New Zealand sun is no joke. One minute you’re loving it, the next you’re running for cover. That’s where smart shade comes in. At NZ Custom Shade, we’re all about giving you gear that works as hard as you do – shade that looks sharp, holds strong in the wind, and actually makes your outdoor space more liveable.

If you’ve ever wondered which shade option is right for your place, here’s a no-fuss guide to the range. From retractable awnings to architectural sails, outdoor screens, umbrellas and even the slick Wave Shade, we’ve got you covered (literally).

Retractable Awnings – Flexible Shade on Demand

Think of a retractable awning as your deck’s secret weapon. Want shade while you sip a cold one outside? Sorted. Prefer a bit of sun while you read the paper? Just roll it back. Awnings are fixed to your house but give you total control – extend when you need cover, retract when you don’t. They also cut down on indoor glare and stop your couch from fading like an old jandal left out in the sun.

Why choose an awning?

• Creates a cool, shaded outdoor living zone
• Helps reduce indoor heat and UV damage to furnishings
• Customisable in size and colour
• Easy manual operation or upgrade to motorisation

Outdoor Screens – Privacy, Shade, and Wind Protection

Outdoor screens are a game changer if you’ve got a breezy deck, a nosy neighbour, or a west-facing patio that gets cooked every afternoon. Roll them down and you’ve got an instant outdoor room – warmer, more private, and sheltered from the elements without boxing yourself in with solid walls. Choose from mesh for airflow and privacy, or clear PVC for all-weather protection without losing your view.

Why choose outdoor screens?

• Perfect for breezy spots where you want shelter without building walls
• Fabric options include breathable mesh or clear PVC
• Add privacy while still enjoying the view
• Lockable at different heights (depending on the model)

Shade Sails – Architectural Style and Wide Coverage

Shade sails aren’t just about keeping cool – they’re about making a statement. With clean lines and bold shapes, sails turn a plain old backyard into something that looks straight out of an architectural magazine. They can span big areas like pools or playgrounds, and because they’re custom-made, they’ll fit your space perfectly. Add in heavy-duty fabric and stainless hardware and you’ve got shade that’s built to last through Kiwi summers.

Why choose a shade sail?

• Custom-designed for your space
• Available in a wide range of colours
• Blocks up to 98% of harmful UV rays
• Built to last with reinforced webbing edges and stainless steel hardware

Wave Shade – Retractable Fabric Canopy

Want shade with a bit of flair? The Wave Shade runs along cables and creates soft fabric “billows” that look like rolling waves. It’s retractable too, so you can open it for a lazy afternoon nap in the shade, then pull it back when it’s time for some evening sun. Perfect over a pergola or outdoor dining spot when you want something more stylish than a straight cover.

Why choose a Wave Shade?

• Unique aesthetic with shallow, medium, or deep “billows”
• Operates by pole (fully open/closed) or cord (stop at any point)
• Covers up to 15m² per unit, with the option to link multiple units
• Made from durable Serge Ferrari Soltis Lounge fabric

Riviera® Classic Cantilever Umbrella – Resort Style for Your Backyard

If you want shade that you can move, swivel, and tilt to follow the sun, a cantilever umbrella is a beauty. The Riviera® Classic gives you big shade without a pole stuck in the middle of your table, and it looks sharp by the pool, on the deck, or at the bach. Built tough with fibreglass arms and European fabric, it’s resort quality but made for Kiwi backyards.

Why choose a cantilever umbrella?

• Freestanding design, no building work required
• Premium European fabric with 10-year warranty
• Stylish design that suits both homes and hospitality spaces
• Multiple base and installation options

How to Decide What’s Right for You

When it comes to shade, it’s not one-size-fits-all. The right solution depends on what you’re after:

Function – Do you need all-weather protection, or just a bit of relief on hot days?

Aesthetics – Do you want sleek and modern, bold and architectural, or soft and decorative?

Budget – Are you after a long-term investment piece or something simple and cost-effective?

Match your shade to how you live outdoors. If you’re all about BBQs and family dinners, an awning or screen might be your pick. If you love a bold look, sails or Wave Shades could be your style. And if flexibility is key, the Riviera umbrella has you sorted.

The Kiwi backyard deserves better than flimsy shade that collapses at the first nor’wester. Whether it’s a sleek retractable awning, a custom shade sail, a versatile outdoor screen, a decorative Wave Shade, or a Riviera® Classic umbrella, NZ Custom Shade has a solution that’ll last the distance and look good doing it.