Wildfires in New Zealand today
So far in 2026, 17,103 hectares have burned in New Zealand — 53% below the 20-year average.
17,103 hectares so far this year, 53% below the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, New Zealand ranks 14th for area burned relative to its average.
Burning right now “Contained” doesn’t mean out. It’s the share of the perimeter where crews stopped the spread. In most of Europe it isn’t published; “not held back yet” is an official 0%.
See all fires in New Zealand →We email you when satellites detect new fire in the area. Free, no account.
Set up my alert →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.