Understanding the Landscape Design Process in New Zealand

Are you thinking about improving your outdoor space, but not quite sure how the landscape design process actually works in New Zealand? You’re not alone. Many homeowners have big ideas for their backyard, front yard, or outdoor living area, but feel unsure where to start, who to talk to, or how everything fits together. The good news is that professional landscape design in NZ follows a clear, step-by-step process. From the first chat about your ideas, through concept plans, detailed design, pricing, and finally construction, each stage has a purpose.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the typical landscaping process so you know what to expect, how your ideas are turned into a real design, and how a planned approach can make your outdoor project smoother, smarter, and far less stressful.

How the landscape design process works in New Zealand - step by step?

Here’s a step-by-step landscape design process that can help you during your project.

1. First chat 

Every good landscape project starts with a simple conversation. A designer or landscaper will usually visit your home to walk through the space with you. 

It is where you talk about how you use your outdoors now (kids, pets, entertaining, quiet time), what isn’t working (muddy areas, no privacy, poor layout), and what you’d love instead (deck, patio, new lawn, planting, spa, paths, fire area, etc.). 

They’ll also ask about your budget and rough timeframe. At this stage, nothing is locked in. The goal is to understand your lifestyle and what you want your outdoor area to do for you.

2. Site assessment 

Next comes a closer look at your actual site. The designer will measure the space, check levels and slopes, review existing structures, and note sun and shade patterns. 

They’ll also look at soil type, drainage, wind direction, and any views you want to hide or highlight. 

The site information helps them design something that not only looks good on paper but also works in real life under New Zealand conditions, including heavy rain, intense sun, and coastal winds.

3. Concept design 

Using what they learned from you and the site, the designer creates a concept plan. It is usually a simple drawing that shows the main layout of your new outdoor space. It might include:

• Where decks, patios, or paved areas could go
• Lawn areas, garden beds, and planting zones
• Paths and how people will move through the space
• Possible spots for features like pergolas, fire pits, or water features

You review this concept together, give feedback, and discuss what you like and don’t like. This step is about getting the overall “shape” and flow of your landscape right before worrying about small details.

4. Costing and adjustments 

With a more detailed plan, you can get a clearer cost estimate. Sometimes the first estimate may be higher than you expected; other times it might be comfortably within your budget. It is the stage where you can:

• Swap materials (for example, a different paver or deck material)
• Adjust sizes (a slightly smaller deck, fewer built structures, or simpler planting)
• Decide which parts are “must-haves” and which can be added later

The aim is to end up with a design you love and a cost you feel comfortable with before any physical work starts.

5. Final plan and preparation 

Once you’re happy with the design and the cost, the plan is finalised. This often includes scaled drawings, a planting plan, and a clear breakdown of what will be built and installed. At this point, practical preparations begin, such as:

• Planning the order of work (demolition, earthworks, structures, planting, etc.)
• Organising materials and delivery
• Checking whether any council consents or permissions are needed for structures like large retaining walls, decks over a certain height, or pools

Having a clear final plan helps the construction stage run more smoothly and reduces surprises on site.

6. Construction and installation 

It is when you start to see real changes outside. Depending on your project, this stage can include:

• Removing old paths, decks, plants, or structures
• Earthworks to level areas or shape the land
• Installing drainage if needed
• Building decks, patios, pergolas, retaining walls, or fences
• Laying lawns (instant turf or seed) and planting trees, shrubs, and groundcovers
• Setting up basic irrigation and outdoor lighting

There will be some noise, mess, and temporary disruption, but step by step, your outdoor space will begin to match the plan you agreed on. 

A good landscaper will keep you informed about progress and any small decisions that may be needed along the way.

7. Finishing touches and handover 

As the project nears completion, the focus turns to neatness and detail. Edges are tidied, plants are checked, surfaces are cleaned, and any final fixes are made. 

You’ll usually walk through the finished landscape with your landscaper or designer, checking that everything matches the plan and that you’re happy with the result.

Turn your ideas into a real outdoor space with Zones

Landscape design doesn’t have to be confusing. If you’d like help putting it all together, the Zones Landscaping team in New Zealand can guide you through every step. They can listen to your ideas, create a smart design that suits your budget and style, organise the build, and make sure the final result is practical, attractive, and easy to look after.

If you’re ready to upgrade your backyard, front yard, or full outdoor living area, get in touch with Zones NZ and start turning your landscape ideas into a finished space you can enjoy every day.