- Every model we sell is wire-free. No boundary wire to lay or dig up.
- Start with your lawn size. Use the Quick Finder table below, and step up a size if you’re close to the limit.
- Then check your slopes and shade. Steep sections need a 4WD model; lots of trees suit models with LiDAR.
- Not sure? Take our 60-second mower finder quiz or call us on 03 474 5533.
Choosing a robot lawn mower comes down to three things: how big your lawn is, how steep it is, and how much shade and tree cover you have. Get those right and a robot mower will keep your lawn looking freshly cut all season while you get your weekends back.
Every model in this guide is wire-free, so there’s no boundary wire to lay around your garden. You map the lawn in an app and the mower takes it from there.
Step 1: Measure your lawn
Every robot mower has a maximum lawn area, measured in square metres (m²).
- Measure the length and width of each lawn area and multiply them together.
- Add all the areas together if you want one mower to do the front and back.
- If your total is close to the top of a model’s range, or your lawn has lots of garden beds, trees or slopes, step up to the next size. It will finish faster and work less hard.
Quick Finder: which mower for your lawn size?
| Lawn size | Recommended models |
|---|---|
| Up to 600 m² | Navimow i206 AWD |
| Up to 900 m² | Anthbot Genie 600E |
| Up to 1,000 m² | Navimow i210 AWD |
| Up to 1,500 m² | Navimow H215, Navimow X315 |
| Up to 3,000 m² | Navimow H230, X330, X430 |
| Up to 3,600 m² | Anthbot Genie 3000 |
| Up to 5,000 m² | Navimow X350, X450 |
| Up to 10,000 m² | Navimow X390 (or X390 Twin Pack with garages) |
| Up to 12,000 m² | Navimow Terranox CM120M1 (commercial) |
| Up to 24,000 m² | Navimow Terranox CM240M1 (commercial) |
Step 2: Match the mower to your garden
Slopes
New Zealand sections can be steep. Check the steepest part of your lawn, not the average, and pick a mower rated for it.
| Maximum slope | Models |
|---|---|
| 40° (84%) | Navimow X430, X450 and Terranox (four-wheel drive) |
| 27° (50%) | Navimow X3 Series: X315, X330, X350, X390 |
| 24° | Navimow i Series, H Series and the Anthbot Genie range |
Trees and shade
Wire-free mowers use satellite positioning (RTK), which works best with a clear view of the sky. If your lawn has lots of trees, tall hedges or buildings close by, choose a model that adds other sensors. The Navimow H Series combines LiDAR with RTK and AI vision, so it stays accurate under trees and can even mow at night.
Large properties and lifestyle blocks
For big lawns, the Navimow X3 Series covers up to 10,000 m². The X4 Series adds four-wheel drive for big and steep properties.
Commercial grounds
Schools, councils, sports fields and commercial sites should look at Navimow Terranox, built for commercial use with fleet management.
Theft protection, noise and budget
- Security: look for PIN locks, alarms and location tracking. The Anthbot Genie 3000 includes 4G connectivity and an anti-theft alarm.
- Noise: robot mowers are far quieter than petrol mowers, so they can run without bothering the neighbours.
- Entry level: for smaller lawns, the Navimow i Series and Anthbot Genie 600E are great starting points.
The ranges at a glance
| Range | Best for | Key features | Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navimow i Series | Small to medium lawns | All-wheel drive, VisionFence AI obstacle avoidance, 24° slopes | i206 AWD, i210 AWD |
| Navimow H Series | Lawns with trees and shade | LiDAR plus RTK and AI vision; precise under trees and at night | H215, H230 |
| Navimow X3 Series | Large lawns | Built on the X315 platform; models differ by battery and coverage | X315, X330, X350, X390 |
| Navimow X4 Series | Large and steep sections | Four-wheel drive, dual suspension, 43 cm dual-disc cutting, 360° AI vision | X430, X450 |
| Navimow Terranox | Commercial grounds | Four-wheel drive, dual cutting decks, 360° vision, NavimowFleet™ management | CM120M1, CM240M1 |
| Anthbot Genie Series | Value with smart features | Wire-free RTK with four AI cameras | Genie 600E (up to 900 m²), Genie 3000 (up to 3,600 m², 30 zones, 4G, anti-theft alarm) |
Shop robotic mowers
Tap any model for full specs, current pricing and stock.
Still deciding? Our mower finder quiz asks a few quick questions and recommends the right model for your section.
Do I need a garage?
A garage is optional, but it shields your mower from sun, rain and falling leaves, keeps the charging station tidy and helps it last longer. Matching garages include:
- Garage S for the Navimow i Series
- Garage X for the Navimow X4 Series and Terranox
- Anthbot Garage for the Anthbot Genie Series
Check each mower’s product page for the right garage, or ask us.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to lay a boundary wire?
No. Every model in this guide is wire-free. You set up the lawn boundary in the app instead.
What size mower do I need?
Measure your lawn in square metres and use the Quick Finder table. If you’re near the top of a model’s range, or have lots of obstacles or slopes, step up to the next size.
How steep a slope can a robot mower handle?
It depends on the model. The Navimow X430, X450 and Terranox handle up to 40°, the X3 Series up to 27°, and the i Series, H Series and Anthbot Genie range up to 24°.
Will it work under trees?
Heavy tree cover can affect satellite positioning. The Navimow H Series adds LiDAR to RTK and AI vision, making it the best choice for lawns with lots of trees and shade.
What’s the difference between RTK, LiDAR and vision?
RTK uses satellite positioning with a reference antenna for centimetre-level accuracy. LiDAR uses laser scanning to map surroundings, which helps under trees and in low light. AI vision uses cameras to recognise lawn edges and obstacles.
Will it avoid toys, pets and other obstacles?
Models with AI vision recognise and steer around many obstacles. It’s still best to clear the lawn of toys and tools before mowing, and to mow when pets and children aren’t on the lawn.
Can it mow in the rain?
Robot mowers are built to live outdoors, and most can pause or reschedule during heavy rain. A garage adds extra protection from the weather.
What about theft?
Look for PIN locks, alarms and location tracking. A PIN-locked mower is far less useful to a thief, which makes it a much less tempting target.
Which mower is right for commercial grounds?
The Navimow Terranox range is built for commercial use, covering up to 24,000 m² with fleet management for multiple machines.
Is the model I want in stock?
Some models are on pre-order or backorder. Each product page shows current stock and pricing, or call us and we’ll check for you.
Get expert help before you buy
Every section is different. Tell us your lawn size, slopes, trees and access, and we’ll recommend the right mower. Call 03 474 5533, chat with us online, or visit any of our 8 stores.
Written by the VacDirect team. We sell, service and repair vacuums, floor cleaners and robotic mowers from 8 stores across New Zealand, so our advice comes from what we see in the workshop every day.
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