Louvre Pergolas: Style, Shelter and Smart Outdoor Living
If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor space and get more use out of it year-round, a louvre pergola is one of the smartest additions you can make.
These sleek, modern structures don’t just look great —they’re highly functional, customisable, and ideal for the Waikato’s ever-changing weather. Whether you want to create a sheltered outdoor dining area, a poolside retreat, or just a spot to unwind, louvre pergolas offer a stylish and practical solution.
What is a louvre pergola?
A louvre pergola is a pergola with adjustable slats (louvres) in the roof. These slats can be tilted open or closed to control sunlight, shade, airflow and protection from rain - often at the touch of a button!
Think of it as a modern-day outdoor roof that lets you enjoy the fresh air without being at the mercy of the elements.

Benefits of louvre pergolas
- All-season use: open the louvres on sunny days for light and ventilation, close them when it rains - perfect for the unpredictable Kiwi climate
- Custom shade control: angle the slats to block harsh afternoon sun without losing natural light or airflow
- Sleek aesthetic: they add a clean, contemporary look that complements both modern and traditional homes
- Add value to your property: well-designed outdoor living areas are a real selling point in New Zealand homes, they add an extra room
- Low maintenance: louvre systems are built to last, using durable materials like powder-coated aluminium and stainless steel
Customisation and installation
Louvre pergolas come in a range of styles and configurations, including:
- Freestanding or attached: whether you want it connected to your home or standing alone in the garden
- Manual or motorised: opt for remote controlled louvres, integrated lighting, rain sensors, or even side screens for extra wind protection
- Colour and finish options: tailor your pergola to blend seamlessly with your home and outdoor style

At Groundcover Landscaping, we don't just install the pergola - we look at the full picture. That might include:
- Building a deck or patio base for the pergola to be fixed to (which also improves functionality and drainage)
- Hard landscaping to integrate it into your garden and outdoor entertaining area
- Working with your existing space to ensure the end result looks and feels cohesive
Why prepare the base first?
A pergola is only as good as the surface it's installed on. We can create a level, durable base - such as hardwood decking, concrete, or paving - that suits your space and style. It also:
- Improves drainage, keeping your outdoor area dry and useable
- Creates a defined zone for entertaining and relaxing
- Extends the lifespan of your pergola by providing a stable foundation

Thinking about adding a louvre pergola?
Whether you're ready to go ahead or just exploring options, we're happy to chat. We can:
- Help you plan the layout
- Prepare the site
- Install the pergola (or coordinate with your supplier)
- Create a stunning base or surrounding landscape that ties everything together.
Let's turn your outdoor area into a space you can use all year round.
Get in touch today - we'd love to help bring your vision to life.