New Zealand Firewood Guide: Best Woods for Heating and Cooking
Note: Prices mentioned are approximate and can vary based on season, location and supplier. Please check with local vendors for up-to-date pricing.
TIP: if you have an area to stack your firewood in bulk and it can stay there under cover for a season or more - buying fresh cut firewood for next season in bulk can be a great way to get 15-20% savings on the cost. Buying dry and seasoned is always more expensive and usually during high demand times of the year.
When it comes to heating and cooking with fire in NZ, selecting the right firewood is crucial so you can have a safe and enjoyable experience. This comprehensive guide outlines popular firewood options, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Some are purely for heating, but most in this list are good to cook with - please read the notes:
Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)
- Clean Burn: Burns with low smoke and minimal sparking.
- Efficiency: Provides a high-energy, long-lasting burn.
- Price Range: NZD $150 - $300 per cubic meter.
- Popularity Ranking: ★★★★★ (Very Popular)
- Easy to Obtain: ★★★★☆ (Very Accessible)
- Cooking Note: Safe for Cooking
Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides)
- Clean Burn: Burns cleanly with a pleasant aroma.
- Efficiency: Provides a steady and even heat for cooking and heating.
- Price Range: NZD $120 - $250 per cubic meter.
- Popularity Ranking: ★★★★★ (Very Popular)
- Easy to Obtain: ★★★★★ (Extremely Accessible)
- Cooking Note: Safe for Cooking
Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus)
- Clean Burn: Burns with low smoke and minimal sparking.
- Efficiency: Provides a slow, even burn for cooking and heating.
- Price Range: NZD $80 - $150 per cubic meter.
- Popularity Ranking: ★★★★☆ (Popular)
- Easy to Obtain: ★★★☆☆ (Moderately Accessible)
- Cooking Note: Safe for Cooking
Totara (Podocarpus totara)
- Clean Burn: Burns cleanly with minimal smoke.
- Efficiency: Offers a slow, steady burn for cooking and heating.
- Price Range: NZD $120 - $200 per cubic meter.
- Popularity Ranking: ★★★★☆ (Popular)
- Easy to Obtain: ★★★☆☆ (Moderately Accessible)
- Cooking Note: Safe for Cooking
Beech (Nothofagus species)
- Clean Burn: Burns with low smoke and minimal sparking.
- Efficiency: Provides a long-lasting, consistent heat for cooking and heating.
- Price Range: NZD $100 - $200 per cubic meter.
- Popularity Ranking: ★★★★★ (Very Popular)
- Easy to Obtain: ★★☆☆☆ (Less Accessible)
- Cooking Note: Safe for Cooking
Pine (Pinus radiata)
- Note: Pine is not suitable for cooking due to the risk of toxins, unpleasant taste, and soot.
- Efficiency: Can be a more cost-effective option for heating.
- Price Range: NZD $60 - $120 per cubic meter.
- Popularity Ranking: ★★☆☆☆ (Less Popular)
- Easy to Obtain: ★★★★★ (Extremely Accessible)
- Cooking Note: Not Suitable for Cooking
Oak (Quercus species)
- Clean Burn: Burns cleanly with a rich, smoky flavor.
- Efficiency: Burns slowly, providing a long-lasting fire.
- Price Range: NZD $150 - $300 per cubic meter.
- Popularity Ranking: ★★★★★ (Very Popular)
- Easy to Obtain: ★★★☆☆ (Moderately Accessible)
- Cooking Note: Safe for Cooking
- This is a Smokelis favourite!
Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii)
- Clean Burn: Burns cleanly with a mild aroma.
- Efficiency: Provides a steady and even heat for cooking and heating.
- Price Range: NZD $120 - $220 per cubic meter.
- Popularity Ranking: ★★★★☆ (Popular)
- Easy to Obtain: ★★★☆☆ (Moderately Accessible)
- Cooking Note: Safe for Cooking
Cherry (Prunus avium)
- Clean Burn: Burns with a delightful, sweet aroma.
- Efficiency: Offers a slow and even heat for cooking and heating.
- Price Range: NZD $150 - $250 per cubic meter.
- Popularity Ranking: ★★★☆☆ (Moderately Popular)
- Easy to Obtain: ★★★☆☆ (Moderately Accessible)
- Cooking Note: Safe for Cooking
Macrocarpa (Cupressus macrocarpa)
- Clean Burn: May produce popping and sparks.
- Efficiency: Provides a slow, steady burn for heating.
- Price Range: NZD $100 - $180 per cubic meter.
- Popularity Ranking: ★★★★★ (Very Popular)
- Easy to Obtain: ★★★★☆ (Very Accessible)
- Cooking Note: Not Suitable for Cooking
Depending on what type of fire you are burning - these fire woods can return differing results.
Check out our premium NZ made smokeless fire pits here: https://shop.smokelis.nz/
Using a smokeless fire pit from Smokelis will ensure that you get the cleanest possible burn and with some of the woods above, specifically Oak, Beech, and Macrocarpa (properly seasoned/dry) you can get close to no smoke at all.
I wouldn't strictly recommend anything for burning in your Smokelis as this changes based on your region and the time of year - so it's essential to either be flexible,
or prepare in advance by cutting down or buying in bulk and drying it yourself to last multiple seasons