Hiring a local gardener in New Zealand can save you time, improve your property value, and keep your garden healthy year-round. To hire the right person, you need to verify their qualifications, understand what type of gardener suits your needs, read trusted reviews, check for insurance, and ideally trial their service. Costs vary depending on location, job type, and frequency of visits. This guide walks you through every step with facts, questions, and tips.
6 Top Tips for How to Find a Gardener
1. Choose a Qualified Local Gardener
Always check for relevant experience. Ask if they’ve worked with native New Zealand plants. Prefer gardeners who belong to professional networks, like the Registered Master Landscapers or those trained through NZQA-approved horticulture programs.
If they advertise landscaping skills, ask for certification in design or softscaping.
2. Research What Type of Gardener You Need
Gardeners vary in skill. Some handle only basic tasks like mowing or weeding. Others design full landscapes.
| Gardener Type | Services Offered |
|---|---|
| General Gardener | Lawn mowing, weeding, trimming |
| Landscape Gardener | Design, planting, irrigation, hardscape |
| Specialist (e.g. arborist) | Tree care, pest control, soil testing |
Match the gardener’s services to your garden’s needs. Don’t pay extra for tasks you don’t need.
3. Always Ask for References
Request 2–3 local references. Call them. Ask:
- Were they reliable?
- Did they follow up?
- Did they complete work as promised?
Avoid hiring if references are vague or delayed.
4. Read Their Reviews and Ratings
Look for reviews on Builderscrack, NoCowboys, or Trade Me Services. Focus on consistency and volume of positive feedback.
Gardners with fewer than five ratings may not be established enough to trust.
According to a 2023 Trade Me Services Insights Report, 67% of Kiwis hiring home service providers stated that online reviews were the most influential factor in their decision-making process.
This shows how critical online trust signals have become, even for local gardening services.
5. Check Their Insurance
Professional gardeners should have public liability insurance. This covers damage to your property or injuries during work.
Ask to see proof of insurance. Avoid freelancers who cannot produce it.
6. Give Them a Trial
Before signing a long-term contract, ask for a one-off visit. Observe punctuality, attitude, and quality of work.
This trial gives you a low-risk way to assess their reliability.
Questions to Ask a Gardener for Hire
Before hiring, ask questions that show their knowledge and professionalism.
- What tools do you bring?
- How do you dispose of green waste?
- Do you charge by the hour or by the job?
- Can I schedule regular visits?
- What experience do you have with [native plant]?
If they hesitate to answer, reconsider.
How Much Does a Gardener Cost?
Prices vary by region, service type, and job size.
Typical Gardener Costs in New Zealand (2025)
| Service Type | Average Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Lawn Mowing (per visit) | $40–$70 |
| Garden Maintenance (hourly) | $35–$60/hr |
| Landscaping (project-based) | $1,000–$10,000+ |
| Hedge Trimming (per metre) | $8–$15 |
| Ongoing Maintenance (monthly) | $200–$400 |
Tip: Bundle services (e.g., mowing + trimming) for discounts.
If a quote seems too cheap, double-check their credentials.
Key Takeaways – How to Find a Local Gardener Near You
- Hire based on experience, not just price.
- Always check insurance and reviews.
- Match the gardener’s expertise to your job.
- Use a trial to test their reliability.
- Know the typical costs to avoid overpaying.
Need a Trusted Local Gardener in Auckland?
If you’re based in Auckland and want reliable, experienced gardening help, ServiiPro offers a professional in-house team. Their staff are trained, insured, and know the unique challenges of New Zealand gardens—especially Auckland’s local climate and plant species.
From lawn maintenance to full garden makeovers, ServiiPro provides end-to-end gardening services in Auckland. You deal directly with our vetted team, ensuring consistency and quality.