Water Features

Buying guide for water features

Types of water features for NZ homes and gardens

If you’ve got an outdoor space, there’s a style of water feature to suit it. Modern fountains with unique geometric forms are ideal for contemporary courtyards or patios, adding a touch of architectural interest. Natural rock and stone designs blend beautifully into lush gardens, creating a tranquil, organic feel that complements native planting. Urn and bowl-style water features bring a sculptural element to smaller areas like decks or entryways, while wall-mounted options save space and provide a soothing backdrop for urban courtyards.

When it comes to power, you can choose between plug-in and solar water features. Plug-in models offer consistent performance and are great for shaded areas, while solar-powered fountains are energy-efficient and easy to install, making them perfect for sunny garden spots where you’d like a simple, cable-free setup.

Water features specifications

Feature	Options Available	Why It Matters
Size	Compact to large centrepieces	Match to patio, courtyard, or garden
Material	Polyresin, terracotta, metal, stone	Impacts weight, durability, and look
Power/Runtime	Solar or mains-powered	Energy efficiency vs constant flow
IP Rating	Outdoor weatherproof builds	Ensures safe year-round operation
Weight	Lightweight to heavy stone	Affects stability and placement ease

Choosing colours, finishes and lighting

The finish and colour of your water feature can really influence how it ties into the rest of your space. Stone-look and neutral tones like grey, sand and taupe keep things classic and blend easily with most gardens. Bronze and black finishes lean more modern and work well with contemporary outdoor furniture or darker landscaping.

If you want to enjoy your feature at night, look for options with built-in LED lighting. They highlight the movement of the water and add a relaxed glow to your outdoor area after sunset. Subtle lighting and natural finishes also fit right in with current garden design trends, which focus on simplicity, texture and earthy tones.

Easy installation and low maintenance tips

Most water features are super simple to set up. Just place it where you want it, attach the included pump, fill it with water and plug it in (or let the solar panel do the work). Keeping it running smoothly is easy too: check and clean the pump every two to four weeks (small water features are more susceptible to build up), and top up the water when it starts to run low.

Some seasonal checks go a long way when caring for outdoor water features. In summer, check water levels more often, especially during hot, dry spells when evaporation is higher. In autumn, remove leaves and debris to stop them from clogging the pump. Ice can damage your water feature and cause cracks to the structure and pump, so drain the feature and store the pump indoors if frost is common in your area. If your water feature is too large to store indoors, cover it with something waterproof and breathable.

Why buy garden water features from Trade Tested

A water feature could be just what your outdoor space needs to feel complete. At Trade Tested, you’ll find great-value options for every style and size of garden, from solar-powered models to plug-in designs in both modern and classic looks. All are built for quality and durability, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

Ready to find your favourite? Browse our full range of water features and order online today. We offer easy nationwide delivery and friendly, expert advice. Contact us for help choosing the right one for your space.

What our customers say

Victorian Solar Bird Bath with Pump & Lights

“Looks good in the corner of my garden, the birds just loved it. And it is easy to set up. Recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a bird bath, money well spent.”

Mountain Brook Waterfall with Solar Pump

“We are thrilled with our mountain brook waterfall feature in our new garden. Just what we were looking for. Looks great and functions well. Have mounted a solar panel on a brick pillar, which can turn on and off easily. Great value, excellent product!”

Pawn Solar Garden Fountain with Pump & Light

“Very easy to set up, more substantial than I thought it would be, plus it looks great! I'm seriously thinking about getting another one.”

Frequently asked questions

Do water features use much power?

Not at all. Most water features, like ours at Trade Tested, use low-wattage pumps that draw about the same power as a small household light bulb. If you’d like to keep running costs to a minimum, solar-powered water features are a great option because they use energy from the sun, eliminating the need for wiring or electricity altogether. Regardless of your choice, you don’t need to worry about a water feature driving up your power bill!

Can I run my water feature continuously?

Yes, you definitely can. Keeping your water feature running continuously puts less strain on the pump than switching it on and off, and also reduces algae buildup, which can damage the water feature or disrupt its aesthetic. However, you should turn the pump off during cleaning, when going away for a few days to prevent the water levels from dropping, and during freezing weather to mitigate frost damage.

How often should I clean my garden fountain pump?

We recommend giving your pump and filter a quick clean every two to four weeks, depending on how much debris or dust builds up. It only takes a few minutes, just remove the pump cover, rinse the filter and clear away any leaves or algae. In autumn, you might need to do this a bit more often if your feature sits near trees.

Will my water feature work in winter in New Zealand?

Yes. Trade Tested’s water features are designed to withstand New Zealand conditions and function year-round. If you live in areas prone to frost and snow, we recommend covering or storing them so as not to risk damaging the pump or structure.

Do I need plumbing to install a garden water feature?

No plumbing needed! All our water features are self-contained, which means they recirculate water using the built-in pump. Simply set it up, fill it with water and plug it in, or, if it’s a solar model, let the panel do the work. There’s no need for external pipes or water connections; everything you need for your water feature is included in its smart design. Installation is quick and easy, no matter where you want to place it in your garden.

What type of water feature is best for a small courtyard?

For smaller spaces, wall-mounted or compact water features, such as bowl, urn-style or bird fountains, work well. They take up minimal room but still bring a courtyard to life and look great paired with small pot plants and outdoor lighting. A lot of Trade Tested’s models are compatible with smaller spaces, so you can enjoy the relaxing effect without compromising the bulk of your yard. Water features don’t have to be big to make an impact!

Other Outdoor Decor Products in our Home & Outdoor Living Section

Artificial Hedge & Green Wall

Artificial Topiary

Artificial Trees

Flag Poles

Outdoor Deck Tiles

Outdoor Rugs

Privacy Screens

Wine Barrels