Landscape Architects Manawatu / Whanganui

Do you need a landscape architect or another landscaping professional?

A landscape architect offers the highest level of outdoor design service in New Zealand. They are university trained, registered with the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA) and skilled at weaving ecology, engineering and aesthetics into a coherent masterplan. If you simply want planting advice or a quick concept sketch, a landscape designer may suffice. If you already have a design and only need construction, talk to experienced landscapers. For DIYers looking for planters, soils and mulch, head to landscaping supplies. Unsure what stage you are at? Start a conversation with one of the registered landscape architects below; they can connect you to the right people.

What a landscape architect can do for your Manawatu / Whanganui project

• Site analysis: Study topography, flood risk, prevailing winds and soil health so your garden thrives from day one.
• Concept & masterplanning: Translate your brief into spatial arrangements, circulation paths, planting zones and focal points.
• Resource consent drawings: Prepare plans, visuals and assessment reports that satisfy regional councils and iwi consultation requirements.
• Detailed design & specification: Select materials, finishes, lighting and irrigation systems that meet NZ Building Code durability clauses.
• Tender & contract administration: Manage pricing, builders and compliance checks, saving you time and costly mistakes.
• Construction observation: Ensure the built result matches the intent and performs over the long term.

Typical costs in the lower North Island

Fees vary by scope, scale and complexity. As a rule of thumb:

• Initial site visit: often free or $150–$350 depending on travel distance.
• Concept design package for a suburban backyard: $3,000–$6,000.
• Full masterplan for a lifestyle block or commercial site: 5–10 % of the overall landscape build cost.
• Consent documentation and council liaison: $120–$180 per hour.

Remember that a well-crafted plan almost always reduces construction variations, so it often pays for itself.

Local climate and environmental considerations

Manawatu / Whanganui experiences strong westerlies, sandy river flats and occasional frost pockets. A registered professional will specify shelter-belt planting, wind-break screens and hardy species like pōhutukawa, tōtara and carex grasses. Rain-garden design can capture stormwater before it reaches sensitive estuaries, aligning with Horizons Regional Council’s One Plan requirements. For technical guidelines on sustainable storm-water design, see the NZILA best-practice guide.

How to brief your landscape architect

1. Define goals: Entertaining? Food production? Play space? Rank priorities so the design budget is spent where it matters.
2. Gather inspiration: Save ArchiPro projects you admire. Photos convey moods far faster than words.
3. Set a realistic budget: Include earthworks, decks, lighting and maintenance. Be transparent early.
4. Clarify maintenance commitment: Some clients love pruning; others need ultra-low-care planting. Say so.
5. Discuss timelines: Council consents or bulk plant ordering can extend lead times; plan ahead.

Working with ArchiPro

Every practice listed on this page has been hand-vetted by the ArchiPro team for quality and professionalism. Our project gallery, client reviews and messaging tools make it easy to compare and connect. You can also explore other landscaping professionals if your project grows.