Solar Garden Lights for Sale: 18 Best Picks in NZ

Softly lit paths, glowing lanterns swinging from pōhutukawa branches, and a driveway that welcomes guests without adding a cent to the power bill – solar garden lights tick all the boxes for Kiwi homeowners. With long summer days, climbing electricity prices and a DIY-friendly set-up, it makes sense to let the sun do the work. The only challenge is choosing from the flood of options.

That’s where this guide steps in. We’ve hand-picked 18 solar lights you can actually buy in Aotearoa right now, matched to budgets, styles and jobs – decorative lanterns, pathway stakes, security floods, even app-controlled colour spots. Batteries usually last two to three years, casings much longer; aim for 10–50 lumens for ambience, 100–200 lm to see where you’re walking, 300 + lm for security, and anything up to a 40 W equivalent will cover most gardens. Solar gear is weather-dependent and batteries do tire, so choose at least IP65 and swap cells annually to keep the glow alive. Ready to meet the line-up?

1. Lumiz Dutch-Designed Solar Lanterns – Artisan Style Available at Villarosa Maison

If you’re chasing statement pieces rather than anonymous path markers, the Lumiz range is hard to beat. Designed in the Netherlands and stocked in NZ exclusively by Nelson-based Villarosa Maison, these Tyvek lanterns bring European flair to decks, courtyards and weddings without tapping the mains.

Why it made the list

• Over 30 cut-work patterns and colours that complement French-country and boho outdoor décor
• Collapsible body survives Kiwi winters in a drawer, then pops back into shape for summer soirées
• Local shipping and support through Villarosa Maison means no international freight headaches

Key specs & performance

• Diameters: 20–38 cm
• Warm-white 2700 K LED delivers gentle, even glow
• Up to 12 hrs light after a full charge; replaceable AA Ni-MH cell extends service life
• IP44 weather rating handles light rain but prefers sheltered spots

Best uses & styling tips

• Hang singles from pōhutukawa limbs or cluster three heights above an alfresco table
• Line a gravel path with shepherd hooks for an instant fête feel
• Mix neutral and jewel tones for depth after dark

Pros & potential drawbacks

• Pros: eye-catching design, flat-pack storage, long runtime
• Cons: not bright enough for task lighting, higher upfront cost than generic solar garden lights for sale

2. Gardena Solar Stainless Steel Bollard Lights – Pathway Definition with European Engineering

Gardena isn’t just hoses: its stainless-steel solar bollards carry the same German engineering into outdoor lighting. Slim cylinders guide paths and driveways with quiet style that resists coastal corrosion.

Why it stands out

• German brand with long gear warranties backs performance
• Marine-grade 304 stainless steel shrugs off rust and blends with modern architecture

Specs & lumen output

• 20–40 lm downward glow, perfect for way-finding without glare
• 600 mAh Ni-MH replaceable battery; full charge gives 8–10 hrs
• IP65 seals handle rain and sprinklers

Installation & placement tips

• Integrated ground spike pushes into lawn or gravel; screw-on base plate suits timber decks
• Space 2–3 m apart for a continuous light band
• Keep the panel cap clear of shadow from hedging

Pros & cons

• Pros: tough construction, automatic dusk sensor, minimal running cost
• Cons: narrow beam spread; premium price per unit

3. Torpedo7 Starry 200-LED Solar Fairy Lights – Flexible Copper Wire Set

Fairy lights aren’t just for Christmas. This 200-LED string from Torpedo7 turns shrubs, pergolas and even bikes into year-round sparkle while keeping the power bill at zero. The ultra-thin copper wire disappears by day, then delivers a curtain of pin-point light the moment dusk falls.

Feature overview

• 20 m strand holds 200 warm-white LEDs on bendable, memory-free copper
• Separate solar panel with ground spike lets you angle for maximum sun

Performance & durability

• 600 mAh replaceable battery provides 6–8 hrs after full charge
• Eight lighting modes (steady, wave, flash, twinkle, etc.) cycle via single push-button
• IP44 splash resistance suits most Kiwi backyards

Creative applications

• Spiral up tree trunks, outline outdoor mirrors, weave through a macramé hanger, or trail along a camper-van awning for instant ambience

Pros & cons

• Pros: feather-light, inexpensive, packs small when the holiday is over
• Cons: prone to tangling if coiled hastily; not bright enough for path-finding compared with other solar garden lights for sale

4. Bunnings Solar Festoon Party Lights – Budget-Friendly Entertainer

Weekend barbie coming up and you need quick atmosphere without blowing the renovation fund? The solar festoon set from Bunnings delivers that laid-back courtyard vibe for a fraction of mains-powered options. Ten warm-white bulbs give enough glow for conversation while keeping things cosy and, because the kit is fully solar, extension cords stay in the shed.

Top selling points

• Classic Edison-style globes in shatter-resistant ABS
• Competitive pricing and easy nationwide click-and-collect

Specs & coverage

• 3 m lead + 5 m illuminated length (10 bulbs)
• Approx. 600 lm total output, 3000 K colour temperature
• Weather rating IP44 for patios and pergolas

Set-up & usability

• Clip panel to a sunny fence or railing; angle at 35 ° for best charge
• Replaceable AA Ni-MH battery extends service life

Pros & cons

• Pros: great value, spare bulbs included, instant party mood
• Cons: plastic housings look less premium up close; IP44 means take down in severe storms

5. Philips Hue Outdoor Solar Wall Light – Smart-Home Integration

Want a light that does more than just switch on at dusk? Philips’ Hue Outdoor Solar Wall Light joins the brand’s wider Hue family, so you can schedule scenes, pick any colour in the rainbow, or sync it with music straight from your phone. It’s one of the few genuinely smart solar garden lights for sale in NZ, and the solar panel means zero wiring on the deck or fence.

Why smart matters

• Control brightness, colour and on/off times via the Hue app or voice (Alexa, Google, Siri).
• Group with other Hue fittings for coordinated “welcome home” or “movie night” scenes.

Technical specs

• Up to 800 lm (dimmable) with full RGBW spectrum.
• Integrated lithium battery recharged by built-in panel; IP54 splash-proof.
• Expected LED life 25,000 hrs.

Installation guidance

Mount at roughly 1.8 m height; ensure the panel sees at least six hours of direct sun. Pair to a Hue Bridge (sold separately) in the app, then customise routines.

Pros & cons

• Pros: endless colour options, app/voice control, expandable ecosystem.
• Cons: premium price tag; full functionality needs Wi-Fi and Hue Bridge.

6. Mitre 10 Solar Colour-Changing Garden Stakes – Fun for Kids’ Spaces

Cheeky and virtually unbreakable, Mitre 10’s colour-changing acrylic stakes add instant magic to kids’ corners. Each stake scrolls through a rainbow automatically—no buttons, wiring or parental help required.

Highlight features

• Set of four acrylic totems morphing through red, green and blue
• Integrated solar panel with sealed LED cap

Specs & runtime

• 10 lm per stake, gentle glow
• 1 × AAA 300 mAh Ni-MH (non-replaceable)
• 4–6 hrs light from a full summer charge; IP44 splash-proof

Placement ideas

• Cluster around sandpit borders
• Dot along a herb spiral or fairy-garden path
• Slip into pot plants for birthday parties

Pros & cons

• Pros: playful colours, very affordable
• Cons: low brightness; sealed battery limits lifespan to ~2 years

7. Trade Tested Solar Flood Light 1600 LM with Motion Sensor – Security and Utility

Need serious brightness after dark without calling an electrician? Trade Tested’s flood light throws out a hefty 1,600 lumens, enough to cover driveways, sheds or stock yards while still running purely on sunshine.

Key performance data

• 1,600 lm output rivals a 120 W halogen
• PIR detects movement to 8 m, 120 ° sweep
• Three modes: motion-only, dim + boost, or dusk-to-dawn

Battery & panel

• 2,400 mAh LiFePO₄ battery rated for 2,000 cycles
• Separate 6 W monocrystalline panel on 5 m lead lets you mount the light in shade and the panel in full sun
• IP65 casing resists South Island southerlies and coastal spray

Installation notes

Fix the bracket 2.5–3 m high and tilt 15 ° downward to reduce glare. Use the supplied wall plugs on timber, brick or corrugated iron; no wiring, just plug the panel lead into the fixture.

Pros & cons

• Pros: daylight-bright beam, adjustable modes, replaceable battery extends life
• Cons: utilitarian styling may clash with decorative landscapes; needs clear sky hours for full nightly runtime

8. The Warehouse Solar Rattan Globe Lights – Boho Charm on a Budget

Can’t justify artisan wicker but still want that Bali-meets-back-deck vibe? These rattan-look globes from The Warehouse deliver warm, textured light for the price of a takeaway curry. Because the weave is synthetic, they shrug off the odd nor’wester shower yet still pass for natural cane once dusk falls, making them one of the easiest boho-style solar garden lights for sale in mainstream NZ stores.

Design & aesthetic

• Six 8 cm spheres clad in UV-treated synthetic rattan
• Diffused glow softens harsh deck lines and concrete walls

Specs

• 3 m illuminated length + 1 m lead
• 3000 K LEDs, approx. 10 lm per globe
• IP44 splash rating; replaceable AA Ni-MH cell

Styling tips

Hang under veranda beams, drape through monstera pots, or zig-zag above a balcony rail for instant resort feels.

Pros & cons

• Pros: wallet-friendly, lightweight, easy to stash over winter
• Cons: synthetic weave can fade after two summers; not bright enough as primary lighting

9. LightingPlus Solar Step Lights 2-Pack – Safety on Decks & Stairs

Stairs and decks can become hazards after dark, especially when the barbie runs late. LightingPlus’s low-profile solar step lights fix that with a 2-pack that screws onto risers or walls—no cabling required.

Distinctive features

• Slim anodised aluminium body only 12 mm thick slips under tread overhangs
• Choice of amber or cool-white LEDs to reduce glare and insect attraction

Technical outline

30 lm output, 600 mAh replaceable Ni-MH battery, IP68 housing fully sealed against salt spray and puddles.

Placement & install

Mount using the supplied brackets; a 6-hour charge delivers up to 8 hours of glow.

Pros & cons

• Pros: improves nighttime safety, marine-grade seal, understated looks
• Cons: lights a small footprint; keep leaves off the panel for best charging

10. Kmart Solar Animal Silhouette Stakes – Whimsical Garden Accents

Among the most light-hearted solar garden lights for sale, these Kmart stakes swap plain plastic heads for cheeky animal outlines that glow after dark. They’re the sort of five-minute upgrade that makes kids race outside, yet they cost less than a flat white each.

Product overview

• Powder-coated metal cut-outs: cat, hedgehog and kiwi
• Integrated 45 mm solar panel on top of each 35 cm stake

Light performance

• Single warm-white LED back-lights the silhouette
• About 4 hours run-time from a sunny day; IP44 splash resistant

Where they shine

Tuck one at each corner of a veggie bed, flank the letterbox for night-time kerb appeal, or gift a trio to young gardeners starting their first patch.

Pros & cons

• Pros: ultra-affordable, fun talking point, zero tools needed
• Cons: battery sealed and non-replaceable; paint may fade after two seasons

11. Brightech Ambience Pro Solar String Lights – Commercial-Grade Durability

If you’re sick of replacing cracked bulbs every winter, Brightech’s Ambience Pro strand is worth the splurge. Designed for bars and cafés in the States and now one of the tougher solar garden lights for sale in NZ, it handles Wellington gusts and Queenstown frost without blinking. Thick cabling, shatter-proof S14 bulbs and a detachable panel mean you can leave it up year-round and still pack the solar module away for storms.

Notable attributes

• 14-gauge black rubber cable resists UV and abrasion
• Shatterproof plastic bulbs rated 50,000 hrs
• Panel clips or stakes, giving layout freedom

Spec sheet

• 14.6 m strand (48 ft) with 15 bulbs at 90 cm spacing
• 3000 K warm white, ~2 W per bulb, 3 W mono panel
• IP65 weather rating, 8 hr runtime after 6 hrs sun

Use cases

Perfect for permanent festoon lines over pergolas, outdoor dining areas, or Airbnb patios needing a professional finish. Drape in gentle swags, securing every third socket to relieve cable weight.

Pros & cons

• Pros: industrial toughness, replaceable battery, consistent brightness
• Cons: heavier cable demands sturdy anchor points; higher upfront cost than lightweight party strings

12. EcoSpot Solar Garden Spotlight Pair – Showcase Feature Plants

When you’ve spent good money on a kōwhai, sculpture or water feature, it deserves its own stage after dark. The EcoSpot twin-pack delivers a clean, focused beam without running cable across the lawn, making it one of the most versatile mid-priced solar garden lights for sale in NZ.

Core features

• Two independent spotlights with 120 ° swivel heads and 45 ° tilt
• 200 lm per light in a crisp 4000 K neutral white that flatters plant foliage
• Stake into soil or detach and wall-mount with included screws

Battery & panel

Integrated 2200 mAh 18650 lithium cell in each light, topped by a mono-crystalline panel; IP66 sealing keeps dust and heavy rain at bay, and batteries are user-replaceable with a small screwdriver.

Aim & angle tips

Set lights 1–1.5 m from the subject and angle at roughly 30 ° to create dramatic texture. For layered beds, cross-light from opposing sides to avoid harsh shadows.

Pros & cons

• Pros: focused beam, replaceable battery, high weather rating
• Cons: needs full sun every day; cool-white tone may feel stark against warm décor

13. Arlec Solar Festive Vintage Lantern – Retro Vibes with Crackle Glass

Love the look of grandma’s old mason jars but want something that charges itself? Arlec’s crackle-glass solar lantern nails the nostalgic vibe while staying maintenance-free, making it a sweet accent for tables, hooks, or gift hampers.

Design details

• Mason-jar silhouette with textured crackle glass
• Faux filament LED delivers warm, firefly-style glow
• Powder-coated metal hanger resists rust

Specs & performance

• 15 lm output, 2700 K colour
• Replaceable AAA 600 mAh Ni-MH battery
• 6–8 hrs run time after full summer charge
• IP44 splash-proof

Styling ideas

Cluster three at varying heights over a picnic rug, line a deck rail for date night, or pop one on the drinks trolley for instant retro charm.

Pros & cons

• Pros: nostalgic look, gift-able packaging, no wiring
• Cons: small lighting radius; glass can crack if dropped

14. TradeDepot Solar Brick Paver Lights – Seamless In-Ground Illumination

Need light without visible fittings? Swap a standard paver for this glass brick and your path glows every night, totally flush to the surface. It’s a simple way to upgrade driveways, pool surrounds or courtyard steps while keeping trip-free lines.

Features

• Solid glass block (100 × 100 mm) sits level with surrounding pavers
• Frosted diffuser softens glare, so the light guides rather than blinds
• Load-rated to 2 tonnes – safe under cars, barrows and party crowds

Technical specs

• 50 lm cool-white LED (approx. 6000 K)
• 600 mAh Li-ion cell, user-replaceable with two screws
• IP67: fully dust-tight and submersible to 1 m

Installation guidance

Lift an existing paver, rake the base level and bed the brick on 20 mm of sharp sand for drainage. Tap flush, then sweep jointing sand around the edges. Brush leaves and grime off the solar surface monthly to maintain charge.

Pros & cons

Pros: zero-trip hazard, professional finish, supports vehicle weight.
Cons: panel needs occasional cleaning; cool-white tone not to everyone’s taste.

15. Mighty Ape Solar Floating Lotus Lights – Pool & Pond Ambience

Turn still water into a tranquil light show with Mighty Ape’s floating lotus lights. They bob gently on pools, ponds, or a bird-bath, casting soft colour that reflects off the surface without cables or candles.

Product highlights

• EVA foam petals in realistic pink, white, and purple
• Auto-cycling RGB LED creates calming gradients

Specs

• 1 × AAA 300 mAh Ni-MH (user-replaceable)
• Up to 6 hrs glow from full charge
• Waterproof moulded base

Set-up tips

• Switch to “ON” before placing in water
• Anchor with fishing line if wind is forecast to stop drift into skimmers

Pros & cons

• Pros: serene reflections, lightweight, sub-$20 price tag
• Cons: purely decorative brightness; needs direct sun for full runtime

16. Holman Solar RGB Garden Wi-Fi Spot – App-Controlled Colour for Landscapes

Holman’s smart spot shifts your garden from chilled sundowner tones to rugby-night fizz with a swipe on your phone. Connecting over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth via the free Holman Home app, it’s one of the few colour-changing solar garden lights for sale that doesn’t need a separate hub, making it ideal for renters or anyone allergic to extra gear.

Key features

• 16 million RGB colours plus tunable white
• Music-sync and scene scheduling within the app
• Group multiple spots for whole-yard light shows

Tech data

• 400 lm max output (5 W LED)
• 4 400 mAh lithium battery, solar recharged
• IP65 weather rating; 15 m cable between light and panel

Installation

Stake the fixture into turf or screw it to a wall, angle the separate panel north-facing at 30 °, then pair through Holman Home. Rename zones (e.g., ‘Pōhutukawa’) for voice control with Alexa or Google.

Pros & cons

• Pros: fully customisable colour, no hub required, generous battery
• Cons: large panel footprint; bright colours drain battery faster than warm white

17. Solight SOLPAD Portable Folding Solar Light – Camping to Courtyard Flexibility

17. Solight SOLPAD Portable Folding Solar Light – Camping to Courtyard Flexibility

Unique selling points

The SOLPAD folds to 1 cm, then pops into a 10 cm cube giving 360° glow. Weighing just 90 g, it’s pocket-friendly, waterproof and floats.

Specs

100 lm warm white; high, low & SOS modes
2 000 mAh lithium battery, charges via sun or USB-C
IP67 rating

Application ideas

• Clip to a tent loop or pergola
• Use as a balcony or picnic lantern
• Store in the power-cut kit

Pros & cons

Pros: feather-light, packs flat, no cables.
Cons: not for permanent mounting; 100 lm won’t light large areas.

18. Zempire Mega Bright Solar Lantern – NZ Outdoor Brand Favourite

Zempire is better known for tents, but its Mega Bright Solar Lantern has earned a cult following with campers and backyard entertainers alike. Pumping out up to 500 lumens—about the same as a 40 W mains globe—this unit is bright enough to light a six-seater patio table yet dials right down for mellow mood lighting.

The soft silicone shade pops off to reveal a directional torch, while the 4 400 mAh lithium battery refuels via the top-mounted solar panel or the included USB-C lead. Rated IPX6, the lantern shrugs off rain showers, and a combo hanging hook/magnetic base lets you clip it to gazebo poles, pergola beams or the BBQ lid during a power cut.

• Pros: seriously bright; dimmable; dual charging; NZ warranty support.
• Cons: bulkier than décor lanterns; higher price than basic solar options.

Quick Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Eighteen different styles, eight price brackets and lumen outputs from a gentle 10 lm to a security-grade 1 600 lm—whatever job or vibe you’re chasing, there’s a solar option ready to click into your cart today. Before you hit “buy”, eyeball four specs:

1. Lumen level – ambience (10–50 lm), path safety (100–200 lm), or full-on flood (>300 lm).
2. IP rating – IP44 is fine for covered decks, IP65+ for exposed gardens.
3. Battery type – replaceable Ni-MH or lithium cells double the working life.
4. NZ warranty – local backup beats cheap imports when weather or kids get rough.

Tick those boxes and you’ll enjoy years of free night light with almost no maintenance.

Ready to start styling? Check out the full range of Lumiz lanterns and other European-inspired outdoor décor over at Villarosa Maison and let the sun take care of the rest. Kia pai tō rā!