Camping in New Zealand is one of the best ways to connect with nature, but it also comes with the responsibility of protecting the land and wildlife. A fire pit can make your outdoor experience warmer, safer, and more enjoyable if used correctly. This guide will show you how to camp responsibly with a fire pit while keeping New Zealand’s environment and animals safe.
1. Choose a Smokeless Fire Pit
Wizard Fire Pits use secondary combustion to reduce smoke, giving you a cleaner and more efficient burn. Less smoke means clearer air for you and less disturbance for local wildlife. It also makes your campsite more pleasant for everyone around.
2. Use a Weatherproof Cover to Protect Wildlife
A weatherproof cover is essential when your fire pit is not in use. Not only does it protect your fire pit from rain and debris, but it also keeps curious wildlife such as insects or small rodents from crawling inside. Covering your fire pit ensures it stays safe, clean, and ready to use for your next camping trip.
- Protect the Ground and Campsite
Modern fire pits often have foldable legs or raised stands to keep the fire off the ground. This protects grass, soil, and delicate environments from heat damage. When camping on sensitive terrain, it’s best to use a heatproof mat under the fire pit to further minimise your impact and ensure the ground stays unharmed.
4. Burn the Right Wood
Use dry, seasoned hardwoods such as manuka, gum, oak, or macrocarpa. These woods burn hotter, longer, and cleaner, perfect for smokeless fire pits. Avoid using green wood or wet branches, which produce excess smoke and can harm both the fire pit and the environment.
5. Follow Fire Safety Practices
Wildlife safety starts with fire safety. Always:
- Keep your fire pit attended while burning.
- Allow ashes to cool completely before covering or packing away.
- Check for local fire restrictions before lighting up, especially in dry seasons.
⚠️ Important Note:
Each region and local council in New Zealand has different rules about open fires, braziers, and where you can use them, whether in public places or even at home.
Before setting up your fire pit, check with your local council or use the official tool at checkitsalright.nz to make sure it’s permitted in your area.
These steps protect you, your campsite, and nearby wildlife.
6. Leave No Trace
Camping responsibly means leaving your campsite as you found it or better. Smokeless fire pits make this easy: they use less wood, leave minimal ash, and create no lingering smoke. Once cooled, ashes can be disposed of safely, helping to preserve New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes.
Conclusion
Camping in New Zealand is about enjoying nature while respecting it. With a smokeless fire pit, a protective cover, the right wood, and safe practices, you can enjoy the magic of a campfire while keeping wildlife and the environment safe. A responsible camper leaves only memories behind, never damage.
