Best Firewood in New Zealand; What Burns Longest and Cleanest!
If you’ve ever sat in front of a fire that spits, smokes, or dies out every 20 minutes, you’ll know that not all firewood is created equal. The wood you choose has a huge impact on how well your fire performs — how much heat it puts out, how long it burns, and how much mess it makes.
Here in New Zealand, we’re fortunate to have access to some excellent firewood species. But knowing which ones to choose (and which to avoid) can make all the difference this winter.
Why Firewood Choice Matters
Burning the wrong wood isn’t just frustrating, it can be genuinely problematic. Green or wet wood produces excessive smoke, releases more harmful particulates into the air, and leaves creosote buildup in flues and chimneys. In some parts of New Zealand, burning wet or treated wood can even breach local clean air regulations.
The golden rule: always burn dry, well-seasoned hardwood where possible.
The Best Firewood Species in New Zealand
- Manuka
Manuka is widely regarded as one of the best firewood options in New Zealand. It burns hot, produces minimal smoke, and has a long burn time, making it excellent value. It also has a pleasant, subtle scent when burning. If you can get your hands on well-seasoned manuka, it’s hard to beat.
- Macrocarpa
A popular choice across the country, macrocarpa is widely available and burns well once properly dried. It produces a good, steady heat and is relatively easy to split. One thing to note: macrocarpa can spit a little when first lit, so it’s better suited to enclosed fires or fire pits with a spark guard.
- Gum (Eucalyptus)
Eucalyptus species are some of the densest hardwoods you’ll find in New Zealand, which means they pack a serious amount of heat into each log. Blue gum in particular is a favourite among Kiwi wood burner users. It burns long and hot — ideal for cold South Island winters. It does need thorough seasoning though, so make sure it’s been dried for at least 12 months.
- Oak
Oak is a classic firewood choice worldwide, and it performs just as well here. It’s dense, long-burning, and produces a steady, even heat. Oak takes longer to season than some other species (up to two years for best results), but the wait is worth it. If you find a good supply, stock up.
- Pine (with caveats)
Pine is widely available and cheap, which makes it tempting. It’s fine as a kindling or fire-starter wood, but it burns too quickly and produces too much resin to rely on as a main fuel. If you do use pine, make sure it’s dry and use it alongside denser hardwoods rather than on its own.
What to Avoid
- Green or freshly cut wood — Too much moisture means poor combustion, lots of smoke, and wasted effort
- Treated timber or offcuts — Treated wood releases toxic chemicals when burned. Never use it
- Driftwood — Salt-saturated wood burns poorly and releases harmful compounds
- Painted or stained wood — Same issue as treated timber — keep it out of the fire
How to Know If Your Wood Is Ready to Burn
Seasoned firewood should:
- Feel noticeably lighter than green wood
- Have visible cracks or splits at the ends
- Make a sharp, hollow knock when two pieces are struck together
- Have a moisture content below 25% (a cheap moisture meter from a hardware store can confirm this)
If you’re buying firewood, ask your supplier how long it’s been seasoned. Reputable suppliers will be happy to answer.
Storage Tips to Keep Your Wood Burning Well
Even properly seasoned wood can absorb moisture if stored poorly. A few simple rules:
- Stack off the ground — Use a wood rack or pallets to keep air circulating underneath
- Cover the top, not the sides — You want airflow around the wood, not a sealed plastic wrap situation
- Face the cut ends outward — This helps moisture escape more efficiently
- Store near (but not directly against) the house — Close enough to be convenient, far enough for safety
The Bottom Line
Great fires start with great firewood. For the best results in a New Zealand home or outdoor fire setting, look for well-seasoned manuka, gum, or macrocarpa — and always avoid wet, treated, or resinous wood.