Good security lighting is one of the cheapest, most effective deterrents against unwanted visitors — and it makes coming home in the dark a lot easier.
But there's a lot of choice out there. Here's how to think about it for a typical Whangarei or Kerikeri home.
Two Main Types
PIR (motion-sensor) lights
Switch on when they detect movement, stay on for a set time (usually 1–10 minutes), then switch off again.
Best for: driveways, side access paths, back gardens, entry doors.
Pros: low power use, attention-grabbing when triggered, no constant glow.
Cons: can be triggered by pets, possums, swaying branches if poorly placed.
Dusk-to-dawn lights
Switch on automatically at sunset and off at sunrise. Always on while it's dark.
Best for: street numbers, low-level garden lighting, entries you want gently lit all night.
Pros: constant comfort lighting, no surprise illumination.
Cons: uses more power (though modern LED dusk-to-dawn is still cheap), can be a nuisance if too bright.
Many homes use a mix of both — dusk-to-dawn around the front entry and street number, PIR around the perimeter and driveway.
Where to Place Them
For a typical Whangarei home, we recommend lights at:
1. Front door / entry path — a must-have, dusk-to-dawn or PIR
2. Driveway — PIR floodlight covering the parking area
3. Side access — anywhere there's a gate or path between fences (a common entry point for intruders)
4. Back door — PIR
5. Back yard or garden — wider PIR floodlight covering the lawn/deck
6. Garage / shed — PIR if detached
The key principle: no dark blind spots, especially anywhere that can't be seen from the street.
What to Look For in a Fitting
- LED: cheap to run, bright, long-lasting. Don't bother with halogen floods anymore.
- IP65 or higher: weatherproof rating. Northland's salty coastal air will eat anything lower.
- Wide beam angle: 100°+ for floodlights to cover a decent area.
- Adjustable head: lets you aim it after install.
- Quality PIR sensor: cheap sensors trigger constantly. Better ones have adjustable sensitivity and timing.
Smart Options
If you want app control, scheduling, or integration with home automation, smart Wi-Fi floodlights are increasingly common. Brands like Philips Hue Outdoor, TP-Link Tapo, and Shelly all offer good options.
We install both standard and smart floodlights — happy to recommend based on what you want.
What NOT to Do
- Don't aim floodlights at neighbours' bedroom windows. Neighbourly disputes are easy to avoid with good aim.
- Don't install ultra-bright 50W LED floods at low height where they'll dazzle anyone walking past. 20–30W at sensible height is usually plenty.
- Don't run cheap plug-in lights via long extension cords. Get them wired in properly, with weatherproof connections.
What It Costs
A single LED PIR floodlight installed in Whangarei typically runs $250–$450 depending on cable run, height, and fitting quality.
A multi-light security lighting setup for a typical home — front, driveway, sides, and back — usually runs $900–$1,800 installed.
Compliance
All outdoor lighting work should be done by a registered electrician with a compliance certificate. Cheap DIY plug-in floods aren't a replacement for properly installed weatherproof fittings.
Get a Quote
We do free on-site security lighting walkarounds across Whangarei and Kerikeri. Tell us your concerns, we'll recommend a layout and quote it.
Book a quote or call 09 407 6468.