Living Outdoors by the Coast

Salt air, endless horizons, and that unmistakable sense of ease — coastal living in New Zealand is all about making the most of life outside. From brunch on the deck to sunset drinks with friends, outdoor spaces become the heart of the home.

But the same elements that make seaside life so inviting can also make it challenging for outdoor furniture. Salt-laden air, high UV levels, and the occasional wild weather can quickly take a toll on poorly chosen materials. That’s why, if you live near the water, what your furniture is made from matters just as much as how it looks.

At Jardin, we’ve found one clear winner for coastal conditions: Fermob’s aluminium collections — lightweight, rustproof, and undeniably stylish.

Ribambelle extending outdoor table with Cadiz dining chairs in Red Ochre

A Ribambelle table with Cadiz chairs and the Sixties lounge collection is the perfect laid back coastal solution.

The Coastal Challenge — Material Choice Matters

Living by the sea means your furniture faces:

Salt air: Speeds up rust and corrosion in untreated metals.

Strong sunlight: Can fade and weaken finishes over time.

Wind: Heavy or awkward pieces are harder to move to shelter.

These are realities in many of New Zealand’s favourite coastal towns - from Auckland’s North Shore to Mount Maunganui, Kapiti Coast, and beyond. Choosing the right materials means your outdoor setting will look beautiful for longer, without constant upkeep.

Outdoor chairs and coffee table on grass

Why Aluminium Wins at the Coast

Rustproof and Corrosion-Resistant

Aluminium naturally resists rust, making it ideal for salty air environments. Fermob takes this further with a high-performance powder coat treatment that’s tested for long-term durability in all climates — including coastal ones.

Lightweight Yet Strong

One of aluminium’s great strengths is its weight-to-strength ratio. Fermob furniture is easy to move when you want to follow the sun, rearrange for a gathering, or store during a storm — yet sturdy enough to stay put when you need it to.

Low Maintenance

Unlike hardwoods, aluminium doesn’t need seasonal sealing or oiling. A quick wash with mild soapy water is all that’s needed to keep it looking fresh year after year.

Fermob Bellevie modular outdoor lounge
Fermob Bellevie sofa armchair sitting on a sand dune at beach

Fermob’s Extra Durability Features

Aluminium is just the starting point. Fermob’s unique powder coating ensures:

Superior UV resistance: colours stay vibrant in New Zealand’s intense sun.

Extra protection against scratches and fading: keeping your furniture looking beautiful for longer.

A silky-smooth finish: In a palette of 25 distinctive colours.

Many designs also incorporate outdoor technical fabric - breathable, quick-drying, and resistant to both UV and moisture - perfect for loungers, armchairs and dining chairs alike.

Fermob Luxembourg dining setting on deck
Fermob Sixties Occasional Outdoor Chairs in Cactus
Fermob Alize sunlounger on the beach in the sun

Style for Every Coastal Space

Whether your home is perched above the sea or just a short stroll from the sand, Fermob aluminium furniture comes in styles to suit every space.

Our Coastal Outdoor Furniture collection includes:

Ribambelle: sleek, extendable dining tables for gathering a crowd.

Cadiz: refined, lightweight dining chairs and armchairs with technical fabric for breathable comfort.

Sixties: retro-inspired armchairs with an airy weave, perfect for relaxed lounging.

Luxembourg: iconic garden furniture with sculptural lines and timeless appeal.

Bellevie: modular lounge systems that can be configured to suit any deck or patio.

Alize: adjustable sunloungers designed for all-day comfort.

All are crafted to handle the demands of the coast while bringing colour, character, and French design flair to your outdoor living.

Furniture That Loves the Coast as Much as You Do

Coastal living is a dream worth protecting - and the right furniture means you can enjoy it without worrying about wear and tear. Fermob’s aluminium collections are proof that durability and design can live side by side, even in New Zealand’s toughest outdoor environments.

That way, your mornings, afternoons and long summer evenings by the coast can be all about living - not maintaining.

Discover our full Coastal Collection — curated for homes where the sea is part of the view, and outdoor living is a way of life.