We Asked Kiwis About Their Backyards
They came back with some curious results. Thanks to the over 8000 people that got involved. We hope you find the facts as interesting as we do. Don't forget to make your backyard great!
Don't Dream
It's
Over
Over half of New Zealand said their backyard today is smaller than when you grew up. A nostalgia gap felt most acutely in Auckland, then Nelson, the Bay of Plenty, and Canterbury.
And for younger Kiwis the dream barely existed — 18 to 34-year-olds are 16.8% less likely to remember a quarter-acre than those aged 55 to 74, who are also feeling the squeeze of shrinking sections. Back-deck cricket anyone?
Backyards
Beat
Houses
Despite section shrinkage, we all still know what matters most. Kiwis would rather have a bigger backyard than a bigger house. Proof that a patch of grass still outranks an extra bedroom in the national psyche.
Those who have a backyard today that requires a mowing strategy (HUGE), are the most likely to want more — proving that once we get a taste of the big backyard dream, we can't get enough.
or a bigger backyard?
Lawns
Glorious
Lawns
We all prefer the simple sensory pleasure of the classic between-the-toes feel of a mid-length lawn. Auckland, predictably, is the nation's fussiest region — with almost 30% preferring "smooth like a golf green."
golf green
my toes
see the dog
so is my lawn - 3%
on my pavers - 2%
When Life
Gives Ya
Lemons...
New Zealand's backyard loyalties are delightfully lopsided: lemons and limes are crowned the nation's dream trees, picked more than 200% more often than humble apples, while the kōwhai quietly outshines the patriotic pōhutukawa as our favourite native.
Meanwhile the humble avocado has staged a backyard takeover for younger Kiwis. 18–34-year-olds are nearly twice as likely to choose an avocado tree over an apple, cementing its status as a must-have for any first home buyer. Toast anyone?
What is it?
Our
Favourite
Things...
Our backyard bliss turns out to be gloriously simple. A summer BBQ, a spot to lounge and a bit of gentle tinkering top the nation's happiness index. Basically sun, seats, and something to fiddle with.
Watching the neighbours comes donkey last — suggesting we prefer our fences high and our nosiness theoretical.
Congrats
Whangarei
Backyard nudity is far more common than anyone at a neighbourhood BBQ will admit. Northland is the nation's unofficial capital with 35% happy to admit it, while Marlborough is the most modest at a prudish 25%.
Delightfully, those who do embrace the backyard birthday suit are 5.1% more enthusiastic about exercising outside. Apparently nothing motivates a workout like fresh air and the breeze in your hair.
Great
Backyard
Capitals
Despite smaller sections, Aucklanders are the nation's most dedicated grillers. If there's smoke in the air, you're likely in the 09.
A double-win: officially the home of the most enthusiastic mowers (3.30/5) and the most dedicated backyard beer-drinkers.
On the West Coast, if it's broken they've already fixed it. And probably improved it.
National champions of doing absolutely nothing in the sun. We salute them.
Whether it's yoga on the grass or a cheeky burpee, Tasman residents most likely treat their backyard like a gym.
In Southland the backyard belongs to the four-legged family members. The humans are just staff.
The
Plant
Whisperers
Kiwis aren't just tending their gardens — they're holding full conversations with them. 6 in 10 of us admit we chat to our plants, and in a highly scientific twist, 58% say the plants talk back.
Women lead the dialogue with 71% talking or naming their plants. Men however remain sceptical, with over half dismissing the whole idea as "a bit weird." How boring.
Then while naming plants might feel like a traditional hobby, it's actually the younger generation leading the charge with plants called "Bob" proving to be the nation's favourite.
Nah...
I Made It
Myself
When it comes to DIY bravado, we've discovered a charming national habit. Most of us would rather buy a planter box and lie about making it than actually build one.
Only a whisker behind are the DIY champs who reckon it's "easy" to build a planter box. A circular saw, 40 minutes and a bit of sweat is all that's required.
Gnomeo Oh
Gnomeo
Gnomes, improbably, are back. Younger Kiwis are a lot more enthusiastic than the oldies, suggesting a generational taste for the charmingly kitsch. Auckland leads the charge with the highest gnome-satisfaction in the country — proving there's still room in the nation's gardens for a little whimsy among the weeds.
What Would
You Do?
When asked what people would do to their backyard if they won the lottery, it revealed a nation dreaming of timber, chlorinated water and a bit of quiet. Renovation wishlists topped the results, but the single most coveted upgrade was a pool, followed closely by the holy trinity of deck, patio and paving.
Spas and hot tubs made a respectable splash. And 4.1% would skip the renovation altogether and simply buy a bigger backyard.
Turns out that even with millions in the bank, we're still thinking about building a deck. Ka pai.
Locations
Our Auckland Store and Christchurch Showroom are open Monday to Saturday.
- Auckland Store
- 80 Kahakaha Lane
- Māngere
- Auckland 2022
- Christchurch Showroom
- 9 Commerce Crescent
- Islington
- Christchurch 8042
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