Creating Your Own Summer Escape at Home

We may be in the depths on winter but summer will be here before we know it. Summer in the Bay of Islands is all about making the most of the outdoors. Long evenings, family gatherings, BBQs with friends, and enjoying the warmer weather are all part of the lifestyle that makes places like Kerikeri such a great place to live.

But is your outdoor space ready for it?

For many homeowners, the dream of a summer-ready backyard is more than just having a lawn and a few garden beds. It’s about creating a space that feels like a holiday at home — somewhere you naturally want to spend time. Here are some landscaping ideas that can help transform your property before summer arrives:

Create the ultimate outdoor entertaining space

A simple BBQ area can become so much more with the right design. Outdoor kitchens, built-in seating, benchtops, storage, lighting, and sheltered areas can create a dedicated entertaining space where hosting friends and family becomes easier.

A well-designed outdoor area allows you to move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor living.

Add a poolside landscape that feels complete

A pool is often the centrepiece of a summer backyard, but the surrounding landscape is what brings it all together. Thoughtful planting, pathways, decking, and privacy screening can turn a pool area into a relaxing retreat rather than just a place to swim.

Create shade and privacy for comfortable summer living

Northland summers are made for being outdoors, but comfort matters. Trees, screening plants, pergolas, and carefully planned garden areas can provide shade, shelter, and privacy while making outdoor spaces feel more inviting.

Make your garden feel established and intentional

The finishing touches often make the biggest difference. Feature planting, garden structure, decorative elements, and quality landscaping details can help a property feel complete and cared for. Garden edging also creates a clean line between lawns and planted areas making ongoing maintenance easier.

Preparing your outdoor areas before summer means you can enjoy them when the warmer weather arrives — rather than spending the season planning and waiting for work to begin. At Kererū Development, we help homeowners create outdoor spaces that suit the way they want to live. From entertaining areas and pool landscapes through to complete garden transformations, we combine practical design with quality workmanship to create landscapes built for Northland living.

If you’ve been dreaming about upgrading your backyard before summer, now is the time to start planning. Your own summer escape could be right outside your door.