How Much Firewood Do You Really Need for a NZ Winter?

The Firewood Company
Jul 15
3 min read

As winter hits hard in New Zealand, many Kiwis are stocking up on firewood. But one of the most common questions we get at The Firewood Company is: “How much firewood do I actually need for a New Zealand winter?”

If you’ve ever bought too much firewood that sat unused until the next year—or worse, run out mid-July—this guide is for you. With the right planning, you can stay warm all season without the stress of last-minute firewood orders or dwindling stock. As always – The Firewood Company has you covered!

Why Estimating Firewood Matters

New Zealand winters can vary dramatically from region to region. Here in Marlborough, where temperatures can dip below freezing well into springtime, planning early is essential.

Buying the correct volume of dry, seasoned firewood not only keeps your home warm but also helps your fireplace or wood burner run efficiently and cleanly. Poor-quality or green wood not only provides less heat but also contributes to creosote build-up and can damage your flue.

Use Our Handy Winter Firewood Estimator

We’ve created a rough guide based on house size and how often you use your fireplace. Of course, everyone’s usage is different—some love a roaring fire 24/7, while others just want to take the chill off a room in the evening.

Here’s what you can expect to use based on your home:

Winter Firewood Estimator – New Zealand

Home Size	Fireplace Usage	Estimated Firewood Needed (m³)	Recommendation
Small (1–2 bedrooms)	Occasional (evenings)	2–3 m³	Ideal for weekend fires or part-time heating
Medium (3 bedrooms)	Regular (daily use)	4–6 m³	Great for families using wood burners daily
Large (4+ bedrooms)	Constant (main heating)	7–10+ m³	Suited for households heating most of the home by fire

(Figures are in cubic metres m³ and based on seasoned firewood sold by The Firewood Company.)

Kiln-Dried vs Seasoned Firewood

At The Firewood Company, we specialise in premium kiln-dried firewood—a popular choice among Marlborough locals. Kiln drying ensures moisture levels are well below 20%, meaning the wood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently. It also significantly reduces the chance of mould or bugs compared to traditional seasoning methods.

If you’re looking for consistent quality and an immediate burn (no need to store for months to dry out), kiln-dried is your best bet.

Firewood Types We Sell

We only sell high-quality woods that are tried, tested, and perfect for NZ winters:

Gum Firewood – Dense hardwood, long burn time, high heat output.
Pine Firewood – Burns quickly, great for kindling or boosting heat fast.
Macrocarpa – Cleaner burning softwood with decent heat retention.
Old Man Pine – Seasoned, dry, and known for its strong burn rate and good heat.

These woods are carefully dried and delivered ready to burn—no fuss, no mess.

Stock Up Early – Supplies Don’t Last

As the temperature drops, demand for firewood skyrockets. We always recommend that customers stock up in late autumn or early winter, especially if you’re after premium kiln-dried wood. Once winter hits, supplies can dwindle quickly—and so does delivery availability.

Early orders = peace of mind.

Other Factors That Can Affect Firewood Needs

Insulation: Well-insulated homes need less firewood.
Wood burner size: Larger burners require more fuel.
Alternative heating: If you have heat pumps or electric heaters, you may use less firewood.
Lifestyle: Home all day? Expect to burn more. Out at work? Evening-only use may be enough.

Firewood Calculator NZ Tip: Still unsure how much firewood you need? Feel free to call us directly or visit our website’s

Firewood Calculator Tool

We’ll help you choose the right mix of wood for your home and heating habits.

Winter in New Zealand is no time to gamble on your warmth. Use our estimator, place your order early, and select high-quality firewood from The Firewood Company. Whether you need a quick-burning pine or long-lasting gum, we’ve got you covered—literally!