It’s not hard to see why water features NZ-wide are becoming a more common sight. They enhance your local ecosystem, attract wildlife, require minimal maintenance, and bring the sound of nature directly to your doorstep.

Although, as desirable as water features can be in the average Kiwi backyard, not everyone knows how to go from simply admiring them in public places to having one themselves. Sometimes, it can be as simple as doing your homework and considering some of this information below.

What Are Water Features?

Water features are essentially a customisable landscaping feature that can become a focal point in the average backyard. They can be either a pond or fountain, or even a waterfall or stream, with a range of materials like rocks, stones, and plants, to tie the entire look together.

You can also purchase fountain kits with submersible water feature pumps to ensure the water circulates and remains fresh and clean. It’s not necessarily challenging to make your own water feature, but it can require a significant amount of research to determine the style, type, and size of the water feature you prefer.

Best Water Features

You can’t walk into your local garden centre and ask to purchase the best water feature they have available. The ‘best’ is a subjective term. Some people utilise what they have in their natural environment, while others purchase ready-made water features and incorporate them into their backyard.

Tanks and Troughs

If you have old tanks or troughs lying around your property, you may like to put them to good use by making a vibrant water feature. You can fill them with pebbles and plant beautiful flowers around the outside for a touch of softness.

Garden Ponds

Garden ponds are also a popular option. You can make them yourself or call in your local landscaping experts. Making a garden pond can be as simple as cutting out a shape in the earth, lining it with plastic, adding a pump, and beautifying it with plants and rocks. You may even like to incorporate a fountain or rill for both visual and audio benefits. 

Water Fountains

If you’re not one to carve up your backyard or install complicated technology, you can still have a beautiful water fountain. You can purchase ready-made ones, and these often have a variety of attractive materials incorporated into their design, like stone monoliths and metal spheres.

Pebble Piles

In recent years, homeowners looking for simple water features in NZ have been building simple pebble piles. Purchase or acquire stones and pebbles and conceal a pump underneath them. Water shoots up through the rocks, then artfully makes its way down to the bottom of the pebble pile again.

Plants For Water Features

No water feature is complete without gorgeous plants in or around it. Fortunately, there are so many beautiful options at your disposal. You can opt for a more traditional water feature plant, like lotuses, or go for that more contemporary vibe with Acorus Gramineus or water lilies.

Some garden centres specialise in water feature plants, so you’ll likely always have expert help available when you need it.

Best Rocks For Water Features

Just like plants and the water feature style itself, the best rocks for your water feature is a personal choice. What suits your preferences and property may not suit someone else’s. Fortunately, your water feature can be unique.

You can purchase ready-made water features with rocks incorporated into the design or purchase the rocks separately to form yourself. From alpine schist and quarry rock to grit and chip, decorative glass, and walking stones like Paradise and Waitaha, you’re spoilt for choice.

How to Choose the Best Water Feature For You

Given the sheer volume of options on the market, not to mention your customisation options, you may not know how to choose the best water feature for you. In most situations, you just have to factor a few different things into the equation, such as these below.

Available Space

You may have dreams of a water feature just like the iconic Friends fountain, but does your space allow? Self-contained fountains are ideal for courtyards and patio areas, while large ponds and pools could work in wide, open spaces.

Style Preferences

Some people prefer the elegance of traditional and classic water features, while others prefer the crisp, cleanness of modern ones. You can significantly narrow down your options by thinking about which you prefer.

Budget

If you’re undertaking a complete landscaping renovation, you may not want to spend huge amounts on a water feature. Your budget can determine the size, scale, and even whether you buy a ready-made one or build one yourself.

Where to Put a Water Feature

Where you put your water feature can depend on your property type, why you want one in the first place, and whether it requires electricity. If you’re running an electric pump, you will need to have it close to an electricity point and consider how much excavation you will need to do.

If your whole reason for having a water feature is to have it be a focal point, then position it somewhere it can be viewed and enjoyed. A front or back garden, encircling entertainment areas or plants may be a suitable choice. Landscaping experts can also advise on the best locations if you are unsure.

Time for a Water Feature?

Water features like ponds and fountains can elevate any small or large yard. If you’re looking for creative landscaping ideas, now might be an excellent time to consider this information above and start looking for a beautiful water feature that stands out from the crowd.