The 10 Best Hedge Trimmers in NZ

The best hedge trimmer in NZ overall is the Givilo 22in Cordless Hedge Trimmer, a bare tool that runs on Milwaukee M18 packs and drives a 22.4 inch dual-action blade at 2000 RPM through stems up to about 17mm. Buying bare only makes sense if those batteries are already in the shed, which is worth weighing against a corded model for the long boundary hedges and shelter belts that come with a Kiwi section.

A hedge trimmer takes the effort out of keeping boundary hedges, shrubs and topiary neat, and the right one depends on the size of the job as much as the brand on the box.

We’ve compared 10 hedge trimmers available in New Zealand, from compact battery-included starter shears to long-reach pole trimmers and heavy-duty bare tools, so you can match blade length, power source and reach to your own garden.

Comparison Table

Product	Best For	Key Specs
Givilo 22in Cordless Hedge Trimmer for Milwaukee M18 Battery (Bare Tool)	Best Overall	Blade length: 22.4in | Power: Milwaukee M18 battery compatible (sold separately) | Cutting capacity: 2/3in | Weight: approx. 2.27kg | Speed: 2000 RPM
BLACK+DECKER BEHT201-GB Corded Hedge Trimmer, 45cm	Best Corded Electric	Blade length: 45cm | Power: 420W corded electric, 240V | Cut capacity: 16mm | Weight: 1.92kg
Shearly 2-in-1 Cordless Hedge Trimmer & Grass Shear, 7.2V with 1.5Ah Battery	Best Ready-to-Use Starter Kit	Blade length: 30cm | Power: 7.2V, 1.5Ah battery included | Cutting width: 59mm | Weight: approx. 0.5kg
Ecarke Pole Hedge Trimmer for Milwaukee 18V, 9ft Telescopic Pole (Tool Only)	Best Long-Reach/Pole	Blade length: 22in | Power: Milwaukee 18V battery compatible (sold separately) | Reach: 5ft to 9ft telescopic pole | Weight: 8lbs (bare tool) | Speed: 1400 SPM
IEBUDA 22in Cordless Hedge Trimmer for DeWalt 20V Battery	Best Heavy-Duty/Wide-Blade	Blade length: 22in | Power: DeWalt 20V MAX battery compatible (sold separately) | Speed: 1600 RPM | Weight: 5.5lbs
WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Hedge Trimmer & Grass Shear, 3.6V 2000mAh	Best Budget Pick	Blade length: hedge cutting length 118mm | Power: 3.6V, 2000mAh battery included | Cutting thickness: 7.8mm | Weight: 370g | Runtime: approx. 40 minutes
Bosch ISIO 3 Cordless Compact Shrub Shear, 3.6V	Best Lightweight	Blade: 120mm shrub blade | Power: 3.6V integrated battery | Runtime: up to 50 minutes | Weight: 1.04kg
Bosch EasyShear Cordless Compact Hedge & Grass Shear, 3.6V	Best for Small Gardens	Blades: 120mm shrub + 80mm grass | Power: 3.6V integrated battery, micro-USB charging | Runtime: approx. 40 minutes | Weight: 0.53kg
Bosch AdvancedShear 18V-10 Cordless Grass & Shrub Shear Kit	Best Premium Brand	Blades: 200mm shrub + 100mm grass | Power: 18V, 2.0Ah battery and charger included | Coverage: up to 85sqm per charge | Weight: 2.45kg
USOR 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear & Shrub Trimmer, Dual Battery	Best Battery Life	Power: 2 x rechargeable batteries and charger included | Cutting head: 3-angle adjustable (15/30/45 degrees) | Weight: 2kg

1. Givilo 22in Cordless Hedge Trimmer for Milwaukee M18 Battery (Bare Tool)

This bare-tool hedge trimmer is built to run on Milwaukee M18 battery packs, so anyone already invested in that battery ecosystem can put it to work without buying another charger. The 22.4 inch dual-action blade is driven by a 1100W brushless motor spinning at 2000 RPM, giving it enough bite for overgrown shrubs and thicker stems up to about 17mm.

At roughly 2.3kg it stays manageable for one-handed overhead work, helped by a 180 degree rotating handle that switches between horizontal and vertical cutting without repositioning the whole tool. A built-in oil reservoir auto-lubricates the blade during use, which is a nice touch that most trimmers in this price bracket skip.

Reviewers rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 123 ratings, a solid base for a newer third-party brand. It is backed by an 18 month warranty and dual safety switches that require both hands before the blade will engage.

The obvious catch is that it ships as a bare tool, so buyers need an existing Milwaukee 18V battery and charger to use it out of the box. It is also a generic aftermarket brand rather than Milwaukee itself, so quality control sits with a smaller manufacturer.

Pros

• Powerful 1100W brushless motor with 2000 RPM dual-action cutting
• Lightweight at around 2.3kg with a 180 degree rotating handle
• Auto blade lubrication reservoir reduces maintenance
• Strong 4.4 star rating across 123 reviews

Cons

• Battery and charger not included, requires existing Milwaukee M18 packs
• Third-party brand, not genuine Milwaukee
• Oil reservoir needs manual topping up before sessions

Key specs: Blade length: 22.4in | Power: Milwaukee M18 battery compatible (sold separately) | Cutting capacity: 2/3in | Weight: approx. 2.27kg | Speed: 2000 RPM

2. BLACK+DECKER BEHT201-GB Corded Hedge Trimmer, 45cm

For gardeners who would rather not think about battery charge levels, this Black and Decker corded model plugs straight into the mains and keeps cutting for as long as needed. A 420W motor drives 45cm dual action asymmetric steel blades, with a 16mm maximum cut capacity that handles most everyday hedge growth.

It is a genuinely popular listing, sitting on a 4.5 star average from more than 1,260 ratings, which gives it one of the strongest review track records of any hedge trimmer checked for this guide. The bale handle design adds a second grip point up front, useful for keeping the tool steady along long runs of hedge.

At 1.92kg it is light enough for extended sessions, and the lack of a battery means there is no capacity to worry about degrading over time. It runs on 240V mains power, matching the electricity supply used across New Zealand homes.

The trade-off with any corded trimmer is the cord itself. Buyers will need a suitable outdoor extension lead and will need to manage cable placement carefully around the blades while working.

Pros

• Excellent review history, 4.5 stars from over 1,260 ratings
• No battery to charge or degrade over time
• Lightweight at 1.92kg for a corded design
• Dual action asymmetric blades for cleaner cuts

Cons

• Corded design limits reach to length of extension cord
• 16mm cut capacity is modest for thicker woody stems
• Cable management needed to keep the cord clear of the blade

Key specs: Blade length: 45cm | Power: 420W corded electric, 240V | Cut capacity: 16mm | Weight: 1.92kg

3. Shearly 2-in-1 Cordless Hedge Trimmer & Grass Shear, 7.2V with 1.5Ah Battery

This small handheld unit comes complete with its own 1.5Ah battery, so it is genuinely ready to use straight out of the box rather than requiring buyers to already own a compatible battery platform. It ships with two interchangeable blades, a grass cutting blade and a dedicated hedge trimmer blade, swapped over without any tools.

The 30cm blade and 59mm cutting width suit borders, small shrubs and light topiary work rather than large established hedges. A safety lock switch sits at the top of the handle, which the listing notes is easier to operate one-handed than the side-mounted buttons found on some competitors.

It currently holds a 4.1 star rating, though from a small pool of only 15 reviews, so the track record is thinner than some of the bigger sellers in this guide. Its compact size and light weight make it a reasonable pick for anyone wanting a simple, low-commitment starter tool.

Given the small battery and blade size, it is not intended for anything beyond light maintenance trimming, and buyers with larger hedges will outgrow it quickly.

Pros

• Complete ready-to-use kit with battery included
• Two interchangeable blades for grass and hedge trimming
• Very lightweight and easy for one-handed use
• Top-mounted safety lock is easy to reach

Cons

• Small 1.5Ah battery limits runtime
• Only 15 reviews so far, limited track record
• Best suited to light trimming, not large or thick hedges

Key specs: Blade length: 30cm | Power: 7.2V, 1.5Ah battery included | Cutting width: 59mm | Weight: approx. 0.5kg

4. Ecarke Pole Hedge Trimmer for Milwaukee 18V, 9ft Telescopic Pole (Tool Only)

For hedges and shrubs that are too tall to reach safely from the ground, this pole trimmer extends its aluminium pole across three stages for up to 9 feet of total reach, removing the need for a ladder. The 22 inch dual-action blade runs at 1400 strokes per minute and can cut branches up to about 17mm thick.

A 135 degree lockable rotating head allows the cutting head to sit flat for tops or angled for sides, which is genuinely useful when working around tall boundary hedges. At around 3.6kg as a bare tool it stays lighter than most OEM branded pole trimmers, and a padded shoulder strap helps distribute the weight during longer sessions overhead.

It runs on Milwaukee 18V batteries, which are sold separately, so existing Milwaukee tool owners get the most value here. Dual safety triggers and overload or low voltage protection are built in, and the listing includes a 2 year manufacturer warranty.

The main caveat is that it is a very new listing, currently sitting on only 3 customer reviews, so there is limited independent feedback to judge long-term reliability against.

Pros

• 9 foot telescopic reach removes the need for a ladder
• 135 degree rotating head for angled and overhead cuts
• Relatively light at 8lbs for a pole trimmer
• 2 year manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Only 3 reviews so far, very limited track record
• Bare tool, requires an existing Milwaukee 18V battery
• Full pole extension takes some getting used to for balance

Key specs: Blade length: 22in | Power: Milwaukee 18V battery compatible (sold separately) | Reach: 5ft to 9ft telescopic pole | Weight: 8lbs (bare tool) | Speed: 1400 SPM

5. IEBUDA 22in Cordless Hedge Trimmer for DeWalt 20V Battery

This trimmer pairs a 22 inch hardened steel blade with a cutting capacity of around 15mm, aimed squarely at thicker, more established hedge growth rather than light shaping. A high-speed copper motor spins the dual-action blade up to 1600 RPM, and it is designed to run on DeWalt 20V MAX battery packs across a wide range of DeWalt battery model numbers.

A 180 degree rotating handle allows the head to swing for both horizontal and vertical cuts without repositioning the whole body, and dual safety switches on the main and secondary handles stop the blade the instant either is released. At 5.5lbs it stays reasonably manageable for a wide-blade trimmer of this size.

As a bare tool it does not include a battery or charger, so it makes most sense for households that already run DeWalt 20V cordless gear. It is manufactured by a smaller third-party brand rather than DeWalt itself.

The rating history is thin at this stage, sitting at 3.8 stars from just 4 reviews, so buyers should treat it as a promising but unproven option compared with the more established picks in this guide.

Pros

• Wide 22 inch hardened steel blade for heavier hedge growth
• 1600 RPM motor with dual safety switch design
• 180 degree rotating handle for horizontal and vertical cuts
• Compatible across a broad range of DeWalt 20V battery models

Cons

• Very small review base so far, only 4 ratings at 3.8 stars
• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately
• Generic third-party brand rather than DeWalt

Key specs: Blade length: 22in | Power: DeWalt 20V MAX battery compatible (sold separately) | Speed: 1600 RPM | Weight: 5.5lbs

6. WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Hedge Trimmer & Grass Shear, 3.6V 2000mAh

WORKPRO’s 2-in-1 trimmer swaps between a hedge trimmer blade and a grass shear blade with a simple button push, no separate tools required. On the hedge setting it manages a cutting length of 118mm and cutting thickness of 7.8mm, while the grass shear blade covers a 75mm width for edging work.

A 3.6V, 2000mAh lithium-ion battery powers the motor to 1100rpm with roughly 40 minutes of no-load runtime per charge, and takes 2 to 3 hours to recharge. At only 370g without blades fitted, it is one of the lightest tools in this guide, with a top-mounted safety lock designed for easier one-handed use.

It has built up a strong track record for a budget tool, holding a 4.4 star rating from 722 reviews, which suggests it holds up well for the light-duty jobs it is designed for. The steel blades on both attachments are aimed at long-term durability despite the low price.

Its small scale is the obvious limitation. This is a tool for borders, small shrubs and general tidying rather than anything with thick or overgrown branches, and the battery is fixed rather than swappable.

Pros

• Very strong 4.4 star rating from 722 reviews
• Two interchangeable blades in one affordable kit
• Extremely lightweight at 370g
• Simple one-handed safety lock design

Cons

• Small scale, suited to light trimming rather than thick hedges
• Modest 40 minute runtime per charge
• Battery is built in rather than swappable

Key specs: Blade length: hedge cutting length 118mm | Power: 3.6V, 2000mAh battery included | Cutting thickness: 7.8mm | Weight: 370g | Runtime: approx. 40 minutes

7. Bosch ISIO 3 Cordless Compact Shrub Shear, 3.6V

Bosch’s ISIO 3 is a compact, single-handed shrub shear designed and made in Europe, aimed at shaping bushes and shrubs rather than tackling a full boundary hedge. It comes with a 120mm shrub blade fitted, along with a charger and soft storage case, and its Anti-Blocking System is designed to keep cutting smoothly through denser growth without jamming.

The integrated 3.6V battery is rated for up to 50 minutes of runtime per charge, among the longer figures in this compact class. At just over 1kg it stays easy to control one-handed for extended shaping sessions.

Bosch’s Multi-Click attachment system means the ISIO 3 body can also accept other compatible tool heads sold separately, adding some flexibility beyond hedge and shrub work. It holds a 4.1 star rating from 28 reviews.

Because the battery is integrated rather than removable, runtime cannot be extended with a spare pack, and the compact blade size keeps it firmly in the shrub and light hedge category rather than anything larger.

Pros

• Genuine Bosch build quality, made in Europe
• 50 minute runtime, longer than many compact shears
• Anti-Blocking System for smoother cuts
• Multi-Click system allows other attachments

Cons

• Integrated battery cannot be swapped for a spare
• 120mm blade suits shrubs and small hedges only
• Smaller review base than Bosch’s mainstream kits

Key specs: Blade: 120mm shrub blade | Power: 3.6V integrated battery | Runtime: up to 50 minutes | Weight: 1.04kg

8. Bosch EasyShear Cordless Compact Hedge & Grass Shear, 3.6V

The EasyShear is Bosch’s entry-level compact shear, aimed at smaller courtyards and townhouse gardens rather than long hedge runs. It comes with both a 120mm shrub blade and an 80mm grass blade in the box, switching between the two without any tools.

At only 0.53kg it is one of the lightest tools in this guide, small enough to store in a drawer rather than a shed. The integrated 3.6V battery is rated for around 40 minutes of runtime and recharges through an included micro-USB cable, which is convenient for topping up indoors.

It carries a 4.1 star rating from 48 reviews, a reasonable result for a compact entry-level tool, and benefits from Bosch’s Swiss-made precision blades and general build quality despite its small size.

The trade-off for the compact form factor is limited cutting capacity. It is intended for shaping shrubs, small hedges and grass edges in a small garden, not for maintaining a long or established boundary hedge.

Pros

• Comes with both shrub and grass blades included
• Extremely light and compact at 0.53kg
• Convenient micro-USB charging
• Genuine Bosch build quality at an accessible price

Cons

• Integrated battery only, no swap option
• 40 minute runtime is on the shorter side
• Blade sizes limit it to small gardens, not large hedges

Key specs: Blades: 120mm shrub + 80mm grass | Power: 3.6V integrated battery, micro-USB charging | Runtime: approx. 40 minutes | Weight: 0.53kg

9. Bosch AdvancedShear 18V-10 Cordless Grass & Shrub Shear Kit

Sitting a step up from Bosch’s entry-level shears, the AdvancedShear 18V-10 runs on Bosch’s 18V Home & Garden battery platform, meaning the same 2.0Ah battery and charger included in the box can also power other tools in that system. It ships with a 100mm grass blade and a 200mm shrub blade, swapped via Bosch’s Multi-Click system, and is rated to cover up to 85 square metres per battery charge.

Bosch’s patented Anti-Blocking System is designed to stop the blade jamming on thicker stems, and the dual-action blades are Swiss-made for precision cutting. At 2.45kg it is noticeably more substantial than Bosch’s compact ISIO 3 or EasyShear, reflecting its larger blades and full-size 18V battery.

It is comfortably the most reviewed product in this guide, holding a 4.4 star rating from over 1,000 ratings, a strong signal of consistent real-world performance. Bosch also backs it with a 2 year warranty, extendable to 3 years with online registration.

It sits at a premium price point for a shear-style tool, and the 200mm shrub blade, while larger than Bosch’s compact models, is still modest next to a dedicated full-size hedge trimmer for very large or thick hedges.

Pros

• Excellent track record, 4.4 stars from over 1,000 reviews
• 18V battery shared across the wider Bosch Home & Garden range
• Anti-Blocking System and Swiss-made dual-action blades
• 2 year warranty, extendable to 3 years

Cons

• Premium price for a shear-style tool
• 200mm shrub blade still limited next to full-size hedge trimmers
• Heavier than Bosch’s compact ISIO 3 and EasyShear models

Key specs: Blades: 200mm shrub + 100mm grass | Power: 18V, 2.0Ah battery and charger included | Coverage: up to 85sqm per charge | Weight: 2.45kg

10. USOR 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear & Shrub Trimmer, Dual Battery

USOR’s 2-in-1 trimmer stands out for shipping with two rechargeable batteries rather than the usual single pack, so gardeners can keep working through a battery swap instead of waiting for a recharge. It is built around double-edged steel blades for hedge trimming, with a separate mode for grass edging.

A 3-angle adjustable head, at 15, 30 and 45 degrees, lets the tool reach under low branches or along fence lines without awkward wrist positioning, and a non-slip ergonomic grip with small skate wheels is designed to reduce fatigue during edging work. At 2kg it sits in the middle of the weight range for this style of tool.

It currently holds a strong 4.5 star rating, though from a small base of only 10 reviews, so it is worth treating the rating as an early positive sign rather than a large-scale consensus. The kit arrives complete with both batteries and charger, ready to use.

Being a smaller, lesser-known brand with limited reviews means buyers are taking a bit more of a chance on long-term reliability compared with the established Bosch and Black and Decker options in this guide.

Pros

• Ships with two rechargeable batteries for extended sessions
• Adjustable 3-angle head for awkward cutting positions
• Comfortable ergonomic grip with skate wheels for edging
• Strong early rating of 4.5 stars

Cons

• Only 10 reviews so far, limited independent feedback
• Lesser-known brand compared with major manufacturers
• 2kg weight is heavier than the lightest compact shears in this guide

Key specs: Power: 2 x rechargeable batteries and charger included | Cutting head: 3-angle adjustable (15/30/45 degrees) | Weight: 2kg

How to Choose a Hedge Trimmer

Blade length

Shorter blades around 40-45cm suit small to medium hedges and offer better control in tight spaces, while longer blades of 55cm or more cover ground faster on long boundary runs but are heavier and less manoeuvrable.

Corded vs cordless

Cordless trimmers give freedom of movement anywhere on the property, limited only by battery charge. Corded electric trimmers run continuously without recharging but are restricted by extension cord length.

Battery platform

Several trimmers here are bare tools built for Milwaukee or DeWalt 18V/20V batteries, which is genuine value if you already own that brand’s packs, but adds real cost if you’re starting from scratch. Kits that include a battery and charger are simplest for a first purchase.

Reach and tall hedges

A pole hedge trimmer is worth considering for tall hedges or anywhere a ladder would otherwise be needed. For hedges under about head height, a standard handheld trimmer is usually easier to control.

If you maintain the whole section, the guides to pruning saws, battery lawn mowers and electric lawn mowers cover the other jobs.

Verdict

The Givilo 22in trimmer is our overall pick, pairing genuine cutting power with a lightweight body for anyone already on the Milwaukee M18 platform. Buyers who’d rather not think about batteries at all should look at the Black+Decker corded model, with its outstanding 4.5-star track record, while the WORKPRO 2-in-1 is the easy choice for small gardens on a budget. For tall hedges out of easy reach, the Ecarke pole trimmer removes the need for a ladder. Match the reach, blade size and battery platform to your own hedge rather than chasing the highest spec on the page.

Frequently Asked Questions