Landscaping Trends in Auckland Central: A Q&A with Monique Nielsen, Zones Landscaping Consultant

If you're planning landscaping in Auckland Central, knowing what’s trending - and what actually works - can save you time, money and costly mistakes.

We sat down with Monique Nielsen, Zones Landscaping Consultant in Auckland Central, to talk about what she’s seeing on the ground, what homeowners are prioritising in 2026, and the smart landscaping decisions that add real value.

Monique, what landscaping trends are you seeing in Auckland Central right now?

One of the biggest changes I’m seeing is homeowners wanting to extend their living space outdoors, without the cost of a full home extension.

In suburbs like Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Mount Eden, people are investing in outdoor spaces that feel architectural and integrated with the home. Instead of purely decorative gardens, we’re designing functional environments.

That includes:

• Covered outdoor kitchens
• Cantilever-style pergolas and louvre systems
• Outdoor fireplaces for year-round use
• Built-in seating and structured planting
• Thoughtful lighting for ambience and security

Planting is also becoming more intentional. Rather than large lawn areas, clients are requesting layered, architectural planting that creates privacy, texture and seasonal interest, while remaining manageable long-term.

Are Auckland homeowners still investing heavily in landscaping despite economic pressures?

Yes - but they’re being more strategic.

Instead of doing everything at once, many homeowners are staging their landscaping projects. For example:‍

‍Phase 1: Hardscaping (decking, paving, retaining walls)

‍Phase 2: Planting and lawn

‍Phase 3: Outdoor kitchen or pergola

Landscaping in Auckland Central is increasingly seen as an investment that increases property value, especially before selling.

Well-designed landscaping can significantly improve street appeal, and in competitive central Auckland suburbs, that matters.

What are the most requested landscaping features right now?

The top requests I’m seeing include:

1. Outdoor Rooms

People want their garden to feel like an extension of their home. Covered pergolas, louvre roofs, and outdoor fireplaces are very popular.

2. Tiered Gardens & Retaining Walls

Because Auckland Central properties often have sloped sections, retaining walls and terraced landscaping are common.

3. Structured & Layered Planting

Planting design is becoming more refined. Instead of high-maintenance lawns, homeowners are opting for:

• Layered native planting
• Architectural foliage
• Drought-tolerant species
• Privacy screening through greenery

This approach softens urban properties while creating visual interest and long-term sustainability.

4. Compact & Architectural Pools

We’re seeing growing interest in:

• Above-ground plunge pools
• Infinity-edge pools on sloped sites
• Narrow townhouse pools for inner-city sections

Even smaller properties are incorporating water features that feel luxurious but scale appropriately to the site.

What mistakes do homeowners make with landscaping projects?

The biggest mistake is underestimating planning and compliance requirements.

Depending on the scope, landscaping in Auckland may require:

• Resource consent
• Building consent (for certain retaining walls or structures)
• Engineering input
• Drainage considerations

Another common issue is starting without a cohesive design plan. People might install a deck, then later realise it doesn’t integrate well with future landscaping stages.

That’s why working with a landscaping consultant early makes a huge difference.

How much does landscaping cost in Auckland Central?

Costs vary significantly depending on scope and site conditions.

As a general guide:

• Basic landscaping refresh: $20,000-$40,000
• Mid-range outdoor transformation: $40,000-$80,000
• High-end, fully integrated outdoor living: $80,000+
  

Sloped sites, drainage upgrades, and access limitations in central Auckland can impact pricing.

The key is realistic budgeting from the outset.

Are small inner-city gardens harder to design?

Not necessarily, but they require smarter design.

In suburbs like Freeman’s Bay or Eden Terrace, space is often limited. The goal becomes:

• Maximising usable outdoor space
• Creating vertical interest
• Incorporating built-in seating
• Using multi-functional elements

Small gardens can actually feel more luxurious when thoughtfully designed.

What landscaping adds the most value to a property?

In my experience, the best return comes from:

• Clean, structured front landscaping for street appeal
• Functional outdoor entertaining areas
• Quality hardscaping (decking, paving, retaining walls)
• Cohesive lighting design

Buyers respond emotionally to outdoor spaces - especially in Auckland where indoor-outdoor flow is such a priority.

What advice would you give someone considering landscaping in Auckland Central?

Start with a master plan.

Even if you don’t build everything at once, having a clear design roadmap prevents expensive rework later.

Also, choose materials suited to Auckland’s climate - high rainfall, humidity, and coastal conditions in some areas mean durability matters.

And most importantly: think long-term. Landscaping should enhance how you live in your home every day.

Landscaping in Auckland Central? Speak with Monique Nielsen

If you're considering landscaping in Auckland Central, whether it's a small courtyard upgrade or a full outdoor transformation - Monique Nielsen and the Zones Landscaping team can guide you through design, budgeting, compliance and project management.

Book a consultation today and turn your outdoor space into something exceptional.