Outdoor Heating Solutions for Wellington Homes: Stay Warm While You Enjoy the Outdoors

Why Outdoor Heating Matters in Wellington

Wellington is one of the windiest cities in the world - that's not just local legend, it's a fact backed by MetService data. The capital regularly experiences wind gusts that make even a mild evening feel bitterly cold. Add in the cool southerly changes that can sweep through any time of year, and you've got a climate that genuinely challenges outdoor living.

But here's the good news: Wellington homeowners have figured out that the right heating solution doesn't just take the chill off - it completely transforms how you use your outdoor space. Instead of retreating inside the moment the sun drops, you can stay out with a glass of red, enjoy a meal with family, or simply sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the neighbourhood. That's a meaningful gain in lifestyle, and it's more achievable than most people think.

If you're over 50 and you've put time and money into your outdoor area, it's worth understanding what heating options actually work in Wellington's conditions - and which ones might leave you disappointed.

The Main Types of Outdoor Heating

Not all outdoor heaters are created equal, and the differences matter a lot once Wellington's southerly kicks in. Here's a plain-English breakdown of the main options.

Electric Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters are arguably the most practical option for Wellington conditions. Unlike conventional heaters that warm the air (which the wind then promptly steals), infrared heaters emit radiant heat that warms objects and people directly - much like the warmth you feel from the sun. Wind has far less impact on how effective they are.

They're available in wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted configurations, which is ideal if your outdoor area has a roof or pergola overhead. Ceiling-mounted infrared heaters typically provide the most even coverage, as the heat radiates downward across the seated area below.

Key things to look for:

• IP rating of at least IP44 for weather resistance (IP55 or higher is better for exposed Wellington locations)
• Wattage suited to your space - as a rough guide, allow around 1kW per 3 square metres for an enclosed area, and more for open or exposed spaces
• A thermostat or timer so you're not running it longer than needed

Gas Patio Heaters

The tall, mushroom-style gas heaters you see at cafes and restaurants are widely available and don't require any installation. They run on LPG bottles and can put out a good amount of heat - typically between 10kW and 15kW for a full-sized unit.

The trade-off in Wellington is that these freestanding heaters lose a lot of their effectiveness in wind. The heat disperses quickly, and in a strong southerly they can feel almost useless. They're better suited to sheltered courtyards or evenings when the wind has dropped. They're also not ideal in any location where they could tip over - a real consideration if your outdoor space is exposed.

Wall-mounted or angled gas heaters perform better in windier conditions because the heat is directed downward toward seated guests rather than radiating outward in all directions.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces

There's something undeniably appealing about a real fire - it creates warmth, light, and atmosphere all at once. For Wellington homeowners with a sheltered outdoor area, a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can be a beautiful centrepiece that genuinely extends the season.

Practical considerations worth knowing:

• Wellington City Council has rules around outdoor fires and smoke. Check the current rules on the WCC website before you invest in a wood-burning option, as restrictions can apply particularly during winter months
• Wood needs dry storage, and Wellington's damp winters can make this challenging
• Gas-fuelled fire pits sidestep the smoke and wood storage issues while still providing the visual ambiance of a real flame
• Bioethanol fireplaces are another smoke-free option, though they produce lower heat output than gas

Underfloor Heating for Outdoor Areas

Electric underfloor heating systems designed for outdoor use are gaining popularity, particularly for tiled or concrete patios. These systems warm the floor surface itself, which then radiates gentle warmth upward. They're subtle, safe, and effective for taking the icy edge off a cool surface underfoot.

They work best in enclosed or semi-enclosed outdoor areas rather than fully open spaces. They're also most cost-effective when installed as part of a broader outdoor room project rather than retrofitted later, so it's worth considering at the planning stage.

Matching Your Heater to Your Space

The single most important factor in choosing an outdoor heater isn't brand or price - it's whether the solution suits your specific outdoor setup. A free-standing gas heater that works well in a sheltered Karori courtyard may be next to useless on an exposed Seatoun deck.

Here are the key questions to ask yourself:

• How exposed is your outdoor space? A fully exposed area needs directional, radiant heat rather than convective (air-warming) heat
• Is your outdoor area covered? A roof or pergola makes ceiling-mounted infrared heaters far more effective - the roof keeps the warmth in
• How large is the space? Bigger areas need more heaters, or a combination of heater types
• How often will you use it? High-frequency use justifies a permanently installed solution; occasional use might suit a portable option
• Do you have access to mains power outdoors? Electric options require proper outdoor-rated wiring, ideally installed by a licensed electrician

The Importance of Shelter Before Heat

Here's something that experienced outdoor living designers consistently point out: no heater works well without some level of shelter. In Wellington especially, trying to heat a completely open outdoor space is a bit like leaving your front door open and turning up the central heating - you're spending energy fighting the environment rather than working with it.

Even a simple windbreak - whether that's a solid fence, a planted hedge, outdoor blinds, or a louvred screen - can make a dramatic difference to how effective your heating is. By reducing wind exposure, you allow the heat to build up in the space rather than being constantly stripped away.

Research from building science supports this. A reduction in wind speed of even 50% can dramatically reduce heat loss from an outdoor space, meaning your heater has to work far less hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. In practical terms, that means lower running costs and a noticeably more comfortable experience.

If your outdoor space currently feels cold and exposed, it may be worth addressing the shelter question first before investing in additional heating capacity.

Running Costs: What to Expect

Running costs vary significantly between heating types, and this is worth understanding before you commit to an option.

• Electric infrared heaters typically cost between 20 and 40 cents per hour per kilowatt at current New Zealand electricity rates. A 2kW ceiling heater running for two hours costs roughly $0.80 to $1.60 per session - very affordable for regular use
• LPG gas heaters vary depending on LPG prices, which have fluctuated significantly. A full LPG bottle typically provides around 20-30 hours of run time for a standard patio heater
• Wood fire pits can be cost-effective if you have access to dry, sustainably sourced firewood - but factor in the labour of maintaining and managing a fire

For frequent year-round use, electrically wired infrared heaters generally offer the most convenient and cost-predictable option, especially as New Zealand's electricity grid moves toward renewables.

Safety Tips Worth Knowing

Outdoor heaters are generally very safe when installed and used correctly, but a few commonsense precautions are worth building into your routine:

• Always have outdoor electrical installations completed by a licensed electrician - DIY wiring outdoors is both dangerous and not legally compliant in New Zealand
• Keep a safe clearance distance between heaters and any combustible materials including timber pergolas, outdoor curtains, and foliage - check the manufacturer's specifications
• Never use gas or wood-burning heaters in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation
• For LPG heaters, check connections and hoses annually and store spare bottles upright and away from heat sources
• If you have grandchildren visiting regularly, consider whether your chosen heater type is appropriate - some radiant heaters have surfaces that can be touched safely, while others can cause burns on contact

Making the Most of Wellington's Outdoor Seasons

Wellington's climate is genuinely four-seasonal, which is part of what makes it such a dynamic place to live. Autumn evenings can be stunning - still, golden, and calm. Winter afternoons on a clear day can be glorious. Even the wind, which Wellingtonians learn to live with and often secretly love, creates a sense of energy and life that's hard to replicate elsewhere.

A good outdoor heating setup doesn't just add warmth - it changes your relationship with your outdoor space. Instead of writing off the cooler months as "indoors time", you start to see your outdoor area as genuinely usable for at least nine or ten months of the year. For many Wellington homeowners, that's a significant improvement in how they live in their homes day to day.

Whether you start with a simple mounted infrared heater or invest in a more complete outdoor room setup with shelter, lighting, and heating working together, every step toward a warmer, more comfortable outdoor space is a step toward getting more out of your property and your time at home.