New Zealand's weather is known for keeping us on our toes. One day you're enjoying a calm evening outdoors, and the next you're dealing with heavy rain, strong winds, or salty coastal air. It's no surprise that one of the most common questions we hear is:
Can you leave your fire pit outside all year round?
The good news is, yes, Wizard Fire Pits are designed for outdoor living. However, like any premium outdoor product, a little care goes a long way in keeping it looking great and performing at its best for years to come.
Built for New Zealand Conditions
Wizard Fire Pits are made using high-quality materials chosen for durability and outdoor use.
Our Silver Fire Pits are crafted from Grade 304 stainless steel, a material well known for its excellent rust resistance while remaining lightweight and strong.
Our Black Wizard Fire Pit combines multiple layers of metal, including stainless steel and a high-temperature coated outer layer, creating a finish that's designed to withstand regular use while maintaining its sleek appearance.
So, Can You Leave It Outside?
Absolutely, but we recommend keeping it protected whenever it's not in use.
Even premium stainless steel isn't immune to the harsh conditions found in some parts of New Zealand. Rain, moisture, UV exposure, and especially salty coastal air can gradually affect any outdoor metal product over time.
Using a Weatherproof Fire Pit Cover is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment. It helps shield your fire pit from the elements, keeping it cleaner and helping preserve its appearance between fires.
If you live close to the ocean, using a cover becomes even more important. Salt carried in the air is naturally corrosive, so covering your fire pit when it's not being used will help extend its lifespan.
Don't Worry About Heat Marks
After a few fires, you may notice the stainless steel around the top of the fire pit changing colour. This is completely normal.
High temperatures naturally create golden, bronze, or blue heat colouring on stainless steel. It doesn't affect the strength or performance of the fire pit, it's simply a sign that it's being enjoyed.
If you'd like to freshen up the exterior of a silver fire pit, a product like Bar Keepers Friend can help remove stains, although some heat colouring will naturally remain over time.
Similarly, if you notice changes on the inside of the fire pit, there's no need for concern. The intense heat removes the protective oxide layer inside the burn chamber, making surface changes completely expected during normal use.
Choosing the Right Firewood Makes a Difference
The fuel you burn plays a huge role in how your fire pit performs.
For the cleanest, hottest burn, we recommend using dry hardwoods such as Manuka, Kanuka, Oak, Applewood, or Macrocarpa. Hardwood compressed wood pellets also work well.
Pine is best avoided as your main fuel because its high resin content creates excess smoke and black soot. Likewise, driftwood should never be burned, as the salt it contains can damage the metal over time.
Keeping the airflow lever fully open while the fire is getting established also helps create the efficient, low-smoke burn that Wizard Fire Pits are known for.
Where Does the Heat Go?
A common misconception is that the sides become extremely hot.
In reality, most of the heat is directed upward through the top opening. This is part of the Wizard Fire Pit's efficient design, helping create a hotter, cleaner burn. If you'd like to direct more warmth toward people sitting around the fire, the optional Heat Deflector accessory is a great addition for cooler evenings.
Safe Setup Matters
Wizard Fire Pits can be used on timber decks when paired with a Heatproof Mat, adding an extra layer of protection beneath the fire pit.
It's also important to ensure there's plenty of open space above and around the fire pit for safe operation. Always use your fire pit in a well-ventilated outdoor area and never leave it unattended while burning.
Before lighting your fire, it's also worth checking your local council's fire restrictions. Rules vary throughout New Zealand depending on the season and region, so visiting Check It's Alright is a quick and easy way to confirm whether fires are currently permitted in your area.
A Fire Pit That's Ready for Every Season
Whether it's a cool autumn evening, a crisp winter night, or one of those unexpectedly chilly summer evenings, your Wizard Fire Pit is built to help you enjoy the outdoors year-round.
With the right firewood, a little routine care, and a Weatherproof Cover when it's not in use, you'll keep your fire pit looking fantastic and ready whenever it's time to gather friends and family around the fire.
After all, great outdoor moments shouldn't be limited by the weather, they should simply be enjoyed.
