Pergola NZ

Pergola NZ

Pergolas have long captured the hearts of people for whom alfresco dining is a near-daily occurrence and they require a little shade until the sun sets. Ridler Landscapes builds pergola NZ in your outdoor areas by cleverly using the space and also adhering to resource consents and height-to-boundary restrictions. Whether you’re thinking of installing a large pergola over your patio or a simple arch over a garden path, we are here to build according to your requirements.

Call us at 027 341 0037 for a friendly chat.

Pergola Design & Building Services Wellington

Pergolas have become increasingly popular among homeowners who love outdoor living. These structures are not only versatile, but they also provide a shaded sanctuary from the sun and add a touch of style to any garden or patio. At Ridler Landscapes, we specialise in the design and construction of custom pergolas that perfectly match your outdoor living needs and personal style.

Whether you're looking for a free standing or attached to the house with options for open roof or motorised louvred roof, we have you covered. Our pergolas feature adjustable screens, are pre-wired for a projector, exterior sound system, as well as lighting. Plus, we can select the perfect plants to climb your pergola for added visual appeal. We manage every detail from design to installation by adhering to all local zoning laws and building codes.

Freestanding Pergola

Freestanding pergolas are independent structures that offer flexibility in placement and design. These pergolas provide a comfortable, shaded area away from the direct heat of the sun, ideal for creating a dedicated space for relaxation or entertainment. The visual appeal of a freestanding pergola - with its open structure and potential to become a living part of your garden - significantly enhances the landscape’s beauty and, by extension, the overall value of your home.


Our landscaping Wellington team is here to build a freestanding pergola in your outdoor area, with as many customisation options as you desire. Just share your preferences with us, and we’ll make sure to meet all your requirements.

Pergola Attached to Dwelling

If you want to extend the living space of your home, you should consider building an attached pergola. These pergolas are particularly effective for enhancing the usability and enjoyment of existing outdoor areas like decks and patios, providing relief from the sun while maintaining a connection to the indoors.

We can design attached pergolas to match the architectural style of your house to create a functional outdoor space that prospective buyers often seek.

Gable - Dutch Gable - Scotch Gable

Gable pergolas are roofed pergolas which include variations like Dutch Gable and Scotch Gable, distinguished by their pitched roofs —they provide excellent ventilation and greater clearance. The architectural design of these pergolas allows for more effective water runoff and can be tailored to mirror the roofline of your home, creating a cohesive look.

Whether opting for the symmetrical pitch of a traditional Gable, the extended ridge of a Dutch Gable, or the stepped appearance of a Scotch Gable, these pergolas add a dramatic touch to your garden, boosting both the visual appeal and the functional value of your outdoor space.

Open Top

Open-top pergolas are an excellent choice if you want to filter sunlight while keeping the top of the structure open. These pergolas serve as perfect frames for outdoor lighting, climbing plants, or hanging pots, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your garden. Their primary function is to define and differentiate various areas within an outdoor space, making them extremely versatile.

Whether you're looking to highlight a hot tub, frame a cosy lounging area, showcase a charming alfresco dining spot around your outdoor kitchen, or create a distinct separation between a children’s play area and adult entertainment spaces, open-top pergolas provide both functional and decorative benefits.

If you are interested in building any of these types of pergolas, contact Ridler Landscapes at 027 341 0037. We’ll discuss your design vision and suggest the right materials for your pergola. Our team will make sure to fulfil all your requirements.

Frequently Asked Pergola NZ Questions

Where should I place a Pergola in my garden?

There are several ideal locations for a pergola in your garden. Placing one over a path can create a charming archway adorned with climbing plants and/or lighting, or a lengthy structure that stretches the full length of the path.

Positioning a pergola over a patio provides excellent shade for a seating area, enhancing relaxation and comfort. For smaller gardens, installing it against a fence is beneficial as it provides a striking focal point, whether it’s to shade a seating area, frame a piece of art or a mirror, create a gateway, or enhance privacy.

Does installing a pergola increase home value?

Generally, a pergola can increase your home’s desirability to potential buyers, provided it is well-placed and well-maintained. If you plan to sell your home within a few years, consider the needs of future buyers. For example, a pergola in the centre of a small garden might limit play space for children, which could be less appealing to young families. Also, consider the impact of any additional features like paths or patios under the pergola.

Do I need to anchor my pergola?

Yes, anchoring your pergola is essential. We recommend securing it with cement to ensure stability. For those in sheltered areas who prefer not to use concrete, anchoring the pergola deep in the ground, similar to a fence post, might be sufficient, especially with lightweight climbing plants. However, it’s wise to consult with professional landscapers at Ridler Landscapes to make an appropriate choice.

Can I customise the look?

Absolutely, pergolas are highly customisable. You can choose from different materials, colours, and finishes, add features like lighting, fans, or heaters and decorative elements like curtains or integrated planters to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Do I need a building consent to build a pergola in NZ?

Whether you need building consent to build a pergola depends on several factors, including the structure's size and specifics. Generally, a pergola that is open on all sides and does not have a roof is considered a non-building structure and may not require building consent.

However, if the pergola exceeds certain dimensions, has roofing material that makes it more like a building (such as a solid roof), or is attached to a dwelling, then building consent from your local council might be necessary.

How big can I build a pergola without a permit?

You can construct a pergola up to 2.5 metres high along a boundary or up to 3 metres high elsewhere without requiring resource consent. If the pergola is adjacent to your house, it's advisable to match the height to that of your ground floor's top. If not, the height can be adjusted according to your preferences. Choosing a lower ceiling height, about 2 metres, can create a more cosier atmosphere.