Firewood Isn’t Just for Winter: How to Make the Most of Summer Firepits & BBQs
- The Firewood Company
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Summer in New Zealand means long evenings, outdoor dinners, and making the most of every golden hour, and nothing sets the mood quite like a crackling fire. But here’s the secret most people forget: firewood isn’t just a winter essential it’s a summer superstar.
Whether you’re hosting friends, firing up the BBQ, cooking pizzas outdoors, or enjoying a quiet moment under the stars, the right wood makes all the difference.
So let’s dive into the best ways to use firewood this summer and how to get the most out of every burn.
1. Firewood for BBQs: The Flavour Upgrade Your Grill Has Been Missing
If you want deeper flavour, richer smoke, or that iconic Kiwi BBQ aroma, your firewood choice matters.
Best Woods for Summer Grilling
Manuka – intense, earthy, perfect for beef, lamb, and chicken
Kanuka – sweet, light smoke, ideal for fish and veggies
Hardwoods (macrocarpa, gum, etc.) – slow burn, great for long cooks
Fruitwoods (apple, plum) – mild, sweet flavour for pork or desserts
🔥 Pro tip: Mix a small amount of Manuka with a milder wood for a custom flavour blend.
2. Firepits: The Heart of Every Summer Night
From family chats to wine with friends, a firepit turns a simple backyard into an instant vibe.
Firewood Ideal for Outdoor Firepits
Dry, seasoned hardwoods for long, steady burns
Softwoods for quick heat and fast-starting flames
Kindling to get the fire going smoothly
You want a fire that burns bright, clean, and doesn’t smoke out your guests, so dry, well-seasoned wood is key.
3. Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens: Crispy Crusts Start with the Right Wood
Nothing beats homemade pizza in summer.But the secret to the perfect base? Consistent heat.
Best woods for pizza ovens:
Manuka or Kanuka for high heat
Hardwoods to maintain temperature
Avoid softwoods that burn too fast or produce resin
🔥 Pro tip: Start with softwood to ignite, then move to hardwood to hold the heat.
4. Low-Smoke Outdoor Heating for Entertaining
If you love hosting outdoors, the right wood keeps your space warm without a smoky haze.
Choose:
Hardwoods (gum, macrocarpa, manuka) for clean, long burns
Dry, seasoned wood only — wet wood = smoke + wasted heat
Perfect for:
Celebrations
Chill nights with mates
Birthday parties
New Year’s gatherings
5. Summer Is the Smartest Time to Stock Up on Winter Firewood
Yep, even in the heat of summer, winter prep matters.
Why buying now is smart:
Prices are better
Wood can season longer
Stock doesn’t run out
You avoid the winter rush
Wood dries beautifully in warm summer air
Think of it as future-proofing your comfort.
Your chimney (and your wallet) will thank you later.
6. Safe Storage Tips for Summer
Keep your firewood ready for those crisp evenings and winter warmth.
Store your wood:
Off the ground
Stacked for airflow
Covered on top
Open on the sides
Away from garden moisture
A tidy summer stack = perfectly seasoned winter wood.
7. Bonus: Creative Summer Uses for Firewood
Because wood isn’t just for burning.
Outdoor seating or log stools
Rustic garden edging
Camping fire starters
Wood-fired kettles or camp ovens
Natural insect-repelling smoke (Manuka is great)
Fire Bans in NZ: How to Stay Safe & Check Before You Light Up
Summer in New Zealand is stunning, but it also brings dry conditions, strong winds, and higher fire danger. Before you spark up the BBQ, firepit, or backyard brazier, it’s essential to check whether a fire ban or fire restriction is in place.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) manages fire seasons nationwide, and these can change quickly depending on the weather.
Fire Seasons in NZ
NZ operates under three official fire season categories:
Open Fire Season (Green):
You can light fires outdoors without a permit — as long as it’s safe.
Restricted Fire Season (Yellow):
You must apply for and receive a fire permit before lighting any outdoor fire.
Prohibited Fire Season (Red):
Total fire ban. No outdoor fires are allowed — including firepits, bonfires, braziers, and open BBQ flames.
Knowing which season your region is in helps keep you, your property, and the community safe.
How to Check Fire Bans in Your Area (NZ)
Checking fire restrictions takes 10 seconds. Use:
1️⃣ Check your local fire status at:
This is the official FENZ tool.Just pop in your address, and it will instantly show:
current fire season (open/restricted/prohibited)
whether you need a permit
any special local rules
safety advice for your area
2️⃣ Visit Fire and Emergency New Zealand:
Great for deeper info on restrictions, permits, and fire safety tips.
3️⃣ Local council updates
Some councils post additional alerts or localised restrictions, especially for reserves, beaches, or parks.
4️⃣ Follow your region’s Civil Defence pages
These sometimes announce fire danger spikes during extreme heat or high winds.
What You Can’t Do During a Fire Ban
(NZ-wide rules)
No firepits or bonfires
No burning garden waste
No braziers, chimineas, or outdoor fireplaces
No solid-fuel BBQs (charcoal, wood pellets, wood-fired pizza ovens)
Only gas BBQs are generally allowed during a total fire ban (but check local rules).
Summer Tip from The Firewood Company
Even if your area is in an open fire season, always:
Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby
Avoid lighting fires on windy days
Clear dry grass & debris around your firepit
Fully extinguish your fire before leaving it
A few seconds of checking can prevent a very dangerous situation.
Make Every Summer Night Count
Firewood is part of the Kiwi lifestyle — and in summer, it’s all about connection, good food, and those unforgettable nights outdoors.
Whether you’re grilling, gathering, or stocking up early, using the right firewood makes every moment easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
And when you’re ready to stock up — for summer fun or winter warmth — The Firewood Company is here with quality, seasoned wood that burns beautifully, every time.
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