Garden Lighting Guide for New Zealand Outdoor Spaces

Why Add Lighting to Your Garden?

Garden lighting does more than beautify your space—it’s a smart investment in safety, comfort, and style. Well-placed lights can reduce tripping hazards, make outdoor gatherings more enjoyable, and allow you to extend the use of your garden long into the evening. The right fixtures can also accentuate your landscaping, draw attention to key features, and create a warm, inviting ambiance after sunset. Modern choices like LED garden lights and solar-powered options provide energy-efficient, low-maintenance solutions that are both practical and sustainable.

Best Garden Lighting Options and How to Use Them

Bollard Lights

Sleek, modern, and versatile, bollard lights are perfect for illuminating pathways, driveways, and flower beds. These upright fixtures emit soft, diffused light that enhances visibility without being overly harsh, ensuring safe navigation through your garden. Many options from our bollard lighting range include LED technology and weather-resistant materials, offering both durability and style to withstand New Zealand’s changing climate.

Bulkhead Lights

For reliable and functional lighting, bulkhead lights are a standout choice. These compact, weatherproof fixtures are built to last and are ideal for mounting on exterior walls, sheds, garages, or decks. Their minimalist design and enclosed structure ensure safety and durability, making them perfect for high-traffic or exposed areas. They combine practicality with understated elegance for a long-lasting lighting solution.

Solar Lights

Eco-friendly and easy to install, solar garden lights harness sunlight during the day to illuminate your garden at night. They’re ideal for hard-to-reach areas where wiring isn’t possible or for households aiming to reduce energy consumption. Place them along pathways, borders, or garden beds for soft, ambient lighting. Just ensure they’re positioned to receive plenty of sunlight for optimal performance.

By choosing the right garden lighting, you can create a space that’s safe, stylish, and suited to your lifestyle, while also making the most of New Zealand’s beautiful outdoor settings.

Garden Lanterns

Add charm and character to your outdoor space with outdoor lanterns designed for garden use. These timeless fixtures work beautifully around patios, entranceways, or outdoor dining areas, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Choose from classic black finishes, vintage designs, or coastal-inspired styles to complement your aesthetic. Pair them with festoon lighting or candles to amplify the ambiance.

Coastal Rated Lighting

For gardens near the coast or in exposed environments, coastal rated lighting is essential. Designed to resist salt, moisture, and corrosion, these fixtures are built for durability and longevity. Perfect for beach houses or windy hilltop properties, you’ll find options like wall lights, bollards, and lanterns crafted from marine-grade materials that combine functionality with style.

Sensor and Security Lighting

Garden lighting isn’t only about aesthetics—it’s also vital for safety and security. Sensor lights automatically activate when motion is detected, providing hands-free illumination for gates, garages, and pathways. Meanwhile, outdoor security lights with powerful beams and motion sensors deter intruders while keeping your property well-lit and secure. Place them near entrances or dark corners for peace of mind and added protection. To learn more about protecting your home or business, you can read our comprehensive security lighting guide here.

Floodlights

For bright, wide-area lighting, LED floodlights are an excellent solution. Perfect for illuminating lawns, BBQ areas, or large garden spaces, they offer energy-efficient LED options and features like motion sensors or dusk-to-dawn activation. Whether you’re hosting an evening gathering or working on outdoor tasks, floodlights provide reliable, powerful illumination to keep your space safe and functional.

With so many versatile options available, it’s easy to find garden lighting solutions that suit your needs, style, and New Zealand’s unique climate. Whether you’re enhancing safety, creating ambiance, or showcasing your landscaping, the right lighting can transform your outdoor spaces into beautiful, practical extensions of your home.

How to Plan Your Garden Lighting Layout

To design an effective garden lighting setup, start by walking through your outdoor space at dusk to identify areas that need illumination for safety or ambiance. Map out key zones such as pathways, seating areas, water features, and borders. Use a combination of lighting styles—ambient light from lanterns, task lighting from floodlights or bulkheads, and accent lighting from solar or bollards. Opt for warm white tones to create a welcoming glow, and sketch a layout in advance to avoid over-lighting and maintain cohesion.

Garden Lighting Installation Tips

Choose outdoor light fittings with an IP44 rating or higher to ensure durability. Angle lights downward to minimise glare and light pollution, and space them evenly for a balanced look. For solar-powered lights, ensure they receive ample sunlight during the day. Wired lights often require professional installation, particularly if they will be integrated into your home’s electrical system. To add convenience, consider using timers, dusk-to-dawn sensors, or smart controls for automated lighting schedules.

Energy-Efficient Garden Lighting Options

Modern garden lighting prioritises energy efficiency. LED outdoor lights consume significantly less energy than traditional bulbs, offering brighter, longer-lasting performance. Pair LEDs with solar panels or motion sensors to further reduce energy use.

Shop Outdoor Garden Lighting at Lightingplus

At Lightingplus, we make it easy to create the garden lighting setup of your dreams. Our carefully curated collection includes stylish bollards, decorative lanterns, durable security lights, and energy-efficient solar options, all built to withstand New Zealand’s outdoor conditions. Whether you're lighting a patio, pathway, or coastal retreat, we have the perfect solution for you. Explore our outdoor lighting collection online or visit your nearest store for expert advice.