The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Firewood in New Zealand

The land of the long white cloud is well known for its breathtaking landscapes and cosy winters. With that in mind, the humble fireplace is notoriously famous in this great land of ours. The Firewood Company discovers the best wood to burn in NZ whether it’s for your summer outdoor firepit or snuggling beside a cracking wood burning during the winter.

Nothing quite matches the comfort and warmth of a crackling fireplace or a wood-burning stove. Different types of firewood offer distinct burning characteristics, making them suitable for various purposes, from heating your home to adding flavour to your BBQ.

Types of Firewood in New Zealand

When it comes to choosing firewood in New Zealand, the options can be overwhelming. However, getting a good understanding of what firewood works best in different applications can ensure your woodshed is stacked for the right occasion. The most popular firewood in New Zealand are:

• Pine

• Gum

• Macrocarpa

• Douglas Fir

• Old Man Pine

• Wattle

Humble Hardwoods

Hardwood comes from deciduous trees like wattle, oak, and gum. In New Zealand, gum and wattle are a common source of hardwood firewood. Being a very dense wood it’s perfect for the slow hot burn. Hardwoods are not intended for kindling; this gem of the fireplace is best placed on the fire once a good bed of embers has appeared to offer its maximum benefits. Hardwoods produce a long-lasting and steady heat making it perfect for heating your home or sustaining a longer burn on your outdoor firepit. It will provide a consistent warmth and last well into those chilly nights.

Sensational Softwoods

Softwood is derived from coniferous trees such as pine and macrocarpa. Pine is the most used softwood in New Zealand and certainly the hero of the fireplace. However, having a good mix of pine and your preferred hardwood will allow you to get the very best out of your fireplace. Pine burns quickly and easily making it the ultimate choice for kindling and getting your fire roaring effortlessly. The only downfall is that it burns very quickly, leaving a good bed of embers. With the help of some trusty hardwood, pine is the perfect start to your fire however if you choose to only burn pine you will notice your woodshed depleting quickly. This quality however does make it the perfect companion for outdoor fires and campfires – super quick at warming up spaces, and doesn’t burn for too long.

Selecting the right firewood in New Zealand is essential for achieving your desired outcome, whether it's keeping your home warm during winter, cooking up a storm on the BBQ, or adding a touch of magic to your indoor fireplace. Knowing the different types of firewood and their burning characteristics empowers you to make an informed choice. Whether you opt for the slow-burning hardwood, quick-igniting softwood, aromatic Manuka, reliable Totara, or fragrant Kauri, your choice of firewood can elevate your New Zealand experience, creating warmth and ambience that brings comfort and joy to your surroundings. So, as the temperatures drop, let the firewood you choose be the source of coziness and unforgettable moments in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Understanding The Burn

All woods burn differently, softwoods tend to burn hard and fast and will burn out quickly and leave little embers, while hardwoods will burn slowly, put a lot of heat out and leave a good solid base of glowing embers.

Pine – a softwood pine will burn quickly and produce a decent heat. It also dries quickly however will need to be protected from rain as it does tend to suck water into the wood. Bad storage can leave you with rotten wet wood that will not produce the heat or ignition for a good fire.

Gum – is a popular choice and great to mix with pine as it will keep your fire burning long into the night. It produces great heat and is by far one of the most popular choices in NZ. It’s important to ensure the gum has been seasoned correctly to ensure a good burn.

Macrocarpa – another popular choice in the land of the long white cloud. It produces a sustainable burn, but it is known for its popping nature so best kept for enclosed fireboxes. It’s a medium-density wood so is a good all-rounder for starting a fire and producing a decent burn time.

Douglas Fir – another good all-round softwood that is super easy to split making it great for kindling purposes. It also produces very little sparks so a great choice for the great outdoors. It is a soft-wood and it is advised to ensure you have a selection of hardwood on offer for a longer burn time.

Old Man Pine – being denser than its common cousin pine, this wood is typically sourced from trees 25 years or older. Giving it a slower burn and a good heat. However, it is known to produce a decent amount of smoke so it is important to keep this in mind if using it for outdoor purposes.

Wattle – a good burning wood that is wonderful for slow burning and produces good heat. Slightly less dense than gum, Wattle can be a little more expensive but is certainly worth the investment.

When it comes to choosing the best wood for your fireplace or outdoor firepit it’s important to do the research and pick the right wood for the job. . This can prevent smoke issues, and snapping cracking wood that can ruin the entire experience. It’s also a good idea to ensure your woodshed is always stacked ready for the winter or those unexpected chilly onsets. Need advice on the best wood for your situation or your woodshed looking a little bare? You know who to call.