Pond vs Pondless Waterfall

Which Is Best for Your Canterbury Garden?

When adding a water feature to your garden, one of the most common questions we’re asked is:
Should I choose a pond or a pondless waterfall?

Both options can transform an outdoor space, but they suit different lifestyles, garden sizes, and maintenance preferences - especially here in Canterbury.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between garden ponds and pondless waterfalls to help you decide which is right for your home.

What Is a Garden Pond?

A garden pond is a self-contained ecosystem featuring still water, aquatic plants, and often fish. When designed correctly, ponds become a natural focal point and support wildlife while blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Benefits of a Garden Pond

• Creates a calm, reflective water feature

• Supports fish and aquatic plants

• Encourages birds and beneficial wildlife

• Becomes more natural and established over time

Things to Consider

• Requires regular maintenance to keep water clear

• Safety considerations for young children

• Best suited to medium-to-large gardens

Garden ponds are ideal for homeowners who enjoy an evolving, living feature and don’t mind a little hands-on care.

What Is a Pondless Waterfall?

A pondless waterfall delivers the sound and movement of flowing water without an open pond. Water flows over natural stone into a hidden underground reservoir, where it’s recirculated through the system.

This makes pondless waterfalls one of the most popular water features we install across Selwyn, Rolleston, and Christchurch.

Benefits of a Pondless Waterfall

• Low maintenance compared to ponds

• No standing water - safer for families

• Flexible design for small or sloped gardens

• Strong visual impact with minimal upkeep

Things to Consider

• No fish and limited aquatic planting

• Focus is on sound and movement rather than still water

Pondless waterfalls are perfect for homeowners who want the beauty of water without ongoing maintenance.

Pond vs Pondless: Key Differences at a Glance

Which Water Feature Works Best in Canterbury?

Canterbury’s climate makes both ponds and pondless waterfalls viable options, but the best choice depends on how you use your garden.

• Choose a pond if:
  You want a natural ecosystem, enjoy fish and plants, and see the garden as a long-term project.

• Choose a pondless waterfall if:
  You want a striking feature, minimal maintenance, and a safer option for family homes.

Many of our clients choose pondless waterfalls for modern Canterbury gardens, while ponds are often preferred for larger, established landscapes.

Expert Design Makes the Difference

Whether you choose a pond or a pondless waterfall, professional design and installation are essential. Proper filtration, stone placement, and water flow ensure your feature looks natural and performs well year-round.

At Local Landscapes, we design and build custom water features tailored to Canterbury conditions, ensuring they enhance your garden and stand the test of time.

Thinking About Adding a Water Feature?

If you’re considering a pond or pondless waterfall in Canterbury, we’d be happy to help you explore the best option for your space.

👉 Get in touch to discuss your garden and see how a custom water feature could transform it.