Catherine the panel blinds could be your solution. They are available in sheers, patterned, mixed etc and operate on a track system. It's an update of the verticals that a lot of homes have. If you have Ikea in NZ you could sus them out there.

Oh, and a few months ago, I was playing around. This is what came as the result :D

Thank you everyone for your ideas. We are about to paint the walls an off white - double merino, and thought we might paint the doors and pelmets the same and now after reading your comments I think we will leave the timber beams and paint the ceiling between them the same as the walls, and will consider the bar supports too. What do people think about painting ceilings, doors and walls the same colour?

Hi Chris, Is there a reason you need a sliding gate as opposed to swing/standard gates? We could make you this sliding gate in a wooden design to match your fence type, or another set of wooden gates to your bespoke requirements. Our Website is http://www.portcullis-gates.co.uk where you might find some design ideas to help get you started, or we have some idea & project books on our Houzz page. Please don't hesitate to get in contact if you would like us to do a site visit, and put some designs together for you. Good Luck with all your projects, Best Wishes, Portcullis