Security Lighting Guide for New Zealand Homes and Businesses

Security lighting is an effective and practical way to protect your property while enhancing safety after dark. Whether you're securing a family home, a commercial building, or a rental property, this guide will help you select the perfect lighting solutions. From sensor lights and floodlights to bollards, bulkheads, and dedicated security lights, we’ll cover the best options for your needs.

The Benefits of Security Lighting

In 2024, New Zealand Police recorded almost 45,000 burglaries across New Zealand, with unprotected properties being the most targeted. Security lighting does more than brighten your surroundings—it acts as a cost-effective, reliable deterrent against intruders and unwanted activity. Properly positioned lighting improves visibility at night, reduces the likelihood of trips and falls, and provides peace of mind for families, tenants, and employees. Beyond security, outdoor lighting can enhance the overall aesthetic and usability of your property.

Types of Security Lighting and Their Best Applications

Sensor Lights

Sensor lights are a smart, energy-efficient option that activate only when motion is detected. Perfect for entrances, driveways, and pathways, they offer both convenience and practicality by lighting up areas exactly when you need them. For optimal effectiveness, install them near gates, garages, or side doors—any location where motion detection is essential. Check out our reliable, weather-resistant sensor lighting range for efficient and hassle-free solutions.

Floodlights

Floodlights are the go-to choice for illuminating large outdoor areas. With their wide beam angles, they deliver powerful, high-intensity lighting, making them ideal for car parks, gardens, and expansive yards. For greater functionality, opt for LED floodlights with built-in sensors or timers. Browse our collection of flood lights for durable, modern designs tailored to homes and businesses alike.

Bulkhead Lights

Designed for durability and versatility, bulkhead lights are built to withstand New Zealand's challenging weather conditions. These compact, wall-mounted fixtures are ideal for areas such as garage exteriors, stairwells, decks, or utility spaces where steady, low-profile illumination is needed. Choose from vandal-resistant and IP-rated options in our LED bulkhead lights selection to ensure lasting performance in high-traffic outdoor zones.

Bollard Lights

Bollard lights elegantly blend security and style to enhance your outdoor spaces. Positioned along driveways, pathways, or garden edges, they provide subtle, consistent lighting for guidance and safety while discouraging unwanted access. These fixtures are particularly effective for perimeter lighting or long walkways where visibility is key. Explore our energy-efficient bollard lighting collection for a range of modern, functional designs.

Dedicated Security Lighting Solutions

Lightingplus’s range of security lighting includes powerful, purpose-built options that combine exceptional brightness with integrated sensors. Perfect for illuminating hidden corners, pathways, or blind spots, these lights ensure your property remains safe and well-lit. Many models feature energy-efficient integrated LED light sources and motion sensors, offering superior performance with minimal upkeep.

Choosing the Right Security Lighting

Selecting the best security lighting starts with identifying the areas you want to protect. For small spaces like courtyards or entryways, sensor lights and bulkheads provide ample coverage. Larger areas may require floodlights or a combination of lighting types.

Key features to consider:

  • Weatherproofing: Check IP ratings to ensure durability in outdoor conditions.

  • Lighting Temperature: Cool white light enhances visibility.

  • Beam Angle: Opt for the right coverage to suit your space.

LED lighting is now the standard, delivering excellent brightness, energy efficiency, and long-term savings. For commercial spaces, prioritise high-lumen options with broad coverage and long-lasting components. For residential gardens, aesthetics matter—bollard lights may offer a softer, more elegant touch compared to harsh floodlights. To learn more about how to light your garden or outdoor space, read our comprehensive garden lighting guide

Tips for Effective Security Lighting Placement

Maximise your lighting’s effectiveness by installing fixtures at an elevated height, angled downward to reduce glare. Focus on vulnerable access points such as back doors, garages, side entrances, and fence lines. Illuminate walkways and stairs to prevent accidents.

Placement tips:

  • Avoid shining lights directly into neighbouring properties.

  • Check local regulations for installations near boundaries or public footpaths.

  • Position motion-sensor lights where movement is most likely, avoiding obstructions like trees or large objects. Angle them to cover key approach routes for optimal detection.

Energy Efficiency with LED Technology

LED lighting has become the gold standard for outdoor security. Its superior brightness, low power consumption, and longer lifespan make it the most cost-effective choice. Many of our security options also feature advanced functions like dusk-to-dawn sensors (lux sensors), manual override, and solar-powered designs—perfect for off-grid solutions or low-maintenance setups.

Shop Security Lighting at Lightingplus

Upgrade your property’s safety and style with our extensive range of outdoor security lighting at Lightingplus. Whether you need sleek bollard lights, robust floodlights, energy-saving sensor options, or durable bulkheads, our lighting range combines performance, reliability, and design. Shop online or visit a store today to find the perfect lighting solution for your space.

Lightingplus

FAQ's

The best type depends on your space. For wide coverage, choose floodlights. For targeted motion-activated lighting, sensor lights are ideal. Bollards and bulkheads work well for paths and entry points.

Yes, LED lights are highly recommended for security lighting. They offer excellent brightness, low energy use, long lifespan, and reduced maintenance compared to halogen alternatives.

Install them at elevated heights to cover key entry points—like doors, garages, fences, and pathways. Avoid shining lights into windows or neighbouring properties.

Some lighting can be DIY-installed, especially low voltage (12V) garden lighting or solar options. However, for hardwired setups or if you're unsure, we recommend using a licensed electrician.