The short answer
A granny flat is a self-contained dwelling on a property that already has a main house - it's a secondary / minor dwelling, almost always used to house extended family. A tiny home is a category of small, transportable, factory-built home that can be a primary dwelling or a secondary one.
In practical NZ usage: many of our 10m and 12m tiny homes are sold as granny flats. The build is identical; the framing of how it's used differs.
Why the distinction matters: consent
Most councils have explicit rules for 'minor dwellings' or 'second dwellings' - typically up to 60–80 m² floor area, with parking and infrastructure requirements. If your property is zoned to allow a minor dwelling and you stay within the rules, the consent path is straightforward.
Our 10×3 and 12×3 tiny homes both work well as minor dwellings - they're under most council size limits, fully self-contained, and built to NZ Building Code.
Which to ask for when you call us
If you're using it to house a family member on your existing property, ask about granny flats - we'll guide you toward the right configuration and the consent path. If you're building a primary dwelling for yourself or a tenant, ask about tiny homes - same product, different framing.