Did outdoor lighting for a place in Merivale couple months back where the owners never used their backyard after dark cause it was just pitch black out there. They had this nice deck and garden area but soon as the sun went down everything shut down for the night. We installed path lights along the walkways, uplights on a couple nice trees they had, some deck lighting around the seating area, and a few spotlights on the garden beds. When we turned everything on that first night the wife actually got teary - said it felt like they gained a whole extra room in their house cause now they could use the backyard at night.
Thats what good outdoor lighting does. It takes spaces you cant use half the time and makes them available whenever you want. Plus it looks really nice and makes your property safer.
Why Outdoor Lighting Makes a Difference
Outdoor lighting isnt just about being able to see at night though thats obviously part of it. Its about making your property safer, more usable, and better looking.
Safety is probably the biggest thing. Dark pathways and steps are where people trip and fall. Dark driveways are where people back into things they cant see. Dark yards are where burglars feel comfortable. Lighting fixes all that. You can see where youre walking, you can see obstacles when driving, and bad guys dont like well-lit properties.
Usability means you get more time to enjoy your outdoor spaces. Christchurch gets dark early in winter - like 5pm. If your outdoor area isnt lit thats half the year you cant use it after work. Lighting means you can have dinner on the deck in July or work in the garden on a winter evening.
Looks matter too. Good landscape lighting makes your property look way better at night. It highlights nice features, adds depth and shadows, creates ambiance. Neighbors notice. People driving by notice. And you notice every time you come home at night.
We did a villa in St Albans where the front of the house had these beautiful old features - detailed woodwork, nice columns, established gardens. During the day it looked great but at night you couldnt see any of it. We put uplights on the features, path lights along the front walk, and some garden lights. Now at night that house is the nicest looking one on the street.
Different Types of Outdoor Lighting
Theres a bunch of different outdoor lighting types and most properties need a mix of several to get the best results.
Path lights go along walkways and driveways. These are usually short posts or stakes with lights that shine down on the path. They help you see where youre walking and define the edges of paths. Pretty basic but really important for safety.
Spotlights are directional lights you aim at something you want to highlight - a tree, a wall, a garden feature, the front of your house. These create focal points and add drama. We use them a lot for architectural lighting and landscape features.
Uplights sit on the ground and shine upward. These are great for trees, walls, columns - anything tall you want to make stand out at night. Creates really nice shadows and depth.
Deck and step lights get mounted into or onto decks and stairs. These provide safety lighting so people can see steps at night, plus they look cool and add ambiance to deck areas.
String lights are those cafe-style lights people hang over decks and patios. Not really a safety thing more about creating atmosphere for entertaining. We install the proper electrical setup so you can plug them in safely.
Wall lights or sconces mount on walls next to doors or along pathways. Good for entries, garage areas, side paths. Provide functional light plus they look nice during the day too.
Flood lights are bright lights that cover large areas. We use these for driveways, back yards, security applications. Not subtle but effective when you need a lot of light.
LED vs Old School Outdoor Lighting
Pretty much all outdoor lighting now uses LED. The old halogen and incandescent outdoor lights are dead technology and for good reason.
LED uses way less power. An LED flood light might use 15 watts where an old halogen used 100 watts. Over a year thats a huge difference in your power bill specially if you have multiple outdoor lights.
LED lasts forever. Good LED outdoor lights run 50,000 hours or more. Thats like 15 years if you use them every night. Old bulbs lasted maybe a year or two before burning out. Less maintenance, less money replacing bulbs.
LED makes better quality light. You can get warm white that looks like old bulbs or cool white thats more modern, or even color-changing lights if youre into that. The light is cleaner and more controllable than old technology.
LED fixtures run cooler so theyre safer and last longer. They work better in cold weather too which matters here in Christchurch winters.
Only downside is LED fixtures cost more upfront. But they pay for themselves in power savings and not having to replace bulbs constantly. When we quote outdoor lighting projects we always recommend LED cause the long-term value is way better.
Planning Outdoor Lighting Properly
Outdoor lighting isnt just about sticking some lights in the ground randomly. Good results come from planning the whole system.
We start by walking around your property at night to see what it looks like in the dark. Where are the dark spots that need light? What features would look good highlighted? Where do you walk or spend time that needs illumination?
Then we think about what you use each area for. Entertainment areas need ambient lighting thats bright enough to see but not so bright it feels harsh. Pathways need focused light on the walking surface. Garden beds might want subtle uplighting to show off plants. Front entries need welcoming light that makes people feel safe approaching your door.
We also consider things like light pollution and neighbor impacts. Dont want lights shining into bedroom windows or creating glare. Good outdoor lighting design puts light where you need it without bothering anyone.
Power is another planning consideration. Where can we tap into existing circuits or do we need new circuits from your panel? Where will transformers and controls go? How will we run the wiring without tearing up your whole yard?
Did a place in Cashmere where they wanted extensive landscape lighting but didnt want to see any of the fixtures during the day. We used a lot of recessed and hidden fixtures, ran wiring underground along existing garden beds, and placed transformers out of sight. Daytime you dont really notice the lighting system but nighttime the whole property looks amazing.
Low Voltage vs Line Voltage Systems
Most residential outdoor lighting uses low voltage systems - 12 volt instead of 240 volt mains power. Theres good reasons for this.
Low voltage is safer. 12 volts wont kill you if something goes wrong. You can install fixtures in places and ways that would be dangerous with mains voltage. Parents with young kids specially appreciate this.
Low voltage wire is easier to work with. Its smaller, more flexible, and doesnt require conduit in most situations. We can run it through gardens and under mulch without major disruption.
Low voltage systems use transformers that step down the 240v mains to 12v for the lights. We usually mount these near your house or in discreet locations. Multiple light runs can come off one transformer.
Line voltage systems running on regular 240v power are what we use for big flood lights, security lights, and situations where you need more brightness than low voltage can provide. These require proper weatherproof wiring and GFCI protection.
Some properties end up with a mix - low voltage for landscape and accent lighting, line voltage for security and flood lights. We design the system to use the right technology for each application.
Smart Outdoor Lighting Controls
Outdoor lighting is way more useful when you can control it easily. Nobody wants to manually turn 15 different lights on and off every night.
Timers are the basic option. Set them to turn lights on at dusk and off at whatever time you want. Simple and reliable. We install good quality timers with battery backup so they dont lose their programming when power goes out.
Photocells are sensors that detect daylight. When it gets dark they turn the lights on automatically. When sun comes up they turn them off. These are better than timers cause they adjust for seasons - winter they turn on earlier than summer.
Smart controls let you use your phone to control outdoor lights from anywhere. Turn them on before you get home. Change colors if you have color-changing LEDs. Group lights into zones so you can turn on just what you need. Set schedules and automations.
Motion sensors are good for security and efficiency. Lights stay off til someone walks by then turn on automatically. Saves power compared to having them on all night.
We did a house in Fendalton where they wanted their landscape lighting to come on automatically at dusk but only stay on til midnight to save power. Then they wanted the security floods on motion sensors all night. And they wanted to be able to override everything from their phones when having parties. Set up a smart system that does all of that and they can control everything from one app.
Security Lighting Specifically
Security lighting is a type of outdoor lighting but its got different goals than landscape or accent lighting.
Security lights need to be bright enough to eliminate hiding spots. Dark corners around your property are where bad guys hang out. Bright lights make them visible and uncomfortable.
Motion-activated lights are better for security than lights that stay on all the time. When a light suddenly turns on it draws attention and startles anyone whos up to no good. Plus you save power not running them constantly.
Placement matters. You want security lights covering entry points - doors, windows, gates. Also covering approaches to your house - driveways, side paths, back yards. Anywhere someone could approach your property without being seen.
Height and angle are important too. Mount them high enough that people cant easily reach them to tamper with them. Angle them to light the area without creating harsh shadows where someone could hide.
Some people worry security lights will annoy neighbors. If theyre motion-activated and aimed properly they shouldnt be a problem. They only come on when triggered and they should be angled down at your property not shining into other peoples windows.
We installed security lighting on a rental property in Sydenham after theyd had break-in attempts. Motion floods on all sides of the house, good bright lights at every door and window. Landlord said theyve had zero problems since. Lights come on when anyone approaches and suddenly breaking in isnt so appealing.
Landscape and Garden Lighting
This is where outdoor lighting gets fun cause its about making things look good not just functional.
Uplighting trees is one of the best things you can do. A nice tree with an uplight at the base casting shadows through the branches looks really dramatic at night. We usually put the light 2-3 feet from the trunk and aim it up into the canopy.
Garden bed lighting can be subtle spots highlighting special plants or features. Or washing light across whole beds to show off flowers and foliage. Depends on your garden and what you want to feature.
Water features like ponds or fountains look amazing lit at night. We use underwater lights in the pond or spotlights aimed at waterfalls. Makes the water sparkle and adds a focal point to your garden.
Architectural features like nice fences, stone walls, arbors - these all look better with proper lighting. Usually uplights at the base or spotlights angled to create shadows and depth.
The trick with landscape lighting is less is more. You dont want to light every plant and feature - you want to highlight the best stuff and leave some areas dark for contrast. Too much light everywhere looks flat and boring.
Did a garden in Papanui for a couple who are really into their landscaping. We lit their three best specimen trees, put subtle lights in their rockery, spotlight on their water feature, and path lights along the main garden walk. At night its like walking through a show garden. And cause we only lit the hero features the whole thing only draws about 100 watts total.
Deck and Entertainment Area Lighting
Deck lighting is different cause you want it to be functional enough to see what youre doing but not so bright it feels like youre under stadium lights.
Step lights are safety lights - got to be able to see steps at night or someone will get hurt. We put these in the risers or on the posts next to stairs. Just enough light to clearly see each step.
Post cap lights are decorative lights that sit on top of deck posts. They provide ambient light and look nice. Not enough to read by but enough to move around and socialize.
String lights or cafe lights hung over deck areas create a really nice atmosphere. These are more about mood than illumination. We install proper outlets and hanging points so they can be put up seasonally or left year-round.
Under-rail lighting is LED strips mounted under deck railings. These wash light down onto the deck surface without being in your face. Creates a modern look and provides useful light for seating areas.
Ceiling lights if youve got a covered deck. These are more traditional overhead lights. We usually put them on dimmers so you can adjust brightness for different situations.
The best deck lighting uses layers - some ambient light from above or around the perimeter, task lighting for dining or BBQ areas, safety lighting on steps and edges. Then you can adjust what you turn on depending if youre having a party or just sitting out with a book.
Driveway and Entry Lighting
Front of house lighting matters cause its the first thing people see when they arrive and the last thing when they leave.
Driveway lights help you see when pulling in or backing out at night. These can be path lights along the edges or small spotlights aimed at the driveway surface. Makes it way easier to navigate without hitting garden edges or mailboxes.
Entry lighting at your front door needs to be welcoming but also functional. You need enough light to unlock the door and see whos there. Wall sconces next to the door are classic. A pendant light if youve got a covered porch works great.
House number lights are really practical. Your house number lit up makes it way easier for visitors, delivery drivers, and emergency services to find your place at night. Can be backlit numbers or just a small spotlight on your number plaque.
Architectural lighting on the front of your house can make it look really good. Uplights on features, lights in eaves, washing light across nice stonework or cladding. This is more about curb appeal but it adds value and makes your home stand out.
We try to balance security with welcoming vibes for front entries. Bright enough that people feel safe approaching your door, not so bright it feels like an interrogation room.
Installation Process
Installing outdoor lighting properly takes some planning but the actual work isnt too disruptive.
First we mark out where all the fixtures will go. Walk the property with you to make sure the placement makes sense. Sometimes what looks good on paper doesnt work in reality so we adjust as needed.
Then we run the wiring. For low voltage systems we usually trench shallow paths through gardens and lawn - just deep enough to protect the wire. Line voltage requires deeper trenches and proper conduit. We try to follow existing bed lines and use areas that are already disturbed when possible.
Install the fixtures where they go. Some get staked into the ground, some mount on walls or posts, some get recessed into decks or paving. Each type has specific mounting requirements.
Connect everything to transformers or power supplies. Test each light to make sure its working and aimed properly. Adjust positioning and angles to get the light exactly where you want it.
Set up controls - timers, photocells, smart switches, whatever the system needs. Program everything and show you how to use it.
Most outdoor lighting installations take 1-3 days depending on size and complexity. We clean up as we go and restore any disturbed areas. Grass might look a bit rough along trenches for a week or two but it grows back quickly.
Maintenance and Common Issues
LED outdoor lighting is pretty low maintenance but things do happen.
Keep fixtures clean. Dirt and spider webs reduce light output. Once or twice a year wipe them down with a damp cloth. Check that fixtures are still aimed where you want them - ground movement and settling can shift things over time.
Trim plants that grow over lights. Garden beds change as plants grow and what wasnt blocking a light last year might be now.
Check wire connections if you have issues. Outdoor connections can corrode specially if they werent done properly. We use weatherproof connectors but nothing lasts forever in our Christchurch weather.
Replace damaged fixtures promptly. If someone hits a path light with the mower or a spotlight gets knocked over in a storm, fix it before water gets into the wiring.
Most LED fixtures are modular so if something fails you can just replace that component. Way cheaper than replacing whole fixtures like you had to with old technology.
Cost of Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting cost varies a lot depending on what youre doing.
Basic path lighting might be $150-250 per light installed. So a simple setup with 6 path lights along your front walk might run $1000-1500 total.
Landscape lighting packages for a typical residential property usually run $3000-8000 depending on size of property and how many lights. This includes transformers, wiring, fixtures, labor, everything.
Deck lighting might be $1500-4000 depending on deck size and what type of lighting you want.
Security lighting is usually cheaper per light cause theyre simpler fixtures. Might be $300-500 per motion flood installed.
Smart controls add to the cost. Basic timers are cheap. Full smart systems with phone apps and automation might add $500-1500 depending on complexity.
We usually recommend starting with the most important areas and adding more lights over time if budget is tight. Get your front entry and main pathways done first, add landscape lights later. Systems are easy to expand cause we can add more fixtures to existing transformers and wiring.
Christchurch-Specific Considerations
Few things specific to Christchurch that affect outdoor lighting.
Our weather can be harsh - wind, rain, cold winters. We use fixtures rated for outdoor use in New Zealand conditions. Cheaper stuff from hardware stores sometimes fails cause its not designed for our climate.
Our soil in parts of Christchurch is pretty heavy clay. This affects trenching and wire burial. Sometimes we need to bring in better backfill material for wire trenches.
Wind is a big one. Fixtures need to be mounted securely cause Canterbury wind will blow things around. We use extra stakes or mounting hardware in exposed locations.
Solar lighting is popular but honestly doesnt work that well here cause our winters are cloudy and days are short. Solar lights dont charge enough to run all night in June/July. If you want reliable lighting we recommend low voltage wired systems.
Earthquake considerations matter for some installations. Anything mounted on brick or concrete needs proper fixings that will hold through shaking. We use flexible conduit where wiring transitions between structures cause rigid conduit can crack during quakes.