areas
- Kerbing: for residential and commercial properties
- Excavation and site preparation: earthworks backed by a fleet of 13 diggers, from 1.7 to 20 tonne
- Stormwater and drainage: built into the driveway design
- Horse arenas: purpose-built for equestrian properties
Patrick Holland
DRIVEWAYS
Concrete Driveways in Christchurch
A concrete driveway is a popular choice in Christchurch because it handles Canterbury weather and daily vehicle use with minimal upkeep. We oversee the whole job, from the dig and framing to the pour and final surfacing.
Finishes we install
- Plain: a smooth, simple surface
- Exposed aggregate: a textured surface with the stone showing
- Coloured: pigment added to match your house or garden
- Brushed: a fine brushed texture
- Stamped: patterns pressed into the surface
How a concrete driveway in Christchurch comes to life
- Excavation and base preparation
- Reinforcement of the base and framework
- Concrete pour
- Finishing, with falls to move water off the surface
A well-built concrete driveway can last decades, and the base does most of the work. A thin or poorly compacted base shows up as cracks later; our expert team ensures you end up with a quality driveway.
Council Requirements for Your Driveway
Any part of a driveway that crosses the council footpath or berm, called the vehicle crossing, generally needs council approval before work starts. Requirements differ between Christchurch City Council and Selwyn District Council, and they can change with the site. We’ll tell you what applies to your property and what to apply for.
Driveway Gates and Landscaping
We can build the whole entrance as one project: the driveway, the gates and the garden around it.
- Driveway gates: our fencing team installs gates and fencing to go with the driveway. See our fencing and retaining walls work.
- Driveway landscaping: our landscaping team handles garden edges, planting, lawn and irrigation. See our landscaping and irrigation services.
- One plan: we set the driveway levels, gate positions and garden edges before the concrete goes down, so nothing needs cutting out afterwards.
Christchurch’s Trusted Driveway Contractors
- Registered member of Rural Contractors New Zealand
- Approved contractor for Selwyn District Council
- SiteWise Gold rated
- Based in West Melton, working across Canterbury
Ground conditions change from one Canterbury section to the next, so we inspect the site before recommending a surface. Tell us what the driveway needs to handle, and we’ll talk you through the options.
Hillside Excavation and Challenging Terrain
We regularly build driveways on steep and uneven sections, with the machinery to cut and grade them.
- Excavation and grading with diggers from 1.7 to 20 tonnes
- Base preparation matched to the slope
- Retaining where the driveway needs support
- Final surfacing in concrete, asphalt, chip seal or shingle
Water running down a slope can undercut a poorly built base, so we plan where it goes before we start.
Large-Scale Siteworks and Construction
We prepare sites for builders and developers as well as homeowners.
- Clearing and earthworks for a new build
- Irrigation and fencing as part of the same site
- Coordination with your builder or developer
- Work carried out to SiteWise Gold safety standards
Purpose-Built Horse Arenas
We build horse arenas for equestrian properties across Canterbury, with the base and drainage set up to handle local weather. Riders use them for everything from dressage and show jumping to everyday schooling. We talk through the discipline, the horses and the space you have, then set the size, base and surface to match.
Why Choose mcl Contracting?
- Driveways since 1989: a family-owned team based in West Melton
- Excavation to finished surface: one team managing the whole job
- Our own machinery: a fleet of 13 diggers, from 1.7 to 20 tonne; we can handle any site conditions
- Local approvals: Selwyn District Council approved, Rural Contractors NZ member and SiteWise Gold rated
- Four surfaces: concrete, asphalt, chip seal and shingle, so we can recommend what fits your property and budget
- Local team: Patrick Holland leads our driveways and site works
Ready to Talk Driveways?
Call Patrick on 027 702 5968, email civil@mclcontracting.co.nz or contact mcl to book a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on how you use the driveway, your budget and how much upkeep you want to do.
- Concrete: long-lasting and low maintenance
- Asphalt: quick to install and cost-effective for larger areas
- Chip seal and shingle: lower cost with a natural look
Tell us about your property, and we’ll recommend one.
A well-built concrete driveway can last decades. The base preparation, reinforcement and drainage decide how long, and the surface takes the daily wear.
Often you do, especially if the vehicle crosses the footpath or berm. Requirements vary by council and by site, and we’ll tell you what applies to yours.
Yes. We build driveways for homes and lifestyle blocks, and we work on commercial developments of any size.
Timelines depend on the size and the surface. Most driveways take a few days to a couple of weeks, weather permitting. We’ll give you a timeline for your project.
Yes. We build stormwater management and drainage into the driveway so water doesn’t pool, which helps the surface last longer.
Yes. We handle gates, fencing, landscaping and irrigation alongside the driveway, so one team can look after the whole entrance.
