Land Rover DEFENDER
3,223 registered in New Zealand · 1969–2026 · 71% from Slovakia
The Land Rover DEFENDER is a recognisable name on New Zealand roads, with 3,223 registered across model years 1969 to 2026. It averages 9.1 L/100km in fuel consumption and produces an average of 211 kW. Most are diesel-powered station wagons with a 3.0L engine.
Below you'll find a complete breakdown of fuel types, body styles, drivetrain options, regional distribution, and estimated running costs. Select a specific model year to see detailed specs, buyer insights, and variant-level data for that generation of the DEFENDER.
Fuel Types
Land Rover DEFENDER fuel type breakdown: DIESEL 69%, PETROL 23%, PLUGIN PETROL HYBRID 3%, DIESEL HYBRID 3%.
Fleet Age Profile
How many Land Rover DEFENDER vehicles from each manufacture year are still registered in NZ. Taller bars mean more of that year on the road — better parts availability and more mechanics who know it.
Land Rover DEFENDER fleet age profile: 2022: 439, 2023: 451, 2024: 327, 2025: 394, 2026: 152.
Drivetrain
Transmission
Land Rover DEFENDER transmissions: 8-GEAR AUTO 71%, 5-GEAR MANUAL 8%, 6-GEAR MANUAL 2%.
Engine Size
Land Rover DEFENDER engine sizes: 3.0L 27%, 3.0L 18%, 2.0L 14%, 2.5L 11%, 2.2L 4%.
Imported From
Land Rover DEFENDER imported from: Slovakia 71%, United Kingdom 27%, Germany 0%, United States 0%, Japan 0%.
When They Arrived in NZ
When Land Rover DEFENDER vehicles were first registered in New Zealand — showing import waves and buying trends.
Land Rover DEFENDER NZ arrival timeline: 2022: 451, 2023: 423, 2024: 355, 2025: 452, 2026: 198.
Estimated Running Costs
Select a model year to estimate fuel costs for that specific Land Rover DEFENDER.
Colours
Colours shown are approximate representations of NZTA basic colour categories, not exact manufacturer paint codes.
Where They Are in NZ
Land Rover DEFENDER regional distribution: AUCKLAND: 1,323, CHRISTCHURCH: 372, QUEENSTOWN-LAKES: 208, TAURANGA: 152, HAMILTON: 119.
Body Types
Similar Cars
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Land Rover DEFENDER are there in New Zealand?
There are 3,223 Land Rover DEFENDER vehicles registered in New Zealand as of March 2026, making up 0.1% of the total passenger fleet. Model years range from 1969 to 2026.
How much does it cost to run a Land Rover DEFENDER?
Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Land Rover DEFENDER averages 9.1 L/100km. At current fuel prices ($3.41/L), that works out to roughly $72 per week or $3,724 per year in fuel, assuming 12,000 km of annual driving. Actual costs vary by model year, driving conditions, and fuel type.
What body type is the Land Rover DEFENDER?
The Land Rover DEFENDER is primarily classified as a station wagon in the NZTA fleet register. It is also available in other body configurations: utility, light van, convertible. The most common fuel type is diesel.
Are Land Rover DEFENDER cars imported or NZ-new?
71% of Land Rover DEFENDER vehicles in New Zealand originated from Slovakia. The majority arrived as used imports, which is typical for this model. Check the import status and origin country for the specific year you're considering on the individual year pages.