Nelson's exceptional sunshine and fertile Tasman soils make it one of NZ's best gardening environments. Mediterranean plants, citrus, and edible gardens thrive — landscapers in Nelson often incorporate food production into residential designs. Here's what landscapers charge in Nelson in 2026.
Nelson Landscaping Rates 2026
| Service | Nelson typical cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate (labourer) | $48–$88/hr |
| Hourly rate (qualified landscaper) | $78–$148/hr |
| Garden design (small section) | $750–$2,400 |
| Full garden makeover (small-medium) | $9,000–$33,000 |
| Lawn installation (turf, per m²) | $23–$58/m² |
| Retaining wall — timber sleeper (per m²) | $380–$880/m² |
| Retaining wall — concrete block (per m²) | $580–$1,380/m² |
| Paving / outdoor tiles (per m², installed) | $95–$290/m² |
| Planting package (mixed shrubs, per m²) | $75–$195/m² |
| Irrigation system (small section) | $1,900–$5,800 |
| Tree removal (small-medium) | $480–$1,900 |
All prices GST inclusive. Broadly regional.
Getting a Good Result in Nelson
- Always get a written design plan before work begins
- Confirm what's included: plants, irrigation, consent for retaining walls
- Retaining walls over 1.5m typically need building consent — check with Nelson-Tasman Council
- Ask for a portfolio of recent local Nelson work
- Look for members of Landscaping New Zealand (LNZ)
Find Nelson landscapers: Landscapers Nelson | Post a Job Free
Related: Landscaping Cost NZ | Retaining Wall Cost NZ | Garden Design Cost NZ