Outdoor fireplace inspiration: breathtaking ideas for every backyard

Winter evenings don't have to mean retreating indoors. With the right outdoor fireplace, your backyard becomes the place everyone wants to gather, no matter the season. We're talking about real warmth, real ambience, and outdoor spaces that work as hard as your indoor living areas.

From sleek modern designs to rustic rural statements, we've installed fireplaces across New Zealand that prove what's possible, offering endless outdoor fireplace inspiration. Here's what makes certain fireplace designs work so well, and how to choose the right one for your space.

Why outdoor fireplaces are worth it

Portable gas heaters will keep you warm, but they're hardly a design feature. Standalone braziers work for the occasional bonfire, but they don't create a permanent entertaining space.

An outdoor fireplace does both, and more. You'll extend your outdoor living season by months, which is particularly handy in New Zealand, where our winters are crisp but beautiful. It creates a natural focal point that anchors your furniture arrangement and gives structure to open spaces, while adding genuine value to your property. Landscape architects consistently tell us outdoor fireplaces are high on buyers' wish lists. Most importantly, you get reliable warmth that lets you use your outdoor space year-round.

Compare that to dragging portable heaters in and out of storage, or dealing with braziers that need constant attention. A well-designed outdoor fireplace just works every time you light it.

View our outdoor fireplace inspiration gallery to see more fireplace designs in real New Zealand homes.

Inspiring real-life fireplace designs

The modern entertainer

Full-width built-in fireplaces work beautifully for open-plan outdoor kitchens. Think clean, concrete lines with integrated seating that flows from your cooking area to the conversation space. Materials like concrete, steel, or schist cladding create the sleek look that pairs well with modern outdoor kitchens.

Why this works: Guests naturally gather around the fire while you're cooking, and when dinner's finished, nobody needs to relocate to stay warm. The wide firebox creates impressive flames visible from multiple angles, and integrated seating means you're not scrambling for extra chairs every time you entertain.

The cozy courtyard

Smaller fireplaces designed for enclosed patios prove you don't need acres to create something special. These installations often feature timber or cedar accents that soften concrete surfaces, positioned to create an intimate, sheltered feeling even in compact spaces.

Smart designs include cooking options (a simple grill plate or cooking surface) because when space is limited, everything works harder. Your fireplace becomes a heating, ambience, and outdoor cooking solution rolled into one.

The alpine statement piece

Large format fires like our Twin Peak design complement mountain views without competing with them. Natural stone construction with open hearths feels substantial enough for dramatic landscapes, built to blend rather than dominate the setting.

The secret is proportions that make sense with the landscape scale, materials sourced locally when possible, and careful placement that frames views rather than blocking them. When you need a fireplace that holds its own against mountain vistas, size and natural materials matter.

The rustic retreat

Rural and bush settings call for fireplaces that feel at home in natural surroundings. Recycled brick, brickery bricks, or corten steel provide warmth and texture that ages beautifully outdoors. These designs often feature more relaxed proportions and natural materials that weather gracefully.

Corten steel is particularly good for this style. It develops that distinctive rust patina that protects the steel underneath, and the warm orange-brown colour works with native New Zealand landscapes. Plus, it's durable enough for our variable climate.

How to choose the right fireplace for your space

There are a few decisions you'll need to make before installing your outdoor fireplace.

1. Gas vs wood-burning? – Wood gives you that authentic crackle and smell, but requires the collection of wood. Gas offers convenience; however, we say it can't be relied upon to keep you warm when outdoors.
   
2. What size is right for my space? – Rule of thumb: your fireplace should be proportional to your entertaining area, not your house. A massive fireplace can overwhelm a small patio, while a tiny firebox gets lost in a large outdoor room.
3. Should it be freestanding or built-in? – Freestanding units offer flexibility if you might relocate or redesign your outdoor space. Built-in designs create more dramatic impact and can incorporate seating, storage, or cooking elements.
   
4. What about safety and local regulations? – Fire ban periods affect wood-burning units, so consider your local fire risk and whether gas might be more practical. You'll also need to think about wind patterns, overhead branches, and how smoke might affect neighbours. It is important to note that you can now light a permanent outdoor fire in any fire season in New Zealand as long as you meet the required conditions during the prohibited season.
5. Can I build near a boundary or fence? – Generally, you'll need at least 1 meter clearance from boundaries, more in high fire-risk areas. Check with your local council about specific setback requirements, as these vary across New Zealand.

What about fire pits?

Fire pits offer a different approach to outdoor heating. They're typically more budget-friendly and create a circular seating arrangement where everyone faces each other rather than the fire. They work well for smaller budgets, rental properties, or spaces where you want flexibility to rearrange your setup.

Design options range from in-ground installations for a permanent look to portable bowl-style pits, gas-powered options for convenience, or corten steel rings that develop beautiful patina over time. For placement, you'll want similar clearances to fireplaces and should always check current fire restrictions before lighting.

Ready to start planning your outdoor fireplace? Download our outdoor fireplace brochure here.