Stone Water Features

Why choose stone for your water feature?

Natural stone has been used in fountains since ancient times, and for good reason. It delivers unmatched durability, acoustic warmth and an organic look that moulded composites rarely replicate. In Aotearoa’s ever-changing weather—salt air on the coast, frost inland—granite, basalt and schist resist fading, cracking and algae build-up far better than concrete or fibreglass. Choose wisely and you’ll enjoy decades of low-maintenance ambience.

Popular styles available on ArchiPro

• Stone bowls – Low-profile dishes perfect for zen courtyards or as a koi habitat.
• Stone spheres – Polished or chiselled globes add modern drama; optional internal LEDs highlight night ripples.
• Pillars & columns – Rustic columns stacked or cored for a gentle bubbling effect.
• Stepping-stone rills – Create a sculptural pathway where water threads between pavers.
• Solar-powered units – Cut running costs and simplify installation; panels can be hidden on a nearby pergola roof.

Key buying considerations

1. Stone type & finish

Basalt offers a contemporary charcoal tone; granite suits formal gardens with its speckled pattern; limestone brings warmth but needs sealing in frost-prone regions. A bush-hammered surface diffuses sound, while a honed finish provides mirror-like reflections.

2. Size & scale

Match the feature to your space: a 300 mm bowl suits apartment balconies; a 1 m sphere anchors a rural driveway. Remember that water features appear smaller outdoors—when in doubt, size up.

3. Plumbing & power

Most units arrive pre-drilled with concealed reservoirs. Decide between a hard-wired pump (quieter, stronger flow) or a solar kit for off-grid sites. Always include adequate surface drainage to avoid splash damage.

4. Installation logistics

Stone is heavy. Allow clear machinery access and a stable, level base of compactable basecourse. For wall-mounted designs, ensure your substrate meets NZS 3604 framing or specified masonry strength.

Maintenance tips

Unlike resin, stone does not leach microplastics. A simple quarterly routine keeps it pristine:

• Top up evaporated water weekly—rainwater reduces calcium staining.
• Flush and wipe the pump twice a year to prevent limescale.
• Re-seal porous stones every 3–5 years with a breathable, food-grade sealant.

Pair your water feature with complementary landscaping elements

Create a cohesive outdoor scheme by matching material palettes and forms. Explore:

• retaining walls in matching stone
• garden edging that frames planting beds
• outdoor tiles and pavers for pathways
• garden steps leading to elevated terraces
• decorative pebbles to contrast water texture
• feature rocks for naturalistic stream beds
• garden sculptures that echo the stone’s form
• stone letterboxes to extend the aesthetic to the street
• driveway surfaces that visually link to your fountain paving
• railway sleepers for rustic bench seats
• garden screens that frame the view and muffle pump noise

Budget guide

Stone water features range widely:

• DIY basalt bowls: from NZ$600
• Mid-sized granite spheres with pump: NZ$1,800–$4,000
• Custom wall waterfalls with coping stones: NZ$8,000+

If you’re coordinating multiple hard-landscape elements, browse our full landscaping collection for bundle pricing and supplier expertise.

Next steps

Ready to add the soothing sound of water to your project? Use ArchiPro’s filters to compare dimensions, finishes and lead times, then connect directly with New Zealand’s leading stonemasons and landscape architects. Your dream oasis starts here.