Frequently Asked Questions
Gas bottle delivery FAQs
Answers to common questions about gas bottle delivery, swaps, refills, sizes and pricing.
When do I order my next LPG delivery?
As soon as your first cylinder runs empty. Don't wait for the second one.
Most homes run on two 45kg LPG cylinders. You use one at a time, and the second is your backup. When the first runs out, your system switches to the full one, and that's your cue to order.
If you order then, you'll always have a full bottle on hand.
How often will that be?
As a rough guide, one 45kg cylinder lasts about 5–8 weeks for a family of four using gas for hot water. How quickly you get through it depends on what's running on gas:
Hot water: steady, everyday use
Gas fires and heaters: use the most LPG, so expect to order more often in winter
Kitchen hobs: use relatively little LPG
💡 Tip: Demand peaks in winter, so order promptly during the colder months.
How do I know when my bottle needs to be refilled?
There are two easy ways to check.
1. Check the indicator
If your cylinders are fitted with an automatic changeover valve, look at the small indicator window, usually near the regulator between your two cylinders.
GREEN / CLEAR: you're using a full cylinder. All good.
RED: one cylinder is empty, and your system has switched to the backup. Time to order.
The switch happens automatically, so you won't notice any change in your gas supply. That's why it's worth checking the indicator every week or two, especially in winter.
⚠️ Please don't twist or adjust the indicator yourself. It resets on its own once a full cylinder is connected.
2. Use the warm water test
Want to see how much gas is actually left in a cylinder? Try this quick hands-on check:
Pour a jug of warm (not boiling) water down the side of the cylinder.
Run your hand down the cylinder from top to bottom.
The point where the metal changes from warm to cold is your gas level. The cold section is where the liquid gas sits. You may also be able to see a faint line where the change happens.
If there's about a quarter or less left, it's time to order your next delivery.
No indicator?
TopGas has a licensed gas fitter who can install an automatic changeover valve for you, so you'll always know at a glance when it's time to reorder.
How do I book a gas bottle delivery?
Book online in a couple of minutes.
Create an account
Complete the sign-up form with your details
Place your order
Our team will then be in touch to confirm your order, or to let you know if there are any issues.
When will it arrive? Your delivery will arrive within 1–5 working days.
Prefer to talk to someone? Call us on 0800 421 445 or email enquiries@topgas.co.nz and we'll sort it over the phone.
How much does a gas bottle refill cost?
It depends on the size of your bottle and whether you need a refill, a swap or delivery. For a quick, no-obligation quote, call us on 0800 421 445 or email enquiries@topgas.co.nz.
All prices are in NZD and include GST.
What’s the difference between a refill, swap and exchange?
All three get you a full bottle. It comes down to whether you keep your own bottle and whether you come to us or we come to you.
Delivery / Exchange: we come to you
Order online and we'll deliver a full TopGas bottle, taking your empty TopGas bottle away at the same time. There's no lifting, no driving and no waiting around. Just simple convenience.
Best for: home gas for hot water, heating and cooking, as well as businesses and anyone who'd rather not lug bottles around.
Book a delivery or call 0800 421 445.
Refill: in-store, same bottle topped up
Bring in your own bottle, any size, and we'll fill it. You keep the same bottle.
Best for: people who want to keep their own bottle, such as caravan or motorhome owner, or anyone with a bottle they've just bought.
Good to know: we can only refill bottles that are in good condition and within their test date. The test date is stamped on the bottle's collar. If yours is out of date, we can get it retested for you.
Swap: in-store, trade empty for full
Bring your empty 9kg bottle into our store at 646 East Coast Road, Pinehill and leave with a full, checked and in-test one straight away.
Best for: BBQ bottles and anyone who needs gas now. It's also a good option if your bottle is old, worn or past its test date.
Good to know: you'll go home with a different bottle. Any gas left in your old one goes back with it, so it's best to swap when it's empty.
Quick comparison
Delivery / Exchange | Swap (in-store) | Refill (in-store) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Where | At your home/business | North Harbour Hire | North Harbour Hire |
Keep your own bottle? | Full TopGas bottle | Different bottle | Yes |
Bottle sizes | 15kg forklift and 45kg | 9kg | All sizes |
How fast | 1–5 working days | Straight away | A few minutes - while you wait. |
How fast can I get a delivery?
Most deliveries arrive within 1–5 working days of your order. You can track your next delivery date on our customer portal.
Our delivery area: we deliver across the North Shore and Hibiscus Coast
Need urgent LPG? Call us on 0800 421 445 and we'll do our best to get you sorted as quickly as we can.
What areas do you deliver to?
We currently serve Auckland’s North Shore and Hibiscus Coast and have now added Hobsonville. Check your specific suburb here
What sizes of gas bottle do you supply?
9kg for BBQs and portable use, 18kg and 45kg for home heating and hot water (usually installed as a pair), and 15kg forklift cylinders.
Do you supply businesses or trade accounts?
Yes. We supply LPG to businesses, tradies and rural customers across Auckland including North Shore, Hibiscus Coast and Hobsonville.
Who we work with:
Hospitality: cafés, restaurants and food trucks running cooktops, fryers and outdoor heaters
Warehousing and logistics: forklift gas, so your team keeps moving
Trades and construction: gas for site heaters, torches and equipment
Rural and lifestyle blocks: reliable supply for homes, sheds and farm use
What you get with a business account:
Delivery of all cylinder sizes, straight to your site
Account invoicing with no need to pay at each delivery
Scheduled deliveries on a regular run, so you never have to remember to order
A local team you can trust. Call us and you'll talk to someone who knows your account.
Set up a business account: call 0800 421 445 or email enquiries@topgas.co.nz and we'll talk through what your business needs.
Is there a delivery fee?
No. Delivery is included in the bottle price, so the price you see is the price you pay.
✅ No delivery fee
✅ No fuel surcharge
✅ No bond or admin fee on bottles
No hidden extras and no surprises on your bill. Just good gas, delivered.
What happens if I’m not home?
No problem. You don't need to be home.
When you sign up, you can give us delivery instructions, including what to do if you're out. We'll follow them every time, so your gas arrives without you having to wait in.
To make sure delivery goes smoothly:
Leave gates unlocked so we can reach your bottles.
Keep dogs secured on delivery day.
Keep the path to your bottles clear of cars, bins and garden furniture.
Tell us about anything tricky, such as gate codes, steep driveways or hidden bottle spots, in your delivery instructions.
How do I know when my bottle needs retesting or certification?
Check the date stamped on your bottle.
Every LPG bottle has a test date stamped into the metal collar or neck ring around the valve. It's usually shown as a month and year, for example 05/21 for May 2021. LPG bottles must be retested every 10 years, so a bottle stamped 05/21 is due by May 2031.
Why it matters: we can't refill a bottle that's past its test date. It's a legal safety requirement that every gas supplier in New Zealand has to follow.
Is your bottle out of date? We've got you covered. Contact us at enquiries@topgas.co.nz to ask about our retesting services.
On delivery? Nothing to do. Our delivered bottles are TopGas bottles, and we keep them in test for you.