outdoor living with a green suite

The Essential Guide to Outdoor Living in New Zealand

Summertime in New Zealand is a season filled with vibrant energy, the mouth-watering aroma of barbecues, and the warmth of long, sunny days. In Kiwi culture, outdoor living is more than just a lifestyle; it’s an experience that brings people together, fostering a sense of community. To truly capture the essence of New Zealand summers, an outdoor space needs to be both beautiful and functional. Custom-built decks in New Zealand, along with thoughtfully designed pool areas and strategic landscaping, create a backyard perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and making lasting memories.

Wooden Decks: The Heart of Outdoor Entertainment

A well-designed wooden deck serves as the centrepiece of any backyard, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor living areas. Wooden decks are favoured for their classic, natural look that complements New Zealand’s diverse landscapes. They provide an ideal space for hosting family barbecues, relaxing in the sun, or enjoying a warm summer evening with friends. Using durable, high-quality materials, these decks are built to last, offering a practical yet stylish space that enhances the home’s value and functionality.

Decks are perfect for adding seating areas, dining spaces, and built-in features like planter boxes to bring a touch of greenery to the design. Whether it’s a spacious deck that overlooks the garden or an intimate nook for two, a custom-built deck can cater to a variety of needs and activities.

Pools, Spa Pools, and Poolside Paradise

Inground Concrete Pools: A Timeless Summer Feature

Nothing says summer quite like a refreshing dip in an inground concrete pool. Known for their durability and flexibility in design, concrete pools are a timeless addition to any New Zealand backyard. Their customisable shapes and finishes allow them to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape, creating a personal paradise where family and friends can cool off and have fun.

Pairing a concrete pool with carefully planned landscaping enhances the visual appeal and creates a cohesive outdoor environment. Adding features like a poolside deck, lounge chairs, or shaded pergolas ensures the area is comfortable, functional, and perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

Concrete pools are a long-term investment, offering unmatched longevity and the ability to incorporate unique features such as infinity edges, built-in steps, or underwater seating. Their versatility means they can be tailored to suit any backyard size or shape, making them a perfect choice for New Zealand homes.

Pool Decks for Safety and Style

A pool deck is more than just a practical addition; it’s a vital part of creating a safe and stylish poolside environment. Whether made from timber, concrete, or paving stones, a well-designed deck offers a slip-resistant surface that’s perfect for walking, lounging, or placing outdoor furniture.

Timber decking adds warmth and character to the space, blending beautifully with the natural surroundings, while concrete or pavers offer a sleek, modern look. The right choice of materials not only enhances safety but also complements the overall aesthetic of your outdoor area.

Spa Pools: Year-Round Relaxation

Spa pools are a luxurious addition to any backyard, offering relaxation and therapeutic benefits throughout the year. Whether it’s a warm soak on a cool evening or a gathering spot for socialising on summer nights, spa pools provide versatility and comfort for all occasions.

A custom spa pool area can be seamlessly integrated with an inground concrete pool or as a standalone feature. Raised spa platforms or sunken designs enhance accessibility and add visual interest. Surrounding the spa pool with timber decking, privacy screens, and greenery creates a tranquil retreat, while ambient lighting adds an inviting touch for nighttime use.

concrete pool outdoor living area

Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Oasis

Combining a pool and spa pool within the same backyard creates a dynamic space that caters to everyone. Children can splash and play in the pool while adults relax in the soothing bubbles of the spa. Surrounding these water features with cohesive landscaping, such as planted borders, natural stone accents, or built-in seating, ties the space together beautifully.

Whether it’s for entertaining large groups, spending quality time with family, or finding moments of personal relaxation, an inground concrete pool and spa pool transform any outdoor area into a summer sanctuary. Designed to last and customised to your needs, these features bring the ultimate in functionality and style to New Zealand homes.

Pool Fencing: Safety Meets Style

When it comes to pool areas, safety is paramount. Pool fencing is an essential part of any backyard design, providing peace of mind for families and ensuring compliance with local building codes. Modern pool fencing solutions come in a variety of materials and styles, from sleek glass panels that offer unobstructed views to traditional timber fencing that blends naturally with the environment.

Not only does pool fencing enhance safety, but it also adds an element of style and can complement the surrounding outdoor design. A well-chosen fence can create a sense of privacy and help define the pool area, making it feel like an exclusive retreat.

Patios and Barbecue Areas: Outdoor Cooking and Dining

No summer gathering is complete without a barbecue right? Creating a dedicated outdoor kitchen or barbecue area with a well-designed barbeque on your Kiwi deck or patio ensures that the summer cooking experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Patios made of concrete, stone, or brick offer a sturdy and stylish surface for cooking and dining. These spaces can be equipped with outdoor fireplaces, built-in BBQs, counters for food preparation, and even seating areas for guests to gather around while meals are being prepared.

A patio that flows on from a wooden deck or pool area allows for a seamless transition between spaces, catering to both relaxation and entertainment. Adding features such as outdoor lighting, fire pits, or a pergola can enhance the ambience, making it easy to entertain guests long after the sun sets.

Outdoor fireplace with outdoor living furniture

The Ultimate Outdoor Living Space

Designing a comprehensive outdoor space in New Zealand requires balancing aesthetics with some practicality. From custom-built decks that create the perfect entertaining space to pool areas that serve as a summer haven and stylish patios for dining and BBQs, every element contributes to a backyard that feels like an extension of the home.

Creating the ultimate outdoor living space in New Zealand can be a rewarding but challenging endeavour. The country’s diverse weather conditions, from intense sunlight to heavy rain, can impact the design and maintenance of any outdoor spaces whether its in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, or the deep South.

Local Regulations

Don’t forget to check your local regulations regarding pool safety and building codes for decks and fences as these need to be considered. And safety, comfort, and style are essential components, ensuring that the space is not only functional but a joy to use.

Whether hosting a poolside party, grilling up a feast, or simply enjoying a quiet moment on the deck, a well-crafted outdoor space can improve any summer experience, turning your kiwi backyard into a place where memories are made and cherished.

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