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Weaving Your Outdoor Story
At TerraTales Landscape Design, we believe every garden and green space is a living narrative waiting to unfold. Based in Christchurch, we merge artistry, ecology, and cultural heritage to create bespoke landscapes that delight the senses and nurture the environment. From intimate residential courtyards to expansive commercial grounds, our designs transform ordinary outdoor areas into immersive experiences rooted in Aotearoa’s unique spirit.
About Us – Guardians of Place and Purpose
TerraTales was founded in 2015 by Sarah Ngatai, a landscape architect driven by a lifelong passion for native planting and Māori design principles. Beginning with small community garden restorations in Ōtautahi, Sarah quickly assembled a multidisciplinary team of designers, horticulturists, and cultural advisors. Today, we operate our own native plant nursery and workshop, propagating more than 70 endemic species to ensure ecological authenticity and biosecurity. Our studio process brings together Te Aranga Māori design values—mauri (life force), whakapapa (genealogy), and mana whenua (land custodianship)—to guide every concept. We collaborate with iwi elders, local councils, and environmental engineers to integrate rain‑water harvesting systems, pollinator corridors, and cultural interpretive elements. Rigorous ecological monitoring and post‑installation care guarantee that each TerraTales project evolves gracefully, enhancing biodiversity, soil health, and community wellbeing over decades.
Our Services
Concept & Master Planning
We begin with a collaborative visioning workshop that explores your site’s history, family stories, and functional needs. Our team produces detailed CAD master plans and immersive 3D renderings that let you walk through your future landscape before a single shovel touches soil. Cultural narratives are woven into planting layouts, paving patterns, and feature elements in partnership with iwi advisors. Comprehensive phasing and budgeting documents align expectations and keep your project on schedule. Clear communication and interactive review sessions ensure your vision remains central from concept to completion.
We begin with a collaborative visioning workshop that explores your site’s history, family stories, and functional needs. Our team produces detailed CAD master plans and immersive 3D renderings that let you walk through your future landscape before a single shovel touches soil. Cultural narratives are woven into planting layouts, paving patterns, and feature elements in partnership with iwi advisors. Comprehensive phasing and budgeting documents align expectations and keep your project on schedule. Clear communication and interactive review sessions ensure your vision remains central from concept to completion.
Native Planting Design & Installation
Prioritising species such as harakeke (flax), koromiko, and kahikatea, our planting schemes support local ecosystems and provide year‑round interest. We custom‑blend soil amendments to optimize moisture retention and microbial activity, boosting plant health from the outset. Installation crews employ low‑impact hand‑planting techniques, protective tree guard systems, and smart irrigation to maximize survival rates. Seasonal maintenance schedules—including mulch top‑ups and targeted pruning—preserve design integrity and plant vigour. Each planting becomes a living tapestry, inviting native birds and beneficial insects to your site.
Prioritising species such as harakeke (flax), koromiko, and kahikatea, our planting schemes support local ecosystems and provide year‑round interest. We custom‑blend soil amendments to optimize moisture retention and microbial activity, boosting plant health from the outset. Installation crews employ low‑impact hand‑planting techniques, protective tree guard systems, and smart irrigation to maximize survival rates. Seasonal maintenance schedules—including mulch top‑ups and targeted pruning—preserve design integrity and plant vigour. Each planting becomes a living tapestry, inviting native birds and beneficial insects to your site.
Hardscape Craftsmanship
TerraTales artisans craft bespoke structural elements—dry‑stack basalt walls, reclaimed‑timber pergolas, and corten‑steel planters engraved with cultural motifs. Pathways wind through your garden on rimu battens, schist flagstones, or recycled brick, guiding visitors on a sensory journey. Water features—from sculptural reflective pools to engineered rain gardens—manage storm‑water while creating moments of calm. Integrated seating, lighting, and signage round out each space with both form and function. Every hardscape component is selected for durability, minimal maintenance, and environmental harmony.
TerraTales artisans craft bespoke structural elements—dry‑stack basalt walls, reclaimed‑timber pergolas, and corten‑steel planters engraved with cultural motifs. Pathways wind through your garden on rimu battens, schist flagstones, or recycled brick, guiding visitors on a sensory journey. Water features—from sculptural reflective pools to engineered rain gardens—manage storm‑water while creating moments of calm. Integrated seating, lighting, and signage round out each space with both form and function. Every hardscape component is selected for durability, minimal maintenance, and environmental harmony.
Smart Irrigation & Water Management
Our weather‑adaptive controllers, soil‑moisture sensors, and drip‑line networks cut water use by up to 40%, ensuring plants receive exactly what they need. Rainwater harvesting systems capture roof run‑off into undercover storage tanks for landscape irrigation or potable reuse. Permeable paving and biofiltration swales direct excess water into planted zones, mitigating flooding and improving water quality. We integrate remote‑monitoring platforms so you can view consumption data and receive maintenance alerts on your phone. This holistic approach safeguards resources and keeps your landscape thriving under any conditions.
Our weather‑adaptive controllers, soil‑moisture sensors, and drip‑line networks cut water use by up to 40%, ensuring plants receive exactly what they need. Rainwater harvesting systems capture roof run‑off into undercover storage tanks for landscape irrigation or potable reuse. Permeable paving and biofiltration swales direct excess water into planted zones, mitigating flooding and improving water quality. We integrate remote‑monitoring platforms so you can view consumption data and receive maintenance alerts on your phone. This holistic approach safeguards resources and keeps your landscape thriving under any conditions.
Landscape Lighting & Ambient Design
Strategically placed LED uplights, path markers, and feature spotlights extend the usability and magic of your outdoor space after dusk. Astronomical timers and motion sensors conserve energy and protect nocturnal wildlife. Subtle accent lighting highlights specimen plants, architectural elements, and water surfaces, creating layers of visual intrigue. All fixtures are low‑glare, low‑profile, and designed to complement your landscape without detracting from its natural beauty. This thoughtful illumination transforms gardens into enchanting night‑time sanctuaries.
Strategically placed LED uplights, path markers, and feature spotlights extend the usability and magic of your outdoor space after dusk. Astronomical timers and motion sensors conserve energy and protect nocturnal wildlife. Subtle accent lighting highlights specimen plants, architectural elements, and water surfaces, creating layers of visual intrigue. All fixtures are low‑glare, low‑profile, and designed to complement your landscape without detracting from its natural beauty. This thoughtful illumination transforms gardens into enchanting night‑time sanctuaries.
Maintenance & Seasonal Revitalisation
Our tiered maintenance plans cover everything from basic pruning and weeding to soil‑nutrient analyses and pest monitoring. Certified horticultural technicians conduct quarterly health audits, checking plant vigour, irrigation performance, and soil‑moisture levels. Organic mulch replenishment and compost top‑dressing support nutrient cycling and moisture retention. We offer on‑call services for storm damage repairs, irrigation troubleshooting, and seasonal color refreshes. Long‑term care agreements preserve the artistry and functionality of your TerraTales design for years to come.
Our tiered maintenance plans cover everything from basic pruning and weeding to soil‑nutrient analyses and pest monitoring. Certified horticultural technicians conduct quarterly health audits, checking plant vigour, irrigation performance, and soil‑moisture levels. Organic mulch replenishment and compost top‑dressing support nutrient cycling and moisture retention. We offer on‑call services for storm damage repairs, irrigation troubleshooting, and seasonal color refreshes. Long‑term care agreements preserve the artistry and functionality of your TerraTales design for years to come.
Our Advantages
Culturally Anchored Design
At TerraTales, we embed Te Aranga Māori design values into every project—from landform interpretation to planting patterns—ensuring landscapes resonate with local heritage and storytelling. We engage iwi advisors and kaumātua in co‑design workshops, honoring tikanga and ancestral connections to the land. Interpretive installations—such as carved entrance markers and woven flax screens—forge deep cultural linkages that endure. This approach fosters cross‑cultural understanding and enriches community identity. Choosing TerraTales means your garden becomes a living repository of Aotearoa’s narratives.
Ecological Regeneration Expertise
Our native‑first planting strategies, rain‑garden biofiltration, and soil‑restoration protocols deliver measurable environmental gains. We monitor metrics such as infiltration rates, water‑quality improvements, and native fauna visits to quantify success. Nursery‑propagated endemic species support regional genetic diversity while reducing biosecurity risks. Collaborative trials with local universities refine restoration techniques that enhance carbon sequestration and habitat connectivity. These rigorous practices transform ordinary plots into vibrant ecosystems that give back to nature.
Artisanal Craftsmanship & Materials
TerraTales artisans hand‑craft every hardscape element—whether it’s a dry‑stack stone wall or a reclaimed‑timber pergola—bringing timeless quality to your landscape. We source materials locally, supporting regional quarries and sawmills while minimizing transport emissions. Skilled Māori carvers engrave cultural motifs into steel and wood, embedding stories into functional structures. Finishes are selected for durability, recyclability, and low maintenance, ensuring your investment endures. This dedication to craftsmanship elevates your property and preserves its value.
Technology‑Driven Efficiency
From drone‑surveyed topography to AI‑driven irrigation scheduling, we leverage the latest tools to optimize resource use and construction timelines. Soil‑moisture probes and weather stations feed data into our cloud‑based dashboard, offering real‑time insights and proactive maintenance alerts. 3D‑printed models and augmented‑reality previews let you experience the design before breaking ground. This blend of innovation and hands‑on expertise accelerates project delivery while maintaining artisanal quality. Technology empowers TerraTales to deliver sustainable beauty on schedule.
End‑to‑End Project Stewardship
We manage every detail—from initial site surveys and resource consent applications to sourcing materials, coordinating subcontractors, and scheduling maintenance. Transparent project timelines and cost‑tracking keep you informed and in control. Regular on‑site reviews and collaborative checkpoints ensure quality and adherence to your vision. Post‑installation, our dedicated maintenance team safeguards design integrity and adaptive resilience. This turnkey approach eliminates stress and guarantees a seamless experience from concept to ongoing care.
Community & Educational Impact
TerraTales co‑hosts educational workshops with local schools and marae, teaching gardening, seed propagation, and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) principles. Public‑art garden installations serve as outdoor classrooms for biodiversity and cultural storytelling. Proceeds from our community‑garden projects fund scholarships for aspiring Māori landscape architects. Quarterly “Living Landscapes” tours showcase demonstration sites and share best practices with industry peers. Engaging with TerraTales means investing in community resilience and cultivating environmental stewardship across generations.
Culturally Anchored Design
At TerraTales, we embed Te Aranga Māori design values into every project—from landform interpretation to planting patterns—ensuring landscapes resonate with local heritage and storytelling. We engage iwi advisors and kaumātua in co‑design workshops, honoring tikanga and ancestral connections to the land. Interpretive installations—such as carved entrance markers and woven flax screens—forge deep cultural linkages that endure. This approach fosters cross‑cultural understanding and enriches community identity. Choosing TerraTales means your garden becomes a living repository of Aotearoa’s narratives.
Ecological Regeneration Expertise
Our native‑first planting strategies, rain‑garden biofiltration, and soil‑restoration protocols deliver measurable environmental gains. We monitor metrics such as infiltration rates, water‑quality improvements, and native fauna visits to quantify success. Nursery‑propagated endemic species support regional genetic diversity while reducing biosecurity risks. Collaborative trials with local universities refine restoration techniques that enhance carbon sequestration and habitat connectivity. These rigorous practices transform ordinary plots into vibrant ecosystems that give back to nature.
Artisanal Craftsmanship & Materials
TerraTales artisans hand‑craft every hardscape element—whether it’s a dry‑stack stone wall or a reclaimed‑timber pergola—bringing timeless quality to your landscape. We source materials locally, supporting regional quarries and sawmills while minimizing transport emissions. Skilled Māori carvers engrave cultural motifs into steel and wood, embedding stories into functional structures. Finishes are selected for durability, recyclability, and low maintenance, ensuring your investment endures. This dedication to craftsmanship elevates your property and preserves its value.
Technology‑Driven Efficiency
From drone‑surveyed topography to AI‑driven irrigation scheduling, we leverage the latest tools to optimize resource use and construction timelines. Soil‑moisture probes and weather stations feed data into our cloud‑based dashboard, offering real‑time insights and proactive maintenance alerts. 3D‑printed models and augmented‑reality previews let you experience the design before breaking ground. This blend of innovation and hands‑on expertise accelerates project delivery while maintaining artisanal quality. Technology empowers TerraTales to deliver sustainable beauty on schedule.
End‑to‑End Project Stewardship
We manage every detail—from initial site surveys and resource consent applications to sourcing materials, coordinating subcontractors, and scheduling maintenance. Transparent project timelines and cost‑tracking keep you informed and in control. Regular on‑site reviews and collaborative checkpoints ensure quality and adherence to your vision. Post‑installation, our dedicated maintenance team safeguards design integrity and adaptive resilience. This turnkey approach eliminates stress and guarantees a seamless experience from concept to ongoing care.
Community & Educational Impact
TerraTales co‑hosts educational workshops with local schools and marae, teaching gardening, seed propagation, and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) principles. Public‑art garden installations serve as outdoor classrooms for biodiversity and cultural storytelling. Proceeds from our community‑garden projects fund scholarships for aspiring Māori landscape architects. Quarterly “Living Landscapes” tours showcase demonstration sites and share best practices with industry peers. Engaging with TerraTales means investing in community resilience and cultivating environmental stewardship across generations.
Contacts
We would be delighted to discuss your landscape aspirations, answer any questions, and offer a complimentary site consultation to explore possibilities. Feel free to email us with project ideas, site photos, or scheduling requests—our design specialists will respond promptly with tailored recommendations. Whether you envision a native haven, a functional courtyard, or a corporate green space, TerraTales is here to bring your story to life. Reach out today and let’s begin crafting your outdoor masterpiece!
📍 Address: 17 Durham Street North, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
📧 Email: terratales@icloud.com
🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM | Sat 9 AM–2 PM | Sun Closed
📧 Email: terratales@icloud.com
🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM | Sat 9 AM–2 PM | Sun Closed
