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Fences & Retaining Walls — Nelson & Tasman

Fencing and retaining walls do more than mark boundaries — they bring structure, safety, and definition to your outdoor space. Whether you’re creating privacy, managing a slope, or building new levels into your garden, our team designs and constructs fences and retaining walls Nelson homeowners can rely on.

Every project is tailored to local soils and slopes, using durable materials that complement your home and withstand our region’s coastal conditions. We also handle drainage, site preparation, and landscape construction — so every project fits seamlessly into your wider outdoor design.

Explore our Landscape Construction services

Fencing Built for Nelson & Tasman Homes

We build fences that look great and last — using durable materials suited to Tasman’s wind, coastal air, and changing ground conditions.

Each project is measured, estimated, and constructed by our experienced team so you get a fence that fits perfectly and performs for years to come.

Types of Fencing We Install:

Timber & Boundary Fencing
Classic wooden paling, boundary, and slatted timber designs — versatile, cost-effective, and ideal for privacy, safety, and street appeal. Whether you’re securing a new section or replacing an old fence, we’ll build something that complements your home and stands up to Nelson’s conditions.

ColorSteel & Aluminium Fencing
Strong, modern, and low-maintenance, these fences are ideal for long boundaries, modern builds, and coastal areas.
ColorSteel provides a clean, streamlined finish with lasting strength, while aluminium fencing offers a lightweight, rust-resistant option perfect for pool areas, entrances, or decorative designs.

Pool Fencing
Fully compliant with NZ pool safety regulations, our pool fencing keeps your family safe while enhancing your outdoor area.

Note: In most cases, pool fencing requires building consent under the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2017.
We’ll guide you through the consent process and ensure your fence meets all NZ safety standards before installation.

Custom & Feature Fencing
Modern composite, steel, aluminium, or mixed-material designs that blend form and function — ideal for courtyards, front yards, and architectural homes.

Gates & Entrances
From simple timber entry gates to custom ColorSteel or slatted aluminium gates, we create coordinated gate and fencing systems that provide both access and security.

Our gates are built to fit seamlessly with your boundary fence for a professional, cohesive look.

Looking to tie your new fence into a deck or pergola design?
Our deck builders in Nelson can create a seamless transition between spaces — connecting your fencing, decking, and outdoor living areas into one cohesive landscape.

Residential Retaining Walls – Built for Nelson & Tasman Homes

Retaining walls aren’t just about holding soil in place — they’re about creating safe, usable spaces around your home.
Our residential retaining wall builders in Nelson design and build walls that make the most of your section — from sloping driveways to uneven gardens.

Each wall is tailored to your site and built with durable materials suited to Nelson–Tasman conditions, helping you shape your property with both function and style.

We Build With:

  • Timber – a cost-effective, natural look that blends easily with garden design.

  • Concrete – clean lines and long life, perfect for modern homes or driveways.

  • Gabion or Stone – natural texture and visual strength for character-filled spaces.


Residential Retaining Walls Are Ideal For:

  • Managing sloped sections or uneven ground.

  • Creating level lawns, garden beds, or outdoor entertaining areas.

  • Preventing soil movement and erosion.

  • Adding structure to driveways, paths, or poolside zones.

Our retaining walls are designed for homes — not large commercial sites — giving you practical results that look great and fit naturally with the rest of your landscape.


Discover why getting levels right matters in your garden: The Importance of Setting Heights in Landscaping Projects.

Why Choose Sherlock Landscaping?

  • Over 15 years building fences & retaining walls across Nelson, Richmond, Brightwater, and Tasman

  • Local knowledge of soils, slopes, and coastal weather patterns

  • One local team from site prep to finishing touches — no subcontract handovers

  • Clean, professional workmanship and attention to detail

  • Transparent charge-up pricing — you only pay for what’s genuinely needed

Discover the team behind Sherlock Landscaping

How We Price Our Work

We work on a transparent charge-up basis — quoting time and materials accurately so you know where every dollar goes. Read more about why this method works best: Why We Prefer a Charge-Up Basis

Ready to start planning? Contact us to book your free on-site consultation.

Our Fencing and Retaining Wall Projects

From classic timber fencing to modern retaining solutions, here’s a look at some of the projects we’ve recently completed across Nelson and Tasman. Each one is built to suit local conditions and add lasting value to your property.

FAQs – Fences & Retaining Walls Nelson

How high can I build a fence without council consent in NZ?

Most fences up to 2 metres high don’t require building consent, but it’s always worth checking with Nelson or Tasman Council — especially if your fence sits on a boundary, slope, or retaining wall.

What’s the best fence material for coastal Nelson properties?

Treated timber, composite panels, ColorSteel, and powder-coated aluminium all perform well in salt air and high winds. Aluminium is especially low-maintenance, making it ideal for coastal and poolside areas.

Do you install pool fencing?

Yes — we supply and install compliant pool fencing to NZ safety standards, including glass, aluminium, ColorSteel, and timber options.
We’ll also help you understand the building consent requirements before installation.

Can you replace or extend an existing fence?

Absolutely. We can safely remove your old fencing, rebuild it with fresh materials, or extend an existing boundary to match your property’s style.

Do you handle sloping or uneven sections?

Yes — our fences are designed to follow the natural contours of your site. We integrate steps or level changes where needed for a smooth, professional finish.

What’s the cost to build a fence in Nelson & Tasman?

Every property is different — costs depend on size, materials, access, and ground conditions.
We’re happy to provide a detailed quote after a free on-site consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Can you include gates or entrances in a fencing project?

Yes — we design and build custom gates and entrances that match your fence style, layout, and materials, including timber, aluminium, and ColorSteel options.

How long does a timber fence last in Nelson’s climate?

A well-built timber fence can last 15–20 years in Nelson’s climate when built with quality treated timber and maintained properly. We use locally suited materials to ensure strength, longevity, and minimal upkeep.

See more of what we do

Planning a larger landscaping project? These pages might help you explore ideas, materials, and options for your outdoor space:

Ready to get started?

We design and build fences and retaining walls across Nelson, Richmond, Brightwater, and Tasman — tailored to your property and lifestyle. Call 021 121 1006 to book your free landscaping consultation, or contact us online.