Freezing winter nights are again upon us, calling for the best firewood types to be burned for much-needed warmth. A crackling fire pit is a winter essential, with the smooth glow and warmth that can turn an ordinary evening into something special. Choosing the perfect firewood in New Zealand for this occasion is critical, something that doesn’t blow tons of smoke in your eyes when you are about to ignite it.
All firewood is not created equal, that’s why we have prepared this guide to tell you which are the best. Keep reading if you want to impress your guests with a warm and gentle glow all night long.
The Best Firewood Types for Your Fire Pit In New Zealand
Winter temperatures in New Zealand can drop as low as -10°c, meaning you need high-quality firewood for outdoor activities. Let's discuss them in details below:
1. Manuka
Manuka is one of New Zealand’s most popular firewood choices, prized for its high density and long burn time. It produces excellent heat output, making it perfect for warming up on those cold nights. Another bonus? Manuka wood emits minimal smoke and produces a subtle, sweet aroma as it burns, making it ideal for both warmth and ambience.
Manuka is also a top choice for cooking on your fire pit, as its mild fragrance can enhance the flavour of grilled or smoked food.
2. Kanuka
Closely related to Manuka, Kanuka is another great firewood option. It burns cleanly, produces good heat, and has a slower burn time compared to softer woods. Kanuka is perfect for creating a steady fire that lasts all evening, whether you’re hosting guests or relaxing solo.
While Kanuka doesn’t have as strong an aroma as Manuka, it’s still a reliable choice for New Zealand winters and is widely available in many regions.
3. Totara
Totara is a durable and dense hardwood that burns steadily with minimal smoke. It’s excellent for long-lasting fires, making it ideal for social evenings or camping trips. Totara is easy to split and, when seasoned well, provides consistent heat output.
Its smooth, crackling flames create the perfect backdrop for cosy outdoor gatherings.
4. Black Beech
Native to New Zealand, Black Beech is a high-density hardwood that provides a consistent, long-lasting burn. It produces a pleasant, nutty aroma when burning and emits plenty of heat, making it one of the most popular options for winter nights.
To get the best results from Black Beech, ensure it is properly seasoned, as it tends to hold moisture. Seasoned Black Beech will burn cleanly with minimal sparks, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5. Macrocarpa
Macrocarpa is another fantastic choice for fire pits in New Zealand. It burns hot and clean, making it a practical and affordable option for many households. The wood gives off a light, pleasant aroma when burned, adding to the overall ambience of your outdoor setting.
One of the advantages of Macrocarpa is its availability and ease of splitting, making it a convenient choice for many Kiwi homes.
Conclusion
There is a huge variety of woods and choosing the best firewood types can be a tricky thing. Just make sure you pick something that fits your budget and produces a pleasant aroma while warming up your surroundings. What's really crucial here is to use a reliable and quality fire pit from a brand like Wizard Fire Pits.
We produce the highest quality stainless steel pits with a unique airflow system that helps you avoid the mess created by traditional fire pits. Whether setting up a fire in your backyard or on a camping trip, get your fire pits from Wizard Fire Pits.
