Best pergolas and gazebos in New Zealand 2024 (prices, pros, cons and more)

We all like to spend as much time outside as possible without getting burnt. Installing well-placed outdoor shade will help you enjoy your space year-round while staying protected from the elements.

If you’re in the market for semi-permanent or permanent shade you may be thinking about pergolas and gazebos. These outdoor structures can be a great backyard shade option - but it pays to consider a few different brands.

To help you find the right fit, we’ve reviewed the top 7 pergolas in New Zealand so you can compare the different products on the market. We’ve listed them below, in no particular order.

But first, it pays to know what to look for in a quality pergola and top pergola reviews - before you buy.

In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd, the parent company of Spa World™. You can see the list of the brand owners at the bottom of this article. All information, including product details, was accurate at the time of writing (November 24, 2021) and may change without notice

What to look for when buying a pergola or gazebo

If you’re looking for a semi-permanent or permanent shade like a gazebo or pergola, you’ll want to buy something that lasts and will look good for years to come. As a pergola is purpose-built to provide shade and protection, it’s worth buying quality, so you know it will last and continue to shelter you and your family from the elements.

Here are the top 5 things to consider:

1. Material. The best pergolas are made of powder-coated aluminium, this is durable and strong, as well as providing a sleek, high-quality finish for your outdoor space. If the pergola has a retractable roof you should look for aluminium rather than fabric options for durability.

2. Ease of use. If the pergola has louvres, Look for modern, motorised louvres rather than traditional hand crank options to save you time and effort. Motorised or automated louvres are also great if the weather turns as you can open and close them with the click of a button.

3. Size options. A great pergola range will come in a variety of sizes, to best suit a variety of backyards.

4. Warranty. If you are buying a quality product you should expect a 3-5 year warranty on the structure and a 1-year warranty on the components (motors, lights and electronics).

5. Extra features. Look for extra accessories and features like colour options, built-in lighting and shade blinds to make the space perfect for year-round use.

Be aware that most pergolas are semi-permanent fixtures that are attached to either a deck, concrete pad or exterior wall. If you’re after a portable shade solution, we’d recommend an outdoor umbrella.

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Vortex™ Pergola review

Vortex Leisure™ is a design-led wellness company that distributes spa pools, swim spas, infrared saunas and shade products to over 20 countries around the world.

Vortex™ builds products that can cope with a range of extreme temperatures, from Bluff to Cape Reinga. Vortex products are built to handle wind, rain, snow, dust, dirt and more.

The Vortex™ pergolas range in price from $4,656-17,100 and come in four size options - Vortex Pergola 4800 and 4800M being the largest.

The range also includes built-in LED lighting to create an amazing evening atmosphere and optional shade blinds for privacy and extra protection from the elements.

Pros:

• Material - Powder-coated aluminium
• Motorised Louvred Roof (remote control) allows for ease of use
• Remote controlled built-in LED lighting
• Extra heavy duty 120mm wide posts
• Extra high - 2700mm height gives you more room and an open air feeling
• 4 size options are available
• Optional shade blinds
• Warranty - 5-year structural warranty, 1-year warranty for the components
• Manual crank option for the louvred roof

Cons:

• Colour range - only available in two colours (charcoal and white)

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Container Door^® - aluminium pergola review

Container Door^® is an online New Zealand based drop shipping company. The company will take orders for a product and wait until the orders fill the container before they ship it. This means products may take longer to arrive, but they are often cheaper.

The Container Door^® pergolas cost around $1,999-4,999 and come in three size options.

The range includes adjustable, hand-cranked louvres that open to 90 degrees allowing you to open and close them as needed.

Pros:

• Hand-cranked louvres open to 90 degrees
• Aluminium frame
• 3 size options available (2.94m x 2.94m, 7.7m x 3.9m and 7.7m x 2.9m)
• 3 colour options (matte black, matte grey or white)
• Add on option for drop-down screens for privacy
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• No motorised option for louvred roof
• No add ons like shade blinds or lighting
• Delivery may be delayed with drop shipping

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Steelmates^® - aluminium pergola with retractable canopy

Steelmates^® is a New Zealand based company that manufactures outdoor products including a variety of garden sheds and outdoor shade options.

The Steelmates^® pergolas cost around $600 and are available in one size option.

Pros:

• Powder-coated aluminium frame
• Retractable shade cover
• 2 years warranty on the frame, 1 year warranty for the cover

Cons:

• Canopy is made of polyester
• No add ons like shade blinds or lighting
• Only one size option
• Only one colour option

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Trade Tested^® - freestanding pergola with retractable Canopy

Trade Tested^® is a New Zealand based retailer that sells outdoor storage, living and hardware equipment.

The Trade tested^® pergolas cost between $500-700 and come in two designs, freestanding and wall-mounted.

Pros:

• Retractable canopy
• UV stabilised, UV rated, water-resistant fabric
• Durable, powder-coated aluminium frame
• Two design options
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• Only 1 colour option
• No add ons like shade blinds or lighting
• Canopy is made of polyester

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Bunnings Warehouse^® - Mimosa^® Lava Portsea Louvre Semi Permanent Gazebo

Mimosa^® supplies a range of outdoor products including shade solutions to Bunnings Warehouse^® a large store specialising in tools, outdoor products and gardening items.

They range in price from around $1,999-2,998 and are available in two size options.

Pros:

• Powder-coated aluminium frame
• Internal gutter system
• 110-degree crank-operated aluminium louvres
• Two size options are available

Cons:

• No warranty information
• No motorised option for louvred roof
• No add ons like shade blinds or lighting
• Only one colour option

An aluminium pergola will be built to last and withstand the elements. Most aluminium pergolas available in New Zealand come as a kitset, so you will need to install this yourself or hire a professional.

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The Pergola Guy^® - Freestanding Wooden Pergola with Rafters

The Pergola Guy^® is a small, New Zealand business that makes easy-to-install, freestanding wooden pergolas kitsets, made of New Zealand timber.

The Pergola Guy^® pergolas cost between $1,299-1,699 and come in 3 sizes with two designs, rafters or battens.

Pros:

• New Zealand treated pine
• Two design options (rafters or battens)
• Three size options
• Versatile design allows for small on-site tweaks
• 1 year warranty

Cons:

• No colour options are available
• No add ons like shade blinds or lighting
• Wood not as long lasting, prone to warping and cracking
• You may need to stain or paint this structure for longevity

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Macdirect^® - Pergola Kitsets

MacDirect^® is a sawmill and timber brand that also offers a variety of kitset outdoor furniture, lifestyle products all made with chemical-free macrocarpa/cypress timber.

MacDirect^® pergolas cost between $819-2,830 and come in 3 sizes to fit any outdoor area.

Pros:

• Chemical-free Macrocarpa/Cypress timber
• 3 size options are available
• New Zealand made product

Cons:

• No warranty information
• No add ons like shade blinds or lighting
• Wood not as long lasting, prone to warping and cracking
• No colour options are available
• You may need to stain or paint this structure for longevity

Wooden pergolas have been very popular in the past but you may find that an aluminium pergola is a better option if you are looking for long term durability.

Most wooden pergolas available in New Zealand come as a kitset, so you will need to install this yourself or hire a professional.

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Summary

These days, shade is one of the most important components of any backyard. It is worth investing in a quality product that is built to last and will protect you and your family from the harsh sun.

As with everything, quality products will often be more expensive and although a cheaper option may seem like a good idea, the materials are likely to be poor quality and may not last. We always recommend buying the best quality option within your budget.

Here are the key features we think any quality pergola should have:

• Powder-coated aluminium
• Size and colour options
• Adjustable louvres to create airflow or shelter
• A good warranty
• Additional add ons like lighting and shade blinds.

Now that you know more about the top pergola brands for sale in New Zealand, we hope you have a better idea of which option will suit your needs best.

For expert help and advice, you’re welcome to chat with one of our pergola experts online or at your nearest Spa World showroom.