A well-designed outdoor space adds real value and enjoyment to a home. In Whanganui, where Whanganui's mild, sometimes wet coastal climate and exposure to westerly weather off the Tasman, good landscapers pair design with practical knowledge of planting suited to the coastal, sometimes wet conditions, good drainage on river-flat sites and shelter from the wind to build gardens, paving and retaining that last and suit the site.
This page highlights the Top 5 landscapers in Whanganui, based on independent research into reputation, design and build quality, service and reliability.
The top 5 landscapers in Whanganui are 1. Handy Andy Landscaping, 2. St Johns Landscaping, 3. Riveredge Landscaping, 4. Pinnacle Landscapes, 5. Landscape Collective. Below we explain why each made the list, compare them at a glance, and share how to choose.
This featured position sits above the editorial Top 5 and is clearly labelled. It does not influence the rankings below.
A locally owned Whanganui business, Handy Andy specialise in hardscaping including driveways, decking, fencing and retaining walls, plus garden design and softscaping.
Established in 2010, St Johns Landscaping create outdoor spaces in Whanganui with garden design, paving, retaining walls, decks, irrigation and lighting.
Riveredge Landscaping transform outdoor spaces across the Manawatū-Whanganui region, from small garden refreshes to retaining walls and full backyard overhauls.
Pinnacle Landscapes create bespoke outdoor spaces across the Manawatū-Whanganui region, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Landscape Collective design and build attractive, sustainable landscapes across the Manawatū-Whanganui region for residential gardens.
A quick comparison of our Top 5 picks.
| Landscaper | Best for |
|---|---|
| Handy Andy Landscaping | Hardscaping and retaining |
| St Johns Landscaping | Design-and-build gardens |
| Riveredge Landscaping | Full outdoor transformations |
| Pinnacle Landscapes | Bespoke designed outdoor spaces |
| Landscape Collective | Design-led sustainable gardens |
Independent, editorial, and reviewed regularly.
TopChoice rankings are editorially curated by our New Zealand team and reviewed periodically. We don't host our own reviews. Our shortlists draw on public reputation signals from Google and other platforms, alongside our own research into each landscaper. We weigh up a combination of:
We don't accept payment in exchange for a place in the Top 5. Featured placements are separate and always clearly labelled. Rankings may change over time as businesses evolve.
Landscaping ranges from full design-and-build projects to planting, paving, retaining walls and ongoing maintenance. When choosing a landscaper in Whanganui, be clear about whether you want design, construction, maintenance or all three, and check they have done similar work in similar conditions.
Local knowledge matters here. Whanganui's mild coastal climate and river-flat terrain suit a wide range of planting, with good drainage and wind shelter the main considerations. Ask to see past projects, get a written scope and quote, and confirm who handles any consents for structures like large retaining walls.
Landscapers handle some or all of garden design, planting, lawns, paving and patios, decking, retaining walls, irrigation, lighting and ongoing maintenance. Some specialise in design, others in construction or maintenance, so match the firm to your project.
It varies enormously with scope, materials and site access, from a planting refresh to a full design-and-build with hardscaping and retaining. Get a written quote that breaks down design, materials, construction and any maintenance so you can compare fairly.
Hardy, coastal-tolerant planting suits Whanganui's climate, and a local landscaper can plan drainage for the river-flat sites and shelter from westerly wind. A good local landscaper will recommend planting suited to your site and aspect, which saves money and disappointment compared with plants that struggle in the conditions.
Larger retaining walls and some decks need building consent from Whanganui District Council, while smaller structures may be exempt. A good landscaper will know the thresholds and either manage the consent or tell you when an engineer is needed.
Whanganui's mild climate suits planting across much of the year, with autumn and spring ideal for establishing gardens. Hard landscaping like paving and retaining can be done across much of the year, while planting and lawns establish best in the milder seasons. Your landscaper can sequence the work to suit.
Many do, from regular garden care and lawn mowing to seasonal pruning and irrigation checks. If you want a low-maintenance result, say so at the design stage so plant and material choices reflect that.
Editorial disclosure: TopChoice is an independent editorial platform. Some pages may include clearly labelled featured placements for additional visibility. Featured placements do not influence rankings within our Top 5 lists.
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