New Zealand Wildfires Map
Real-time satellite monitoring
LIVE
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Active fires
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Critical
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Last update
Wildfire statistics · New Zealand
In 2026, 16,227 hectares have burned in New Zealand — 55% below the 20-year average.
Burnt area per year-55% ▼
2012peak 2019: 51k ha2026
average 36,044 ha (2012–2025)
90 fires in 2026 · avg 170
12th of 26 countries with the most area burned above their average
GWIS · Copernicus
Satellite activity · FIRMS
9heat detections · 24h
78% high intensity11% moderate
About wildfires in New Zealand
New Zealand faces increasing wildfire risk as climate change brings hotter, drier conditions. The 2017 Port Hills fire near Christchurch and the 2019 fires in Nelson and Tasman highlighted the country's growing vulnerability. The rural-urban interface in many New Zealand communities creates significant risk.
The eastern regions of both islands, Canterbury plains, and Marlborough are most fire-prone during summer months (December-March). Grassland and scrub fires can spread rapidly in dry, windy conditions.
This tracker monitors all fire activity across New Zealand in real-time using NASA satellite data.