Terraced retaining walls and custom staircase

Completed for a private residence at McLaren Falls

Project value: $85,000

The clients wanted to transform an ordinary bank at the entrance of their property into something striking, stable and functional. The slope needed to be retained and enhanced to become a key feature of the landscape. They engaged Tauranga Landscaping to design and construct a solution that combined practicality with visual impact.

The challenge

The existing bank was both prominent and underwhelming, lacking structure and detracting from the overall aesthetic of the property. The project called for significant earthworks, extensive retaining and an access staircase, which required careful design, engineering, and precision execution.

The solution

We began with a concept design from a local designer, which our team refined into detailed construction plans. Regular consultation meetings with the clients ensured every element matched their vision. The final build included more than 100 metres of terraced retaining walls and a custom staircase to provide practical access.

The result

The retained bank has been transformed into a structured, beautifully terraced feature that enhances the entrance to the property. The addition of the staircase brings both function and elegance, turning what was once a plain slope into a standout landscape element that will endure for years to come.

“Matthew and his team have just completed a significant retaining wall project for us. We strongly recommend them. In fact, we plan to call on them for our next landscaping project too. Throughout the process from quoting to completion, Matthew and team were excellent communicators, extremely knowledgeable, and very patient with us. The onsite team were fabulous to work with, and the backyard feels empty now they have gone! Thanks to all their hard work, and thoughtful suggestions, we have a fantastic retained bank and stunning staircase. The area looks amazing. We’ll be calling on Matthew and the team again for round two soon — thanks guys!”