Landscaping your property can add immense value to your home and your lifestyle. A well-designed outdoor space becomes an extension of your living area, providing a place to relax, entertain, and connect with nature. But for many homeowners in New Zealand, the dream of a beautiful garden is often met with one big question: how much will it cost?
The short answer is: it varies. The final price of a landscaping project depends on a wide range of factors, from the scope of work to the materials you choose and whether you plan to do the work yourself. At Gardenscape Landscaping, we believe in transparent pricing and helping our customers understand where their money goes. This guide breaks down the typical costs for some of the most common landscaping projects in NZ, giving you a realistic starting point for your budget.
The Factors That Drive Landscaping Costs
Before we dive into the numbers, it’s crucial to understand what influences them. The price of your project is determined by:
- Size and Scope: The most obvious factor. The larger the area, the more materials and labour are required.
- Site Preparation: A flat, clear site is always cheaper to work with. A sloped section, rocky ground, or an area that needs a lot of clearing will significantly increase costs due to the extra time and machinery needed for excavation and levelling.
- Materials: This is where you have the most control. Natural stone pavers are more expensive than concrete. Kwila hardwood decking is pricier than treated pine. Bulk topsoil and mulch are far more affordable than bagged options.
- Labour: Doing it yourself (DIY) will save you a lot on labour costs, but it requires a significant time investment and the right tools. Hiring a professional will cost more upfront but guarantees a quality result and saves you hours of hard work.
- Location: Labour and material costs can vary between regions in New Zealand, with major cities generally having higher rates than rural areas.
Cost Breakdown by Project Type
Here are some realistic price estimates for common landscaping projects in New Zealand, including both materials and installation. Remember, these are averages, and your final quote will depend on the specifics of your site.
Decks and Patios
A well-built deck or patio can be the heart of your outdoor living area. The cost is highly dependent on the materials you choose.
- Treated Pine Decking: A budget-friendly option, a simple treated pine deck can cost between $300 – $500 per square metre (m²) installed.
- Hardwood (Kwila/Vitex) Decking: A more durable and visually appealing choice. Expect to pay between $450 – $700 per m² installed.
- Composite Decking: A low-maintenance alternative made from recycled materials. Costs typically range from $550 – $900 per m² installed.
- Paving Stone Patio: For a flat, level site, a paved patio can cost between $150 – $300 per m² for materials, with labour adding a similar amount depending on the complexity of the pattern.
Fencing
Fencing provides privacy, security, and a boundary for your property. The cost depends on material and length.
- Timber Paling Fence: A common and affordable choice in NZ, a standard timber paling fence costs around $100 – $200 per linear metre (LM), including materials and installation.
- Coloursteel Fence: A low-maintenance, modern alternative. Expect to pay between $200 – $270 per LM.
- Wire Fencing: A budget-friendly option, often used in rural settings or for boundary demarcation. Costs can be as low as $50 – $100 per LM.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are essential for terracing sloped sections or creating raised garden beds. Some retaining wall projects may require a building consent. The cost is determined by height, length, and material.
- Timber Retaining Walls: The most common and cost-effective option for residential projects. A timber wall can cost between $250 – $400 per LM for a height of up to 1 metre.
- Concrete Retaining Walls: More durable and long-lasting, a reinforced concrete wall can range from $400 – $600 per LM for the same height.
- Stone or Gabion Walls: These decorative, natural options cost between $350 – $900 per LM or more, depending on the stone and installation.
Garden Beds, Lawns, and Planting
This is the creative part of your garden, where you add life and colour.
- Lawns: As discussed in our previous guide, a new lawn from seed is far more affordable, with materials costing between $2 – $5 per m². Ready lawn, while providing an instant result, costs significantly more, with materials and installation ranging from $25 – $40 per m².
- Raised Garden Beds: The cost for a simple timber raised garden bed can start from $150 – $250 per m² for materials alone, including timber, soil, and drainage.
- Planting: The cost of plants can vary dramatically. A basic planting scheme for a 10m² garden bed might cost $100 – $300 for plants and materials, while a project with large specimen trees could run into thousands of dollars.
The DIY vs. Professional Trade-Off
Choosing to do the work yourself is the easiest way to reduce costs. You save on labour, which can be a significant portion of the total price. However, remember to factor in the cost of hiring tools and your own time and effort. For complex projects like retaining walls over 1.5 metres high or decks that require council consent, hiring a professional is often the safer and more efficient choice.
At Gardenscape Papamoa, we can help with either approach. We provide all the quality landscaping materials you’ll need for your DIY project, from bulk topsoil and mulch to pavers and aggregates. For larger projects, we offer landscape design services to help turn your vision into a reality.
Ready to start? Contact us to get a quote on materials or talk through your project.