Safe, precise excavation using advanced non-destructive digging technology to expose underground utilities without damage. TDG Environmental’s hydro excavation services protect critical infrastructure while minimising site disruption across New Zealand’s North Island.
Traditional mechanical excavation creates significant risks when working near underground utilities. Striking buried services leads to costly repairs, dangerous situations, and project delays. Unknown asset locations make conventional digging hazardous, whilst confined spaces and sensitive areas prevent safe access for standard equipment.
Without precise excavation methods, projects face service strikes, environmental damage, safety incidents, and extended downtime. These risks multiply in urban environments where multiple utilities converge in limited spaces.
Our hydro excavation units employ high-pressure water jets to break up soil and expose underground assets safely. The pressurised water loosens material around pipes, cables, and other buried infrastructure without causing damage. This precise approach allows our operators to work within centimetres of critical services whilst maintaining complete control.
Simultaneously with water jetting, powerful vacuum systems extract the loosened soil and water mixture into secure holding tanks. This continuous removal process creates a clean, accessible excavation area. The vacuum technology handles various soil types efficiently, from soft clay to compacted materials.
For extended excavation projects or remote locations where continuous waste transport isn’t practical, TDG provides custom-built sludge bins for onsite material storage. These specialised bins safely contain excavated slurry and non-destructive digging waste.
Hydro excavation provides the safest method to verify underground asset locations before major works commence. By creating small, precise exposure points, our teams can confirm the exact position, depth, and condition of buried services.
Following excavation work, TDG manages complete site restoration including backfilling and surface reinstatement. Our teams ensure excavated areas are properly compacted and restored to original condition.
Proven Non-Destructiv
Technology TDG Environmental brings 30+ years of environmental services experience to every hydro excavation project.Our specialised fleet includes the latest non-destructive digging equipment capable of safely exposing underground assets in the most challenging conditions. We’ve successfully completed thousands of excavation projects across New Zealand’s North Island, building extensive experience with diverse soil types, utility configurations, and site constraints.
Safety-First Operations
Operator safety and asset protection drive every aspect of our hydro excavation service. Our qualified teams hold all relevant certifications for confined space work, underground service location, and environmental compliance. Each project follows strict health and safety protocols aligned with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, ensuring safe outcomes for our people, your assets, and the surrounding environment.
Complete Project Solutions
Beyond excavation, TDG provides integrated services including utility location, CCTV drainage inspection, and waste management. This comprehensive capability means you work with a single trusted provider rather than coordinating multiple contractors. Our teams understand how hydro excavation fits within larger infrastructure projects, enabling efficient scheduling and seamless service delivery.
Environmental Responsibility
All excavated material is managed in compliance with EPA NZ requirements and disposed of at licensed facilities. Our vacuum tankers feature onsite separation capabilities to minimise waste volumes and reduce disposal costs. This environmental focus aligns with our commitment to sustainable practices whilst helping projects meet regulatory obligations under the Resource Management Act 1991.
Our spider excavators safely operate on slopes steeper than people can walk—typically exceeding 60 degrees in any direction. The stabilised undercarriage, articulated legs, and low centre of gravity provide exceptional stability on challenging terrain. The machines maintain full operational capability on gradients that would be impossible or dangerous for standard excavators.
Absolutely. With Creek to Peak capabilities, our spider excavators operate in water up to 2 meters deep. This allows direct access to drainage canals, retention basins, stormwater systems, and natural waterways without dewatering or temporary dam construction. The machines also traverse saturated ground and soft soils where standard excavators would sink.
Remote operation keeps operators safe from multiple hazards, including steep terrain, unstable ground, poor air quality in confined spaces, and traffic on roadsides. Operators position themselves for optimal visibility and precision while remaining protected from worksite dangers. This technology also eliminates confined space entry requirements for many projects, significantly reducing risk and regulatory complexity.
The compact design fits through standard gates and under low structures (minimum 3 meters clearance when the boom is retracted). The articulated boom provides an 8.5-meter reach, accessing areas far beyond the machine’s footprint while the unit remains in a safe, stable position. This enables work under bridges, in utility corridors, and around obstacles impossible for standard equipment.
From grass and reeds to substantial woody vegetation, our attachments handle diverse vegetation types. The mulcher processes material up to 150mm in diameter. The grapple saw cuts trees up to 400mm in diameter and handles debris removal. Brush cutters efficiently clear dense undergrowth. This versatility enables comprehensive vegetation management in a single mobilisation.
TDG Environmental’s hydro excavation services operate throughout New Zealand’s North Island, providing safe non-destructive digging solutions to urban and rural communities.
Auckland: Central Auckland, North Shore, Waitākere, Manukau, Papakura, Franklin, Rodney, Hibiscus Coast, Pukekohe
Waikato: Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Matamata, Tokoroa, Taupō, Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, Waikato District
Bay of Plenty: Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatāne, Kawerau, Western Bay of Plenty, Ōpōtiki
Hawke’s Bay: Napier, Hastings, Wairoa, Central Hawke’s Bay
Taranaki: New Plymouth, Stratford, South Taranaki, Inglewood, Waitara
Manawatū-Whanganui: Palmerston North, Whanganui, Tararua, Horowhenua, Manawatū, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu
Wellington: Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Kāpiti Coast, Wairarapa, Masterton, Carterton, South Wairarapa
Our strategically positioned fleet and experienced regional teams ensure rapid response times and consistent service quality across all North Island locations.
The TDG team is on call when you need immediate support. Get in touch.
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Australia 1300 330 294
NZ 0800 249 376 
info@tdgenvironmental.com 
